Known as Big Sky Country, Montana is chock-full of wide open spaces, stunning views, and a horizon line as far as the eye can see. Whether you’re a lifelong Montanan or just starting to explore the idea of buying land in Montana, this rugged western state offers something for everyone. There’s definitely no shortage of land for sale in Montana, with options ranging from mountain acreage to prairie plots, making it easy to find a property that fits your vision.
Ready to find your dream acreage? The best place to buy land in Montana depends on your long-term goals. Take a look at these top five regions to discover what’s right for you.
What’s Driving the Demand for Montana Land
Montana’s breathtaking wilderness isn’t the only aspect that makes it popular in the land market—lifestyle shifts, investment opportunities, and more are all driving demand from both locals and out-of-state buyers.
From Yellowstone County to the peaks of Glacier National Park, Montana offers a diverse range of counties to explore for your next real estate opportunity. Land owners love Montana’s:
- Remote work flexibility – Now that it’s easier to work from home, professionals can enjoy a better work-life balance when living off the beaten path.
- Outdoor lifestyle – Montana is perfect for nature lovers, offering tons of seasonal outdoor activities like hiking, biking, camping, fishing, and more.
- Low population density – Montana is an extremely uncrowded state, with just over one million people living across 145,000 square miles. It’s ideal for quiet, remote, and off-grid living.
- Long-term investment potential – When you buy affordable land now, it will only appreciate in value over time. Investments could include residential property, recreational land, or undeveloped acreage.
With all of that in mind, let’s dive into five of the best places in Montana to buy land.
Flathead County
Located in northwest Montana, Flathead County is best known for its scenic beauty and outdoor activities. Already the third most populated county in the state, Flathead’s population actually increases by 40% in the summer months thanks to recreational tourism. Hiking, swimming, fishing—you can do it all in Flathead County, and then some.
Check out areas like Kalispell and Whitefish, fast-growing cities with like-minded land owners and easy access to nature.
Gallatin County
Found in the heart of Montana’s Rocky Mountains, Gallatin County is just a stone’s throw from Yellowstone National Park. Featuring over 2,500 square miles of mountain land, Gallatin County is a hotspot for hiking, skiing, rafting, hunting, fishing, and rock climbing. You’ll also find fertile farmland amidst the sprawling wilderness, making it a fantastic area for land investment.
Check out Bozeman, the county seat and most populated city, for vibrant yet quaint living. The perfect place to raise a family, work remotely, invest, and more, Bozeman is rising in popularity among out-of-state buyers thanks to its dual access to amenities and the great outdoors. Enjoy cultural downtown attractions, tasty restaurants, and even local hot springs.
Lincoln County
Head to northwest Montana to find Lincoln County, a quiet rural region full of national forests, lush valleys, and alpine lakes. In addition to gorgeous views, nature lovers can enjoy lots of recreational activities just outside their doorstep.
If you value affordability, privacy, and seclusion, Lincoln County is the best place in Montana to buy land.
Madison & Beaverhead Counties
Madison and Beaverhead Counties share a border in southwest Montana. This region attracts buyers looking for large parcels for farmland, ranchland, and construction projects. For instance, if you want to build your dream family homestead while raising livestock on an adjoining ranch, Madison County has plots for you. If you’re interested in buying undeveloped land, building on it, and flipping it at a profit, you’ll also find plenty of available acreage.
Like most places in Montana, these counties are surrounded by rivers, mountains, valleys, and other scenic open spaces. While the primary economic output is ranching and farming, Madison and Beaverhead Counties also have a growing seasonal tourism and recreation industry, thanks to the proximity to outdoor activities as well as historic mining towns like Virginia City.
Park County
With a population under 20,000, Park County is one of the best places to buy land in Montana for access to outdoor recreation and small-town charm. Bordering Yellowstone National Park, this region is home to year-round outdoor activities, friendly communities, and a laid-back lifestyle.
For the best of both worlds, head to the city of Livingston. Enjoy art galleries, museums, cafes, breweries, and more, all on the banks of the Yellowstone River.
Where to Start Your Montana Land Search
From the historic charm of Deer Lodge County to the rugged beauty of Western Montana, it’s easy to see why there are so many home and land investment opportunities in this state. Now that you know where to buy land in Montana, browse land for sale on Land.com, the nation’s leading marketplace for rural acreage. Create a budget, narrow down your priorities, and use our search filters to easily compare properties.
Then, partner with a local Land Pro to tackle the land buying process with confidence. These professionals help prospective landowners make successful purchases that align with their goals and lifestyle.
Ready to explore even more options? Check out all available land for sale in Montana on Land.com—the nation’s leading marketplace for rural acreage.
Sources:
United States Census Bureau. Montana. https://data.census.gov/profile/Montana?g=040XX00US30.
Flathead County Government. About Flathead County. https://flatheadcounty.gov/about-flathead-county.
Gallatin County. About Gallatin County. https://www.gallatinmt.gov/about-gallatin-county.
The Detour Effect. 10 Unique Things to Do in Bozeman, Montana. https://thedetoureffect.com/blog/things-to-do-bozeman-montana/.
Visit Montana. Four Days in Northwest Montana. https://visitmt.com/trip-ideas/4-days-in-northwest-montana.
Beaverhead County. Atlas. https://beaverheadcountymt.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/BeaverheadAtlas_2012h.pdf.
Madison County. About Madison County. https://madisoncountymt.gov/417/About-Madison-County.
United States Census Bureau. QuickFacts Park County, Montana. https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/parkcountymontana/PST045224.
Visit Livingston Montana. Come Visit Park County Montana. https://visitlivingstonmt.com/come-visit-park-county-montana/.
