The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 59442 sells for about $298,500, or $168 per square foot.
Prices are up +4.2% from a year ago, so sellers still have some momentum. Homes take about 112 days to sell, which is slow. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $686 a month.
ZIP 59442 — Fort Benton
The housing market in 59442 remains stable with low inventory and steady demand from local buyers. Prices have seen modest year-over-year growth, reflecting the broader trend in rural Montana markets. The market is characterized by low turnover and a lack of new construction, keeping supply tight.
This ZIP is best suited for families and individuals seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle with strong community ties and access to outdoor recreation.
Median prices moved up 4.2% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 112 days on market with 8.4 months of supply — a slower-moving market.
12% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 97.5% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 0.8% · poverty 3.0% — a stable, low-distress profile.
Researched annual trajectory for this ZIP, from published historical series
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 6.8%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
Median annual property tax paid on this ZIP's residential parcels
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 3.9%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
versus the prior ACS vintage
net influx — more people moved in than out
ZCTA 59442, Chouteau County MT
Crime rates in Fort Benton are generally low, consistent with rural Montana trends and significantly below national averages.
The area is served by the Fort Benton Public Schools, which are generally regarded as stable and community-focused with small class sizes.
The region faces moderate wildfire risk during summer months and occasional high-wind events, typical of the high plains.
Economic momentum is driven by agriculture and local government services, with limited large-scale industrial development.
Property taxes are assessed at the county level in Chouteau County, with rates determined by local mill levies for schools and municipal services.
Commuting is primarily by private vehicle, with most residents working within the local community or traveling to Great Falls.
The area features significant access to the Missouri River for boating and fishing, along with local parks and historic sites in Fort Benton.
The rental market is limited with low turnover, primarily serving local workers and those seeking a rural lifestyle.
The economy is anchored by the agricultural sector, specifically wheat and cattle production, supported by local government and retail services.
Transportation is heavily reliant on personal vehicles, with Highway 87 serving as the primary corridor for regional travel.
Development is focused on small-scale residential improvements and maintenance of existing historic infrastructure.
The Chouteau County Assessor manages property valuations based on market-based appraisal cycles.
Parcels are subject to local school district levies and county-wide emergency service assessments.
Property insurance premiums are influenced by regional wildfire and severe weather risk profiles.
The state continues to see modest net domestic migration, primarily from urban areas to rural communities.
Montana is a non-judicial foreclosure state, with specific notice and redemption periods defined by state law.
Sellers are required to provide a property disclosure statement detailing known material defects.
Data retrieved from data.census.gov ZCTA-level tables.
Public schools whose reported address is in this area (NCES). Not attendance boundaries — schools that serve residents may sit outside it. Check the district's address locator for assignment.
- Old Fort Benton4.75.9 mi
Theme parks, venues, golf, airports, museums, water and shopping across the area from Google Maps, ranked by popularity within the radius shown.
Provides extensive fishing, boating, and recreational opportunities.
Features museums and historic sites detailing the area's fur trade history.
Hosts local community events and agricultural exhibitions.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.