Seeley-Swan residents push to create Montana’s first new county in a century
A group of residents in the Seeley-Swan area of Missoula County, Montana, is exploring splitting off to form the state’s 57th county. Montana’s 56th county, Petroleum County, was created in 1925 (Montana Free Press, Aug 14, 2026).
About 15 years of discussion
Swan Valley Community Council member Ted Morgan of Condon said residents have discussed separating from Missoula County for about 15 years, and a group of about 10 people has worked on a feasibility study for more than a year (Montana Free Press).
What the study proposes
The study proposes the new county along the Highway 200 and 83 corridors through the Potomac Valley, Greenough, Seeley Lake and Condon, starting west of Johnsrud Road near Potomac (Montana Free Press).
The 6,435 parcels in the proposed county have an assessed taxable value of $31.13 million — more than Mineral and Powell counties (Montana Free Press).
A lean county government
The proposal calls for a county government with 18 to 20 employees and no jail of its own, contracting with another county instead (Montana Free Press).
Path to the ballot
Last year the group worked with Republican state Sens. Forrest Mandeville and Becky Beard on a resolution to study creating new counties, which passed the Senate but died in the House (Montana Free Press).
Moving forward requires a petition signed by at least 50% of registered voters in the proposed new county. If verified, an election would be held, and the group is working with lawmakers on a 2027 bill to change the rule requiring the entire county to vote (Montana Free Press).
Missoula County response
Missoula County Commissioner Juanita Vero, who lives in Greenough, said the county appreciates civic engagement and “we will see what happens” (Montana Free Press).
For more on the Treasure State, see the Montana guide.
Sources
Montana Free Press, Aug 14, 2026.