Richland County

Richland County is an administrative county in northeastern Montana with Sidney serving as its main town and government center. The region covers about 2,103 square miles and consists largely of rural farmland and rangeland that shapes its character.

The Montana Legislature created this county on May 27, 1914, by separating it from Dawson County to establish a new administrative division. This separation allowed the northeastern region to develop its own government and services.

Farming and ranching shape how people live and work throughout the county, with land management tied closely to family traditions and local identity. You will see this heritage reflected in the rural character and patterns of settlement across the landscape.

Montana Highways 16, 23, and 200 connect different parts of the county and link to services and nearby communities. The warmer months offer the easiest travel, as winter weather can make roads challenging and limit access to remote areas.

The Elm Coulee Oil Field was discovered in 2000 and introduced petroleum production as a significant economic activity alongside farming. This development reshaped how the region generates income and supports its communities.

Location: Montana

Inception: 1914

Capital city: Sidney

Shares border with: Roosevelt County, Dawson County, Wibaux County, McCone County, McKenzie County, Williams County

Website: http://richland.org

GPS coordinates: 47.79000,-104.56000

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:02