The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 59457 sells for about $368,500, or $185 per square foot.
Prices are up +3.5% from a year ago, so sellers still have some momentum. Homes take about 82 days to sell, which is slow. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $970 a month.
ZIP 59457 — Lewistown
The Lewistown housing market remains stable with steady demand from local buyers and those relocating for a rural lifestyle. While inventory is tight, price growth has moderated compared to the rapid appreciation seen in 2021-2022. The market is currently characterized by low turnover and a reliance on local economic drivers.
This ZIP is ideal for families and retirees seeking a quiet, community-focused lifestyle with access to outdoor recreation. It is less suited for those requiring proximity to major metropolitan employment hubs.
Median prices moved up 3.5% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 82 days on market with 6.2 months of supply — a balanced-paced 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 5.1% · poverty 15.7% — 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 9.3%/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 6.4%/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 59457, Fergus County MT
Lewistown generally experiences low crime rates compared to national averages, with property crime being the most common concern. The area is considered safe, consistent with typical rural Montana community profiles.
Schools in the Lewistown area are generally well-regarded, with the local district providing a stable educational environment for K-12 students.
The area faces moderate wildfire risk common to central Montana, and property owners should maintain defensible space. Flood risk is generally localized to areas near Big Spring Creek.
Economic momentum is driven by agriculture, healthcare, and local government services. Development is steady but modest, focusing on maintaining the historic character of the community.
Property taxes are assessed by Fergus County based on the state's reappraisal cycle. Tax rates include levies for local school districts, the city of Lewistown, and county services.
Commutes are primarily local within Lewistown, with minimal traffic congestion. Most residents rely on personal vehicles for daily travel.
The area offers extensive outdoor access, including Big Spring Creek for fishing, numerous city parks, and proximity to the Big Snowy Mountains for hiking and skiing.
The rental market is tight due to limited inventory, with most units being single-family homes or small apartment complexes. Vacancy rates remain low, and rent growth has been moderate.
The economy is anchored by the healthcare sector (CMMC), agriculture, and public education. It serves as a regional trade hub for central Montana.
Transportation is dominated by highway access via US-87 and MT-200. There is no significant public transit infrastructure.
Planning focuses on small-scale infill development and the preservation of agricultural land surrounding the city limits.
The Fergus County Assessor manages property valuations based on the Montana Department of Revenue's biennial reappraisal cycle.
Parcels are subject to Lewistown Public Schools and Fergus County rural fire district levies.
Property insurance premiums are rising due to regional wildfire risk and general inflationary pressures on construction costs.
Montana has seen net positive domestic migration, though growth in Fergus County remains modest compared to western parts of the state.
Montana is primarily a non-judicial foreclosure state, allowing for a streamlined process under the Small Tract Financing Act.
Montana requires sellers to provide a property disclosure statement, though it is limited in scope compared to other states.
Data retrieved from data.census.gov for ZCTA 59457.
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.
A world-class trout stream running through the city.
Extensive network of walking and biking paths.
Public 18-hole course serving the community.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.
Governs Snowy Mountain View Subdivision
90-day research cycle · governing documents remain with their official custodians — the association, its management portal or the county clerk's recording.