Sunburst, Montana

Sunburst has its origins as a farming community and later saw significant population growth after oil development occurred in the 1920s. A refinery was built in 1922 with the discovery of oil in the Kevin Sunburst Oil Field. Since oil development in the area ceased in the 1970s, Sunburst has once again become a primarily agricultural town. The local high school gives homage to its past, as its students are known as the Sunburst Refiners. Its name comes from what is considered a dramatic sunrise that occurs when the sun comes over the Sweetgrass Hills and illuminates the local fields.[3]

Sunburst incorporated in 1924.[3]

Sunburst is located at 48°53′0″N 111°54′32″W (48.883255, -111.908754).[4] Interstate 15 passes through the community, with access from Exit 389. The Long Lake Waterfowl Production Area is nearby.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 1.99 square miles (5.15 km²), of which 1.75 square miles (4.53 km²) is land and 0.24 square miles (0.62 km²) is water.[5]

As of 2000 the median income for a household in the town was $58,250, and the median income for a family was $56,038. Males had a median income of $34,500 versus $11,333 for females. The per capita income for the town was $20,244. About 1.7% of families and 4.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.4% of those under age 18 and 3.7% of those age 65 or over.

Sunburst Schools educates students from kindergarten through 12th grade.[9] North Toole County High School's team name is the Refiners.[10]

North Toole County Library is a public library in Sunburst.[11]