Montana’s towns offer surprising affordability in a soaring housing market. The Zillow Home Value Index reveals some fascinating trends in the Treasure State’s housing market over the past fifteen years. You might be surprised to discover that even Montana’s most affordable towns have seen explosive growth, with average price increases exceeding 150% since 2010. Despite this rapid appreciation, several pockets of relative affordability remain scattered throughout the state.
You can see a fascinating pattern when comparing metropolitan versus rural areas in Montana. While the largest cities like Billings appear on the affordable list, many of the most budget-friendly options are found in smaller communities with populations under 5,000. Four of the most affordable towns are located in Sanders County, suggesting a geographic pocket of relative value in northwestern Montana’s more remote areas.
1. Hamilton
- 2025 Home Value: $504,651
- 2020 Home Value: $286,646
- 2015 Home Value: $195,796
- 2010 Home Value: $171,840
- % Change 2010-2025: 193.68%
- % Change 2015-2025: 157.74%
- % Change 2020-2025: 76.05%
Nestled in the Bitterroot Valley in Ravalli County, Hamilton is the first on the list with a 2025 home value of $504,651. You’ll be struck by this charming community’s substantial growth across all periods, with a 13.9% increase between 2010 and 2015, accelerating dramatically to 46.4% through 2020, and continuing strong with 76.05% growth over the last five years. With total appreciation of 193.68% since 2010 (nearly tripling in value), Hamilton exemplifies western Montana’s housing boom while still offering relatively better affordability than many other scenic mountain communities in the region.
2. Rexford
- 2025 Home Value: $499,491
- 2020 Home Value: $267,985
- 2015 Home Value: $211,412
- 2010 Home Value: $195,177
- % Change 2010-2025: 155.92%
- % Change 2015-2025: 136.26%
- % Change 2020-2025: 86.39%
Perched near Lake Koocanusa in Lincoln County, Rexford stands with a 2025 home value of $499,491. You’ll discover this remote northern community had modest early growth of 8.3% between 2010 and 2015, followed by stronger 26.8% appreciation through 2020, before surging by 86.39% over the last five years. Despite the dramatic recent growth and total appreciation of 155.92% since 2010, this scenic area near the Canadian border remains relatively more affordable than many Montana locations.
3. Alberton
- 2025 Home Value: $489,595
- 2020 Home Value: $271,913
- 2015 Home Value: $197,518
- 2010 Home Value: $179,043
- % Change 2010-2025: 173.45%
- % Change 2015-2025: 147.87%
- % Change 2020-2025: 80.06%
Located west of Missoula in Mineral County, Alberton is a beautiful town with a 2025 home value of $489,595. You can track an interesting growth trajectory, with moderate 10.3% appreciation between 2010 and 2015, accelerating to 37.7% over the next five years, and continuing strong with an 80.06% surge by 2025. This small community along the Clark Fork River has seen significant overall growth of 173.45% since 2010, reflecting increasing interest in western Montana while still providing a more affordable alternative to nearby Missoula.
4. Huntley
- 2025 Home Value: $467,265
- 2020 Home Value: $303,358
- 2015 Home Value: $252,882
- 2010 Home Value: $201,602
- % Change 2010-2025: 131.78%
- % Change 2015-2025: 84.78%
- % Change 2020-2025: 54.03%
Situated east of Billings in Yellowstone County, Huntley comes next in affordability with a 2025 home value of $467,265. You’ll notice this agricultural community experienced strong early growth of 25.4% between 2010 and 2015, followed by a moderate 20% rise through 2020, before accelerating to 54.03% over the last five years. The overall appreciation of 131.78% since 2010 reflects Huntley’s growing appeal as a residential area within the Billings metro, while still maintaining better affordability than many parts of Montana while offering proximity to the Yellowstone River.
5. Shepherd
- 2025 Home Value: $459,226
- 2020 Home Value: $301,284
- 2015 Home Value: $255,090
- 2010 Home Value: $199,788
- % Change 2010-2025: 129.86%
- % Change 2015-2025: 80.02%
- % Change 2020-2025: 52.42%
Just northeast of Billings in Yellowstone County, Shepherd has a 2025 home value of $459,226. You can observe an interesting growth pattern that differs from many Montana towns, with a substantial early increase of 27.7% between 2010 and 2015, moderating to 18.1% over the next five years, before accelerating again to 52.42% by 2025. This rural community within the Billings metro area has seen overall growth of 129.86% since 2010.
6. Helena
- 2025 Home Value: $458,476
- 2020 Home Value: $279,044
- 2015 Home Value: $212,239
- 2010 Home Value: $197,061
- % Change 2010-2025: 132.66%
- % Change 2015-2025: 116.02%
- % Change 2020-2025: 64.30%
As Montana’s capital city in Lewis and Clark County, Helena comes in as one of the most affordable locations with a 2025 home value of $458,476. You’ll find this government and cultural center experienced modest early growth of 7.7% between 2010 and 2015, followed by stronger 31.5% appreciation through 2020, before accelerating to 64.30% over the last five years. With overall growth of 132.66% since 2010, Helena has maintained better affordability than many Montana cities while offering the amenities and employment opportunities of a state capital.
7. Wolf Creek
- 2025 Home Value: $454,502
- 2020 Home Value: $266,753
- 2015 Home Value: $212,464
- 2010 Home Value: $188,943
- % Change 2010-2025: 140.55%
- % Change 2015-2025: 113.92%
- % Change 2020-2025: 70.38%
Tucked between Helena and Great Falls in Lewis and Clark County, Wolf Creek ranks next in affordability with a 2025 home value of $454,502. You can chart steady growth across all periods, with a 12.4% increase from 2010 to 2015, followed by a 25.6% rise through 2020, and then a more dramatic 70.38% surge by 2025. This small community along the Missouri River has experienced 140.55% overall growth since 2010.
8. East Helena
- 2025 Home Value: $421,839
- 2020 Home Value: $262,321
- 2015 Home Value: $195,253
- 2010 Home Value: $176,697
- % Change 2010-2025: 138.74%
- % Change 2015-2025: 116.05%
- % Change 2020-2025: 60.81%
Just east of Montana’s capital in Broadwater County, East Helena stands in the eighth position with a 2025 home value of $421,839. You’ll notice this small industrial community had moderate early growth of 10.5% between 2010 and 2015, followed by stronger 34.3% appreciation through 2020, and then accelerating to 60.81% over the last five years. The overall growth of 138.74% since 2010 reflects East Helena’s increasing popularity as a more affordable alternative to Helena proper, while still providing convenient access to the capital city’s amenities and job opportunities.
9. Troy
- 2025 Home Value: $418,362
- 2020 Home Value: $204,210
- 2015 Home Value: $176,748
- 2010 Home Value: $157,448
- % Change 2010-2025: 165.71%
- % Change 2015-2025: 136.70%
- % Change 2020-2025: 104.87%
Located in Lincoln County near the Idaho border, Troy ranks next in affordability with a 2025 home value of $418,362. You’ll be intrigued by this town’s unique growth pattern, with a modest 12.3% increase between 2010 and 2015, a slower 15.5% rise through 2020, before more than doubling with a dramatic 104.87% surge by 2025. This remote community has seen overall values increase by 165.71% since 2010, yet it remains more affordable than many Montana towns while offering access to the Kootenai River and nearby Cabinet Mountains.
10. Ronan
- 2025 Home Value: $415,456
- 2020 Home Value: $231,268
- 2015 Home Value: $170,776
- 2010 Home Value: $149,637
- % Change 2010-2025: 177.64%
- % Change 2015-2025: 143.28%
- % Change 2020-2025: 79.64%
Positioned in Lake County on the Flathead Indian Reservation, Ronan is an affordable Montana town with a 2025 home value of $415,456. You can observe a pattern of steady acceleration, with a 14.1% increase from 2010 to 2015, rising to 35.4% over the next five years, before surging by 79.64% between 2020 and 2025. The overall appreciation of 177.64% since 2010 demonstrates growing interest in this agricultural community south of Flathead Lake, though it still maintains relative affordability compared to nearby resort areas like Whitefish and Kalispell.
11. Plains
- 2025 Home Value: $412,054
- 2020 Home Value: $210,322
- 2015 Home Value: $149,793
- 2010 Home Value: $142,777
- % Change 2010-2025: 188.60%
- % Change 2015-2025: 175.08%
- % Change 2020-2025: 95.92%
Located along the Clark Fork River in Sanders County, Plains ranks eleventh for affordability with a 2025 home value of $412,054. You’ll discover this small town has seen one of the highest overall growth rates on the list at 188.60% since 2010. The appreciation pattern shows modest 4.9% growth between 2010 and 2015, accelerating to 40.4% through 2020, before nearly doubling with a 95.92% surge in the past five years.
12. Thompson Falls
- 2025 Home Value: $411,062
- 2020 Home Value: $218,608
- 2015 Home Value: $159,969
- 2010 Home Value: $150,635
- % Change 2010-2025: 172.89%
- % Change 2015-2025: 156.96%
- % Change 2020-2025: 88.04%
Nestled in Sanders County in northwestern Montana, Thompson Falls is a town with a 2025 home value of $411,062. You’ll note that this county seat experienced minimal early growth of just 6.2% between 2010 and 2015, before accelerating to 36.7% over the next five years, and then nearly doubling with an 88.04% surge between 2020 and 2025. Despite the dramatic overall appreciation of 172.89% since 2010, this scenic mountain town along the Clark Fork River continues to offer more affordable housing than many other parts of western Montana.
13. Big Timber
- 2025 Home Value: $394,264
- 2020 Home Value: $223,760
- 2015 Home Value: $160,177
- 2010 Home Value: $143,194
- % Change 2010-2025: 175.34%
- % Change 2015-2025: 146.14%
- % Change 2020-2025: 76.20%
Situated in Sweet Grass County along the Yellowstone River, Big Timber ranks next in affordability with a 2025 home value of $394,264. You can track an interesting growth pattern, with a modest 11.9% increase from 2010 to 2015, followed by a much larger 39.7% jump through 2020, and continuing strong with a 76.20% surge by 2025. This charming small town has seen overall values increase by 175.34% since 2010, reflecting growing interest in Montana’s scenic rural communities while still maintaining a spot among the state’s more affordable housing markets.
14. Billings
- 2025 Home Value: $385,154
- 2020 Home Value: $261,809
- 2015 Home Value: $225,666
- 2010 Home Value: $185,848
- % Change 2010-2025: 107.24%
- % Change 2015-2025: 70.67%
- % Change 2020-2025: 47.11%
As Montana’s largest city, Billings in Yellowstone County comes next with a 2025 home value of $385,154. You’ll find this metropolitan center has experienced more moderate growth than many smaller towns, with a 21.4% increase from 2010 to 2015, followed by a slower 16% rise through 2020, before accelerating to 47.11% growth by 2025. The overall appreciation of 107.24% since 2010 is among the lowest on this list, highlighting how larger cities have maintained relatively better affordability despite their urban amenities and economic opportunities.
15. Cascade
- 2025 Home Value: $384,627
- 2020 Home Value: $209,386
- 2015 Home Value: $168,557
- 2010 Home Value: $150,311
- % Change 2010-2025: 155.89%
- % Change 2015-2025: 128.19%
- % Change 2020-2025: 83.69%
Perched along the Missouri River in Cascade County, Cascade ranks fifteenth in affordability with a 2025 home value of $384,627. You’ll notice a consistent acceleration in growth rates, with a modest 12.1% increase between 2010 and 2015, rising to 24.2% over the next five years, before surging dramatically by 83.69% between 2020 and 2025. This small town within the Great Falls metro area has experienced an overall appreciation of 155.89% since 2010, yet remains more affordable than many other Montana communities while offering access to outdoor recreation and river amenities.
16. Belt
- 2025 Home Value: $375,855
- 2020 Home Value: $200,202
- 2015 Home Value: $156,343
- 2010 Home Value: $136,829
- % Change 2010-2025: 174.69%
- % Change 2015-2025: 140.40%
- % Change 2020-2025: 87.74%
Located in Cascade County within the Great Falls metro area, Belt’s 2025 home values reach $375,855. You can trace a pattern of accelerating growth, with a 14.3% increase from 2010 to 2015, followed by a 28.1% rise through 2020, and then nearly doubling with an 87.74% surge by 2025. The overall appreciation of 174.69% since 2010 demonstrates Belt’s increasing desirability as a residential alternative to nearby Great Falls, while still maintaining a position among Montana’s most affordable communities.
17. Laurel
- 2025 Home Value: $374,320
- 2020 Home Value: $254,895
- 2015 Home Value: $213,242
- 2010 Home Value: $168,504
- % Change 2010-2025: 122.14%
- % Change 2015-2025: 75.54%
- % Change 2020-2025: 46.85%
Just west of Billings in Yellowstone County, Laurel offers you one of the most affordable housing options at $374,320 in 2025. You’ll find this town had stronger early growth than many others on the list, with a substantial 26.5% increase between 2010 and 2015. The pace moderated to 19.5% over the next five years before accelerating again to 46.85% between 2020 and 2025. With an overall appreciation of 122.14% since 2010, Laurel has maintained relatively better affordability than many Montana communities while benefiting from its proximity to Billings, the state’s largest city.
18. Superior
- 2025 Home Value: $368,676
- 2020 Home Value: $191,159
- 2015 Home Value: $147,785
- 2010 Home Value: $144,895
- % Change 2010-2025: 154.44%
- % Change 2015-2025: 149.47%
- % Change 2020-2025: 92.86%
Situated in Mineral County along Interstate 90, Superior ranks eighteenth in affordability with a 2025 home value of $368,676. You’ll observe that this town experienced very minimal growth between 2010 and 2015, with values increasing just 2%. The pace accelerated to 29.3% growth over the next five years, before nearly doubling with a remarkable 92.86% surge between 2020 and 2025. This dramatic recent appreciation reflects Superior’s growing appeal as a more affordable alternative to nearby Missoula, while still offering a total growth of 154.44% since 2010.
19. Dillon
- 2025 Home Value: $365,569
- 2020 Home Value: $224,273
- 2015 Home Value: $163,567
- 2010 Home Value: $139,639
- % Change 2010-2025: 161.80%
- % Change 2015-2025: 123.50%
- % Change 2020-2025: 63.00%
Positioned in Beaverhead County in southwestern Montana, Dillon comes next with a 2025 home value of $365,569. You’ll find this college town (home to the University of Montana Western) has seen steady growth across all time periods, with a 17.1% increase from 2010 to 2015, a further 37.1% rise through 2020, and then a 63.00% surge by 2025. The overall appreciation of 161.80% since 2010 demonstrates Dillon’s increasing appeal while still providing more affordable housing options than many other parts of the state.
20. Lincoln
- 2025 Home Value: $365,405
- 2020 Home Value: $208,684
- 2015 Home Value: $165,116
- 2010 Home Value: $155,722
- % Change 2010-2025: 134.65%
- % Change 2015-2025: 121.30%
- % Change 2020-2025: 75.10%
Within Lewis and Clark County in the Helena metro area, Lincoln offers relatively affordable housing with 2025 home values at $365,405. You’ll notice this town experienced more moderate early growth compared to others on the list, with just a 6% increase between 2010 and 2015. The pace quickened over the next five years with a 26.4% jump, before accelerating dramatically with a 75.10% surge between 2020 and 2025. Overall growth of 134.65% since 2010 reflects the increasing desirability of communities within commuting distance of Montana’s capital city while still maintaining relatively affordable pricing.
21. Fairfield
- 2025 Home Value: $354,303
- 2020 Home Value: $197,159
- 2015 Home Value: $148,787
- 2010 Home Value: $128,553
- % Change 2010-2025: 175.61%
- % Change 2015-2025: 138.13%
- % Change 2020-2025: 79.70%
Just west of Great Falls in Teton County, Fairfield offers you the fifth most affordable housing option with values reaching $354,303 in 2025. You can track consistent growth across all periods, with a 15.74% increase from 2010 to 2015, followed by a 32.51% rise through 2020, and then a dramatic 79.70% surge in the last five years. Overall, this small agricultural community has seen values increase by 175.61% since 2010, yet it remains among Montana’s most budget-friendly locations, particularly for those seeking proximity to the Helena metropolitan area.
22. Victor
- 2025 Home Value: $354,147
- 2020 Home Value: $196,622
- 2015 Home Value: $135,511
- 2010 Home Value: $117,789
- % Change 2010-2025: 200.66%
- % Change 2015-2025: 161.34%
- % Change 2020-2025: 80.12%
Situated in Ravalli County in western Montana, Victor ranks fourth in affordability with a 2025 home value of $354,147. You’ll be amazed that this small town has experienced the highest overall growth rate among the top five affordable towns, with values tripling since 2010 for a total increase of 200.66%. The appreciation accelerated between 2015 and 2020, when values jumped by over $61,000, and continued with an even more dramatic 80.12% surge in the following five years. Despite this remarkable growth, Victor remains one of Montana’s housing bargains.
23. Libby
- 2025 Home Value: $347,334
- 2020 Home Value: $168,551
- 2015 Home Value: $138,294
- 2010 Home Value: $128,921
- % Change 2010-2025: 169.42%
- % Change 2015-2025: 151.16%
- % Change 2020-2025: 106.07%
Tucked away in Lincoln County in northwest Montana, Libby has become the third most affordable town with a 2025 value of $347,334. You can observe the dramatic doubling of home values in just the last five years, with a remarkable 106.07% increase since 2020. This formerly modest mining town saw relatively steady growth between 2010 and 2020, with values rising from $128,921 to $168,551. However, the recent surge has been unprecedented, reflecting growing interest in Montana’s more remote communities while still offering significantly better value than many other areas in the state.
24. Great Falls
- 2025 Home Value: $319,065
- 2020 Home Value: $194,427
- 2015 Home Value: $162,669
- 2010 Home Value: $151,127
- % Change 2010-2025: 111.12%
- % Change 2015-2025: 96.14%
- % Change 2020-2025: 64.10%
Located on the Missouri River in Cascade County, Great Falls stands as Montana’s second most affordable town with a 2025 home value of $319,065. You’ll appreciate that this larger city has seen steady but less explosive growth compared to smaller towns, with values increasing 111.12% since 2010. The period between 2010 and 2015 brought modest growth of about 7.6%, followed by slightly faster appreciation through 2020. The most significant jump occurred in the last five years, with a 64.10% increase that reflects the nationwide post-pandemic housing boom while still maintaining relative affordability.
25. Hot Springs
- 2025 Home Value: $253,050
- 2020 Home Value: $143,057
- 2015 Home Value: $92,568
- 2010 Home Value: $94,030
- % Change 2010-2025: 169.12%
- % Change 2015-2025: 173.37%
- % Change 2020-2025: 76.89%
Nestled in Sanders County and part of the Kalispell metro area, Hot Springs offers you the most affordable housing in Montana at $253,050 in 2025. You’ll find that this small town has experienced remarkable growth, with values increasing 169.12% since 2010. Interestingly, home values slightly decreased between 2010 and 2015, dropping to $92,568 before beginning a dramatic upward climb. After 2020, values surged by 76.89%, demonstrating the significant impact of recent market trends on even Montana’s most affordable locales.
