2026 Rankings

Environmental Justice Concern Areas in Montana — 2026

Last updated: April 13, 2026

311 ZIP codes ranked by EJ Index #1: ZIP 59923 (Libby, MT) - 83/100
Lead Violations Lowest Score Safest Flood Risk Energy Cost Radon PFAS Reliability EJ Index Homebuyer Risk CO & Gas Safest Gas Remediation Burden Unresolved Violations (by Utility) Water Equity (by Utility)

Out of 311 ZIP codes with data in Montana, these are the highest-ranked areas for ej index. See also: National ZIP Codes with Highest Environmental Justice Concern | All Montana Rankings

Statistic Value
ZIP codes ranked 311
Highest value 83/100
Median value 30/100
State Montana

Top 100 Worst ZIP Codes

Rank ZIP Code City State EJ Index Safety Score
1 59923 Libby MT 83/100 62/100
2 59101 Billings MT 80/100 65/100
3 59003 Ashland MT 75/100 33/100
4 59401 Great Falls MT 70/100 56/100
5 59414 Black Eagle MT 70/100 68/100
6 59601 Helena MT 70/100 42/100
7 59035 Fort Smith MT 68/100 33/100
8 59425 Conrad MT 68/100 55/100
9 59522 Chester MT 68/100 64/100
10 59759 Whitehall MT 68/100 45/100
11 59858 Philipsburg MT 68/100 33/100
12 59631 Basin MT 64/100 69/100
13 59855 Pablo MT 62/100 64/100
14 59038 Hysham MT 60/100 56/100
15 59270 Sidney MT 60/100 45/100
16 59301 Miles City MT 60/100 54/100
17 59457 Lewistown MT 60/100 40/100
18 59501 Havre MT 60/100 44/100
19 59524 Dodson MT 60/100 69/100
20 59526 Harlem MT 60/100 40/100
21 59542 Turner MT 60/100 22/100
22 59648 Wolf Creek MT 60/100 34/100
23 59034 Hardin MT 58/100 56/100
24 59701 Butte MT 58/100 63/100
25 59711 Anaconda MT 58/100 59/100
26 59801 Missoula MT 58/100 69/100
27 59241 Hinsdale MT 55/100 41/100
28 59029 Fromberg MT 54/100 68/100
29 59032 Grass Range MT 54/100 67/100
30 59410 Augusta MT 54/100 68/100
31 59419 Bynum MT 54/100 62/100
32 59474 Shelby MT 54/100 64/100
33 59086 Wilsall MT 52/100 62/100
34 59446 Geraldine MT 52/100 65/100
35 59004 Ashland MT 50/100 33/100
36 59074 Ryegate MT 50/100 81/100
37 59102 Billings MT 50/100 70/100
38 59103 Billings MT 50/100 73/100
39 59104 Billings MT 50/100 75/100
40 59105 Billings MT 50/100 70/100
41 59106 Billings MT 50/100 70/100
42 59107 Billings MT 50/100 73/100
43 59108 Billings MT 50/100 73/100
44 59111 Billings MT 50/100 73/100
45 59112 Billings MT 50/100 73/100
46 59114 Billings MT 50/100 73/100
47 59115 Billings MT 50/100 73/100
48 59116 Billings MT 50/100 73/100
49 59117 Billings MT 50/100 73/100
50 59416 Brady MT 50/100 55/100
51 59430 Denton MT 50/100 45/100
52 59523 Chinook MT 50/100 49/100
53 59602 Helena MT 50/100 37/100
54 59604 Helena MT 50/100 47/100
55 59620 Helena MT 50/100 37/100
56 59623 Helena MT 50/100 37/100
57 59624 Helena MT 50/100 37/100
58 59625 Helena MT 50/100 37/100
59 59626 Helena MT 50/100 37/100
60 59635 East Helena MT 50/100 69/100
61 59845 Hot Springs MT 50/100 54/100
62 59456 Ledger MT 49/100 52/100
63 59913 Coram MT 49/100 63/100
64 59230 Glasgow MT 48/100 39/100
65 59353 Wibaux MT 48/100 69/100
66 59472 Sand Coulee MT 48/100 69/100
67 59750 Butte MT 48/100 59/100
68 59755 Virginia City MT 48/100 61/100
69 59639 Lincoln MT 46/100 61/100
70 59020 Cooke City MT 45/100 63/100
71 59444 Galata MT 45/100 54/100
72 59452 Hobson MT 45/100 65/100
73 59545 Whitlash MT 45/100 53/100
74 59935 Troy MT 45/100 70/100
75 59019 Columbus MT 44/100 59/100
76 59250 Opheim MT 44/100 65/100
77 59433 Dutton MT 44/100 65/100
78 59715 Bozeman MT 44/100 62/100
79 59829 Darby MT 44/100 66/100
80 59912 Columbia Falls MT 44/100 63/100
81 59054 Melstone MT 42/100 80/100
82 59337 Jordan MT 42/100 56/100
83 59405 Great Falls MT 42/100 56/100
84 59464 Moore MT 42/100 63/100
85 59645 White Sulphur Springs MT 42/100 62/100
86 59465 Neihart MT 40/100 58/100
87 59489 Winifred MT 40/100 65/100
88 59808 Missoula MT 40/100 64/100
89 59027 Emigrant MT 38/100 68/100
90 59030 Gardiner MT 38/100 70/100
91 59036 Harlowton MT 38/100 73/100
92 59087 Winnett MT 38/100 71/100
93 59252 Outlook MT 38/100 64/100
94 59411 Babb MT 38/100 61/100
95 59442 Fort Benton MT 38/100 61/100
96 59454 Kevin MT 38/100 43/100
97 59486 Valier MT 38/100 63/100
98 59487 Vaughn MT 38/100 67/100
99 59525 Gildford MT 38/100 55/100
100 59546 Zortman MT 38/100 64/100

Methodology

The Environmental Justice Index combines environmental risk factors (water violations, lead, flooding) with socioeconomic vulnerability indicators. Higher values indicate communities facing disproportionate environmental burden. This metric highlights areas where infrastructure investment and policy attention are most needed.

Data sources: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), FEMA National Flood Insurance Program, EPA radon zone maps, EIA electricity rates, and Consumer Confidence Reports. Last updated: 2026-04-13.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Environmental Justice Index?

The EJ Index identifies communities that face disproportionate environmental hazards relative to their socioeconomic resilience. Areas with high violation counts, aging infrastructure, AND vulnerable populations score highest. These areas need the most infrastructure investment.

Why does environmental justice matter for homebuyers?

High EJ Index areas often have deferred infrastructure maintenance, slower violation resolution, and less access to clean water alternatives. For homebuyers, this means potential hidden costs for water filtration, flood insurance, and home remediation.

Explore More Rankings

How this ranking is calculated, data sources, and limitations: Rankings Methodology →

Related Rankings

Water Safety 2026 EPA violations and water quality scores Lead Risk 2026 Lead pipe infrastructure and EPA exceedances Infrastructure 2026 Aging pipes, system age and remediation costs
Disclaimer: Rankings are based on EPA, FEMA, and federal agency data. They reflect historical patterns and risk indicators, not necessarily current conditions. For the most current information, contact your local water utility or request a Consumer Confidence Report.

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