Welcome to Cascade County

Published: 2022
By Rose Malisani

Cascade County, located in central Montana, is one of the population centers in the state and is known as the "Electric City" due to its historical significance with the hydroelectric generation plants and smelter activity. The MSU Extension office is located in the county seat, Great Falls, which is on the Missouri River and is one of the pioneer cities in the state. The terrain is primarily gently rolling plains dissected by the Missouri River and its numerous coulees and tributaries. The Little Belt Mountains are found in the southeastern portion of the county. The population of the county is approximately 82,300, which includes rural areas, the incorporated city of Great Falls, and the towns of Belt, Cascade, Centerville, Fort Shaw, Monarch, Neihart, Sand Coulee, Simms, Sun River, Ulm, and Vaughn, many of which have complete K-12 school systems. Cascade County's economic base includes agriculture, the military, education, small manufacturing, food processing, and many service industries. The majority of agricultural income is derived from crop production. According to 2014 Montana Agricultural Statistics, the county ranks 17th in crop production with over $56 million in cash receipts. Livestock production, primarily beef cattle, is also very important - generating over $78 million in cash receipts and ranking ninth in the state. Great Falls is home to the Benefis Health Care System (one of the premier hospitals and health care organizations in Montana), Malmstrom Air Force Base, and many cultural attractions including the Charles M. Russell Museum/Gallery, the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, the Paris Gibson Center, and the First People's Buffalo Jump. Great Falls is a primary destination point for tourism. Outdoor recreational opportunities include fishing, hunting, boating, golfing, hiking, and historical exploration.