Survey Costs in Yellowstone County, Montana (2026)
Yellowstone County, with its Yellowstone River valley, rimrocks (sandstone cliffs above Billings), eastern Montana plains, mixed urban and agricultural, presents distinct surveying conditions that affect pricing. The following ranges reflect 2026 market rates for common survey types in the county.
| Survey Type | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Boundary survey, residential lot | $600 to $1,600 |
| Rural or agricultural parcel survey | Add 50 to 100% for acreage and terrain |
| Elevation certificate | $300 to $625 |
| Certificate of Survey (land division) | $1,500 to $4,000 |
| ALTA/NSPS survey (commercial/lender) | $2,500 to $7,000+ |
These are 2026 estimates. Actual costs depend on parcel size, terrain, PLSS corner recovery needs, travel time from the surveying firm, and whether federal land adjacency is involved. Always request a written scope of work before authorizing a survey.
What Drives Survey Costs in Yellowstone County
Billings is Montana's largest city. Most active commercial survey market in the state. Costs are moderate. Yellowstone River bottomland surveys require riparian expertise. The Rimrocks create some irregular terrain on the north side of the city. Key survey specialties in the county include: Yellowstone River riparian, agricultural land divisions, commercial surveys, Rimrock terrain.
PLSS Research and Corner Recovery
All boundary surveys in Montana use the Public Land Survey System as their framework. Surveyors research General Land Office field notes and Bureau of Land Management corner records to identify and locate the section corner monuments that control your parcel's boundary. In Yellowstone County's Yellowstone River valley, rimrocks (sandstone cliffs above Billings), eastern Montana plains, mixed urban and agricultural, corner condition varies, and recovery work can add time and cost to projects where original monuments are missing or damaged.
Terrain and Access
The Yellowstone River valley, rimrocks (sandstone cliffs above Billings), eastern Montana plains, mixed urban and agricultural in Yellowstone County affects fieldwork scheduling and logistics. Contact surveying firms early for projects involving mountain access, remote locations, or large acreage, as these factors affect scheduling as well as cost.
Getting an Accurate Quote in Yellowstone County
When contacting a surveying firm in Yellowstone County, provide the property's PLSS legal description (township, range, section), approximate acreage, the purpose of the survey, and any timeline constraints. Mention whether the property borders BLM, Forest Service, or other federal land, as this affects research requirements. Get at least two written quotes and compare what each includes before committing.
Typical turnaround for most surveys in Yellowstone County is 4 to 7 weeks. Contact firms well ahead of any permit deadline or closing date.
Find a Licensed Surveyor in Yellowstone County
Every surveyor in our directory is sourced from state licensing records maintained by the Montana Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors. Browse the Yellowstone County land surveyor directory to find licensed professionals near your property.