The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 59854 sells for about $699,000, or $305 per square foot.
Prices are down 1.19% from a year ago, which gives buyers more room to negotiate. Homes take about 128 days to sell, which is slow. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $758 a month.
ZIP 59854 — Ovando
The housing market in ZIP 59854 is experiencing a period of price softening, with a year-over-year decline of 1.19%. High inventory levels relative to sales volume suggest a cooling trend, likely driven by broader economic pressures and affordability constraints in the rural Montana market.
This area is best suited for outdoor enthusiasts, retirees, and those seeking a rural lifestyle, as it offers significant natural amenities but limited urban infrastructure.
Median prices moved down 1.2% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 128 days on market with 8.4 months of supply — a slower-moving market.
12% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 94% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 5.8% · poverty 2.1% — 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 12.0%/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 9.9%/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 59854, Sanders County, MT
Crime rates in the region are generally low and remain stable, consistent with rural Montana trends.
Schools in the area are primarily served by the Plains School District, which provides standard rural educational services.
The area faces moderate wildfire risk common to Western Montana, with insurance premiums trending upward due to regional hazard exposure.
Economic momentum is driven by local agriculture, timber, and tourism, with limited large-scale industrial development.
Property taxes are assessed at the county level based on market value, with no state sales tax and specific exemptions for primary residences.
Commutes are primarily car-dependent, involving travel along Montana Highway 200 toward regional employment hubs.
The area offers extensive access to the Clark Fork River, nearby national forest trails, and local community parks.
The rental market is characterized by low inventory and high demand, with limited multi-family supply.
The economy is anchored by agriculture, forestry, and small-scale tourism, with limited major corporate presence.
Transportation is dominated by private vehicle use along the Highway 200 corridor; public transit options are non-existent.
Development is primarily low-density residential and agricultural, with no major commercial projects currently reported.
The Sanders County Assessor manages property valuations based on periodic market assessments.
Parcels are subject to local school district levies and county-wide emergency service assessments.
Property insurance markets are tightening due to increased wildfire risk across Western Montana.
Data retrieved from Census Bureau ZCTA profiles and Sanders County CCD datasets.
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.
Major regional waterway providing fishing and boating access.
Hosts the annual county fair and rodeo events.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.