Montana may be best known for its scenic mountain towns and soaring real estate prices, but some of its smallest communities are offering something very different: affordability with momentum. According to the Zillow Home Value Index, Montana offers some surprising opportunities for budget-conscious homebuyers, especially in its smaller, rural communities.
One of the most remarkable findings is that Ekalaka, a small town in southeastern Montana, experienced an extraordinary 101.92% price increase over just five years, more than doubling its home values. This growth pattern isn’t isolated – several towns on this list saw their home values surge by over 70% between 2020 and 2025, suggesting that Montana’s real estate boom extends well beyond its popular urban centers and tourist destinations.
Despite affordable entry prices, the gap between the most and least expensive towns in this list stands at over $60,000, with Baker topping our list at $171,946 while Medicine Lake remains the most affordable at $111,738. This price diversity offers options for various budgets while still keeping costs well below Montana’s more expensive markets.
19. Baker
Historic home prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $171,946
- 2020 Home Value: $144,714
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 18.82%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: N/A
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
About Baker
Situated in eastern Montana near the North Dakota border, Baker offers you a charming small-town lifestyle with a surprisingly modest real estate market. As the most expensive town on our list of affordable Montana communities, Baker still provides exceptional value compared to the state’s larger cities. Over the past five years, home values have increased steadily but maintained reasonable pricing, making it an attractive option for those seeking a balance between investment potential and affordability. The surrounding prairies and nearby recreation opportunities at Medicine Rocks State Park add to its appeal for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike.
18. Westby
Historic home prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $171,566
- 2020 Home Value: $112,270
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 52.82%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: N/A
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
About Westby
Located in the northeastern corner of Montana, Westby gives you the rare opportunity to live in a true frontier community with remarkable real estate appreciation potential. This small town, literally situated on the North Dakota border, has seen property values increase by over 50% in just five years. The strong agricultural economy supports this quiet community where your dollar stretches significantly further than in Montana’s tourist regions. With wide-open skies and a tight-knit community atmosphere, Westby represents an investment opportunity in an authentic rural American lifestyle that’s becoming increasingly rare.
17. Cut Bank
Historic home prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $168,553
- 2020 Home Value: $88,936
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 89.52%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: N/A
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
About Cut Bank
Nestled on the eastern edge of Glacier County, Cut Bank showcases one of the most impressive growth stories in Montana’s affordable housing market. You’ll find that home values nearly doubled over the past five years, jumping an astounding 89.52%. This gateway to Glacier National Park combines natural beauty with practical amenities, including its own regional airport. The dramatic mountain views and proximity to the Blackfeet Indian Reservation add cultural richness to your potential investment.
16. Culbertson
Historic home prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $168,303
- 2020 Home Value: $106,331
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 58.28%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: N/A
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
About Culbertson
Positioned in northeastern Montana’s Roosevelt County, Culbertson delivers an authentic small-town experience with surprising real estate momentum. Your investment potential here is highlighted by the impressive 58.28% home value growth over five years. The town’s strategic location along the Missouri River and proximity to Fort Peck Lake creates recreational opportunities that enhance the quality of life beyond what the affordable price point might suggest.
15. Scobey
Historic home prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $166,977
- 2020 Home Value: $122,400
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 36.42%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: N/A
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
About Scobey
As the county seat of Daniels County, Scobey gives you access to more local government services and amenities than typically found in towns with such affordable housing. The agricultural heritage runs deep here, with wheat and cattle farming driving the local economy. Over the past five years, home values have appreciated at a healthy 36.42%, demonstrating steady growth without the dramatic spikes seen in some other affordable Montana communities. Your investment in Scobey buys into a traditional American heartland lifestyle with modern conveniences, including quality schools and healthcare facilities rarely found in comparably priced markets.
14. Opheim
Historic home prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $162,462
- 2020 Home Value: $112,196
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 44.80%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: N/A
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
About Opheim
Tucked away in Valley County near the Canadian border, Opheim epitomizes the frontier spirit that still permeates Montana’s most affordable communities. During your visit, you’ll discover a town where housing values have increased 44.80% over five years while still maintaining exceptional affordability. Despite its remote location, the tight-knit community ensures you’ll never feel isolated, with regular events and gatherings creating connections among residents who value independence and neighborly support in equal measure.
13. Walkerville
Historic home prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $158,493
- 2020 Home Value: $81,143
- 2015 Home Value: $52,201
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 95.32%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: 203.62%
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
About Walkerville
Perched on the hillsides above historic Butte, Walkerville offers you a unique combination of mining heritage, spectacular views, and some of the most impressive property value growth in Montana. The numbers tell an extraordinary story – home values have nearly tripled over the past decade, with a staggering 203.62% increase since 2015. Despite this remarkable appreciation, Walkerville remains surprisingly affordable. Your investment here connects you to a community where historic miners’ cottages stand alongside more modern homes, all sharing panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains.
12. Richey
Historic home prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $156,182
- 2020 Home Value: $92,210
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 69.38%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: N/A
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
About Richey
Dotting the eastern Montana landscape in Dawson County, Richey welcomes you to experience genuine rural living with impressive investment potential. The remarkable 69.38% growth in home values over just five years demonstrates the hidden opportunity in this quiet agricultural community. While many overlook towns like Richey when considering Montana real estate, the data shows these smaller markets can deliver substantial returns.
11. Ekalaka
Historic home prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $153,579
- 2020 Home Value: $76,059
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 101.92%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: N/A
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
About Ekalaka
Discover Ekalaka, the champion of value growth among Montana’s affordable towns, where your real estate investment would have literally doubled in just five years. This southeastern Montana gem in Carter County has seen an astonishing 101.92% increase in home values since 2020. The nearby Medicine Rocks State Park, with its otherworldly sandstone formations, adds natural wonder to your backyard. Despite being one of Montana’s most remote communities, Ekalaka offers a surprisingly rich cultural experience through its Carter County Museum, home to significant dinosaur fossils and paleontological exhibits that draw visitors from across the region.
10. Plentywood
Historic home prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $151,672
- 2020 Home Value: $109,339
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 38.72%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: N/A
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
About Plentywood
As the commercial hub of Sheridan County in northeastern Montana, Plentywood offers you substantially more amenities than most towns in this price range. While maintaining affordability with homes averaging $151,672, you’ll enjoy access to retail stores, dining options, and community facilities typically found in much larger communities. The reasonable 38.72% five-year growth rate suggests sustainable appreciation without the volatility seen in some markets. Your quality of life here is enhanced by Plentywood’s community spirit, visible in its well-maintained parks, recreation facilities, and annual events like the Sheridan County Fair that bring residents together and maintain the town’s vibrant character.
9. Harlowton
Historic home prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $151,342
- 2020 Home Value: $86,647
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 74.66%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: N/A
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
About Harlowton
Nestled at the foot of the Crazy Mountains in central Montana, Harlowton combines breathtaking natural scenery with historic charm and excellent value. You’ll be impressed by the substantial 74.66% growth in home values over five years, indicating strong demand for this often-overlooked gem. As the seat of Wheatland County, Harlowton offers a perfect launch point for exploring some of Montana’s most magnificent landscapes, from the nearby Musselshell River to the mountain ranges that dominate the horizon. The town’s railroad heritage is celebrated through local museums and preserved infrastructure, creating a distinct character that sets it apart from other affordable Montana communities.
8. Harlem
Historic home prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $150,578
- 2020 Home Value: $87,993
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 71.13%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: N/A
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
About Harlem
Located in Blaine County along Montana’s Hi-Line, Harlem offers you a unique cultural experience with its proximity to the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation. Your investment potential here is highlighted by the impressive 71.13% growth in home values over five years. When you drive through town, you’ll notice the blend of Native American influence and agricultural traditions that create a distinctive community atmosphere. Despite its remote location, Harlem maintains essential services and a strong community spirit that has supported consistent real estate appreciation.
7. Glasgow
Historic home prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $148,120
- 2020 Home Value: $105,960
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 39.79%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: N/A
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
About Glasgow
As the largest community in northeastern Montana’s Valley County, Glasgow balances small-town affordability with surprising amenities and recreational options. Your home buying dollar stretches remarkably far here, with values hovering around $148,120 despite steady 39.79% growth over five years. The nearby Fort Peck Lake, Montana’s largest body of water, provides exceptional opportunities for fishing, boating, and outdoor recreation just minutes from town. Glasgow’s Pioneer Museum and the children’s museum offer cultural enrichment rarely found in communities of this price point, while the local economy benefits from a diverse mix of agriculture, healthcare, and government employment that provides stability.
6. Fallon
Historic home prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $136,213
- 2020 Home Value: $86,541
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 57.40%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: N/A
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
About Fallon
Tucked away in eastern Montana’s Prairie County, Fallon represents one of the best-kept secrets in affordable Montana real estate. Your journey to this small community takes you through vast stretches of open prairie that epitomize Montana’s nickname as Big Sky Country. Despite its small size, Fallon has seen impressive property value growth of 57.40% over five years, demonstrating the hidden potential in these rural markets. The unhurried pace of life and genuine sense of community hearken back to a simpler time, while proximity to the Yellowstone River offers recreational opportunities that enhance your quality of life without breaking the bank.
5. Wolf Point
Historic home prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $130,055
- 2020 Home Value: $88,293
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 47.30%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: N/A
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
About Wolf Point
Situated along the Missouri River in Roosevelt County, Wolf Point offers you a fascinating blend of cultures as the largest community on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation. With home values averaging $130,055 after a solid 47.30% five-year appreciation, your investment here provides exceptional value. The annual Wild Horse Stampede, Montana’s oldest rodeo, brings the community alive each July with parades, powwows, and authentic western events that celebrate the area’s rich heritage. Despite economic challenges common to many reservation communities, Wolf Point’s cultural diversity and strong sense of identity create a unique living experience you won’t find in more homogeneous small towns.
4. Browning
Historic home prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $128,748
- 2020 Home Value: $73,632
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 74.85%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: N/A
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
About Browning
As the headquarters of the Blackfeet Nation, Browning offers you an immersive cultural experience unlike any other town on this list. The impressive 74.85% growth in home values over five years reflects increasing recognition of this community’s unique position at the eastern gateway to Glacier National Park. Your investment here supports Native American businesses and provides access to breathtaking mountain scenery that tourists pay thousands to visit.
3. Terry
Historic home prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $120,548
- 2020 Home Value: $80,615
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 49.54%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: N/A
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
About Terry
Celebrated for its remarkable badlands formations, Terry invites you to experience eastern Montana’s dramatic landscapes while enjoying some of the state’s most affordable housing. This Prairie County seat has seen nearly 50% growth in home values over five years, yet remains within reach for budget-conscious buyers at just $120,548. The surrounding Terry Badlands Wilderness Study Area features otherworldly natural rock formations that attract photographers and outdoor enthusiasts. Your real estate investment here buys not just a home but access to these incredible landscapes that remain largely undiscovered by mainstream tourism, preserving their pristine character and the authentic small-town atmosphere that makes Terry special.
2. Nashua
Historic home prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $112,385
- 2020 Home Value: $80,668
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 39.32%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: N/A
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
About Nashua
Positioned along the Milk River in Valley County, Nashua delivers exceptional affordability with homes averaging just $112,385 despite solid appreciation of 39.32% over five years. What makes this small community stand out is its proximity to Fort Peck Lake and the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge, giving you access to world-class fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing right in your backyard. The cost of living here ranks among Montana’s lowest, yet the quality of life benefits from these nearby natural amenities rivals that of much more expensive communities.
1. Medicine Lake
Historic home prices and percent change over time:
- 2025 Home Value: $111,738
- 2020 Home Value: $79,152
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- % Change from 2020 to 2025: 41.17%
- % Change from 2015 to 2025: N/A
- % Change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
About Medicine Lake
Crowned as Montana’s most affordable town on our list, Medicine Lake offers you the unique opportunity to purchase a home for just $111,738 in one of America’s most breathtaking states. Named after the nearby lake, this Sheridan County community has experienced steady 41.17% growth in property values over five years while remaining remarkably affordable. The adjacent Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge provides an extraordinary natural setting, housing thousands of migrating waterfowl and creating a paradise for birdwatchers and nature photographers. Despite its remote northeastern Montana location, the strong community connections and peaceful setting create a quality of life that transcends the modest price point, making Medicine Lake perhaps the best-kept secret in Montana real estate.
