Shepherd ZIP Code List — Yellowstone County, MT

There is one unique ZIP code in Shepherd, Montana and it is 59079. Area code: 406.

ZIP codes

334.10

sq mi land

0.52

sq mi water

406

area code

Shepherd, MT ZIP code map

About Shepherd, MT

Shepherd is a small yet vibrant community located in the state of Montana. Nestled in Yellowstone County, this unique town offers picturesque views and a close-knit atmosphere. Its distinctive rural charm and scenic backdrop make it an appealing destination for those seeking tranquility and a taste of Montana's natural beauty.

Location & geography

Shepherd is situated in the south-central part of Montana, approximately 20 miles northeast of Billings, the largest city in the state. The town's land area spans a vast 334.10 square miles, with a water area of 0.52 square miles, illustrating its expansive terrain. The surrounding landscape features rolling hills and wide-open spaces characteristic of the Montana prairie.

Community & economy

The character of Shepherd embodies a strong sense of community and hospitality, drawing residents who appreciate a quieter lifestyle. Agriculture plays a significant role in the local economy, with farming and ranching being prominent industries among its residents. Daily life in Shepherd includes community events, outdoor activities, and a focus on family and neighborly connections.

Transportation

Shepherd is accessible via several major highways, including Interstate 94, which provides easy connectivity to neighboring cities and regions. The nearest named airport is located in Billings, facilitating air travel for residents and visitors. Given its rural setting, local transit options may be limited, but the drive through the scenic Montana landscape is a popular choice.

History

Shepherd was founded in the early 20th century as part of the agricultural expansion in the region and has a rich history of farming and ranching. Throughout the years, the town has retained its rural heritage while adapting to modern agricultural practices. Notable events in Shepherd often reflect its community spirit, with various local gatherings that celebrate its culture and history.

Did you know?

One surprising fact about Shepherd is its proximity to the Yellowstone River, known for its recreational opportunities such as fishing and boating. Additionally, despite its small size, Shepherd serves as a vital community hub for several nearby farming and ranching operations.

ZIP codes for Shepherd, MT (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
59079	Shepherd	Yellowstone	View map

Demographics & statistics

3,508

Population

47.4

Median age

$64,475

Median household income

$36,063

Per capita income

$303,300

Median home value

$1,467

Median monthly rent

95.5%

Home ownership

12.3%

Poverty rate

4.4%

Unemployment

1,518

Housing units

24.7%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

113

Under 5

139

5–9

119

109

10–14

133

15–19

20–24

25–34

114

203

35–44

249

254

45–54

313

162

55–59

198

129

60–64

159

263

65–74

322

75–84

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	795	22.7%
18 and over	2,713	77.3%
65 and over	647	18.4%
Median age	47.4 years

Race & ethnicity

White 89.8%

American Indian / Alaska Native 4.5%

Two or more races 4.3%

Hispanic or Latino 1.5%

Group	Count	%
White	3,196	89.8%
American Indian / Alaska Native	160	4.5%
Two or more races	152	4.3%
Hispanic or Latino	52	1.5%

Household income

Under $10k 6.5%

$10k–$15k 2.6%

$15k–$25k 5.3%

$25k–$35k 20.3%

$35k–$50k 4.2%

$50k–$75k 16.2%

$75k–$100k 13.6%

$100k–$150k 14.3%

$150k–$200k 12.0%

$200k+ 5.0%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	6.5%
$10k–$15k	2.6%
$15k–$25k	5.3%
$25k–$35k	20.3%
$35k–$50k	4.2%
$50k–$75k	16.2%
$75k–$100k	13.6%
$100k–$150k	14.3%
$150k–$200k	12.0%
$200k+	5.0%
Median income	$64,475

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 2.0%

$50k–$100k 8.5%

$100k–$150k 10.4%

$150k–$200k 5.1%

$200k–$300k 22.9%

$300k–$500k 41.6%

$500k–$1M 9.5%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$303,300
Median rent / month	$1,467
Owner occupied	95.5%
Renter occupied	4.5%
Vacant	3.8%
Single-family detached	74.7%
Large apartment buildings	0.0%
Mobile homes	25.3%
Median rooms	6.5
Avg household size (owned)	2.29

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	7.9%
2000–2009	11.0%
1990–1999	26.0%
1980–1989	23.1%
1970–1979	24.2%
1960–1969	3.3%
1950–1959	3.0%
1940–1949	0.0%
1939 or earlier	1.5%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	3.3%
1 bedroom	4.2%
2 bedrooms	12.7%
3 bedrooms	52.4%
4 bedrooms	23.8%
5+ bedrooms	3.7%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	4.5%
1 vehicle	23.8%
2 vehicles	29.0%
3 or more	42.7%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	5.6%
Electricity	28.2%
Propane / LP gas	52.1%
Wood	10.3%
No fuel used	0.5%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	849	55.6%
Cohabiting couple	61	4.0%
Male householder, no spouse	195	12.8%
Female householder, no spouse	422	27.6%
Households with children under 18	364	23.8%
Households with seniors (65+)	415	27.2%
Average household size	2.30

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	21.2%	13.6%
Married	66.7%	56.1%
Separated	1.0%	2.0%
Widowed	0.0%	9.9%
Divorced	11.0%	18.3%

Education

Less than 9th grade 0.9%

Some HS, no diploma 2.3%

HS graduate 38.7%

Some college, no degree 20.3%

Associate's degree 13.1%

Bachelor's degree 17.3%

Graduate / professional 7.5%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	96.8%
Bachelor's or higher	24.7%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	34	5.8%
Kindergarten	35	6.0%
Elementary school	313	53.5%
High school	141	24.1%
College / grad school	62	10.6%

Employment

Industry of employment

Construction 23.9%

Education & healthcare 21.9%

Retail trade 11.2%

Manufacturing 11.0%

Professional & management 6.5%

Other services 6.5%

Finance & real estate 4.9%

Agriculture & mining 4.0%

Public administration 3.3%

Transportation & utilities 2.5%

Wholesale trade 1.9%

Arts, food & hospitality 1.8%

Information 0.7%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	36.1%
Service	12.3%
Sales & office	15.2%
Natural resources & construction	14.7%
Production & transportation	21.7%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	84.3%
Government	7.9%
Self-employed	7.9%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	81.8%
Carpool	9.9%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	0.0%
Other means	0.0%
Avg commute (minutes)	30.7

Poverty

All people 12.3%

Under 18 years 10.2%

18 and over 12.9%

Married-couple families 11.4%

Female-led households 66.0%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	29.9%
Retirement income	17.7%
Supplemental Security	4.5%
Cash public assistance	3.8%
Food stamps / SNAP	8.4%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	30.1%
High cholesterol	29.3%
Heart disease	5.5%
Stroke	2.7%
Asthma	10.9%
Arthritis	24.6%
Kidney disease	2.5%
Pulmonary disease	6.4%
Cancer	6.0%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	21.2%
No physical activity	20.5%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	31.7%
Fair or poor health	12.0%
Poor mental health	13.9%
Poor physical health	10.5%
No health insurance	10.8%
Visited doctor (checkup)	70.9%
Visited dentist	66.5%
Cholesterol screening	88.5%
Teeth loss	12.6%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	280	10.3%

Disability	%
Any disability	11.0%
Under 18	3.8%
18–64 years	9.5%
65 and over	24.7%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	71.2%
Public insurance	36.9%
Uninsured under 19	3.2%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	3,256	92.8%
Spanish	15	0.5%
Other Indo-European	15	0.5%
Asian & Pacific Islander	0	0.0%
Other languages	0	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	3,485	99.3%
Born in same state	3,464	98.7%
Born in different state	1,831	52.2%
Foreign born	21	0.6%
Naturalized citizen	23	0.7%
Not a US citizen	15	65.2%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Italian	384	10.9%
Polish	372	10.6%
Arab	244	7%
French	241	6.9%

Ancestry	Count	%
Irish	50	1.4%
English	44	1.3%
Dutch	40	1.1%
German	13	0.4%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	43.5%
Internet access	96.8%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 estimates.

Frequently asked questions

What is the ZIP code for Shepherd, MT?

Shepherd, MT has one ZIP code: 59079.

What is the main ZIP code for Shepherd, MT?

The primary ZIP code for Shepherd, MT is 59079. The city uses area code 406 for phone service.

What county is Shepherd, MT in?

Shepherd is located in Yellowstone County, Montana.

How many ZIP codes are in Shepherd, MT?

Shepherd, MT has 1 ZIP code.