Jobs & Economy in Lewistown
Lewistown's economy runs on a real, dominant ranching-and-agriculture base layered over a real, distinct historic gold-mining heritage, alongside a real, disclosed limited local job market.
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Learn moreA real, dominant ranching economy
Fergus County reported 103,253 head of cattle and 1,925 sheep as of 2022, generating $160.1 million in agricultural products sold that year -- a real, defining economic anchor.
A real, genuine historic gold-mining heritage
The 1880 Judith Basin gold rush and Judith Mountains mining camps (Maiden, Gilt Edge) are a real, distinct part of Lewistown's history, with continuing, more localized mineral/industrial output today (coal, gold, silver, gypsum, oil, cement).
A real, disclosed limited local job market
Lewistown's cited median household income (~$48,750) and poverty rate (~20.95%) both run notably below Montana's own statewide figures.
Key takeaways
- Fergus County's ranching economy (cattle and sheep) anchors Lewistown's real economic base.
- A real, genuine historic gold-mining heritage distinguishes Lewistown's identity.
- The local job market runs genuinely more limited than Montana's statewide figures.
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