2026 Rankings

Worst ZIP Codes for Homebuyers in Montana — 2026

Last updated: July 19, 2026

405 ZIP codes ranked by Purchase Risk #1: ZIP 59029 (Fromberg, MT) - 66/100
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 405 ZIP codes with data in Montana, these are the highest-ranked areas for purchase risk. See also: National Worst ZIP Codes for Homebuyers — Hidden Risk Factors | All Montana Rankings

Statistic Value
ZIP codes ranked 405
Highest value 66/100
Median value 35/100
State Montana

Top 100 Worst ZIP Codes

Rank ZIP Code City State Purchase Risk Safety Score
1 59029 Fromberg MT 66/100 68/100
2 59004 Ashland MT 63/100 33/100
3 59230 Glasgow MT 62/100 39/100
4 59241 Hinsdale MT 62/100 41/100
5 59457 Lewistown MT 60/100 40/100
6 59301 Miles City MT 58/100 54/100
7 59353 Wibaux MT 58/100 69/100
8 59430 Denton MT 58/100 45/100
9 59542 Turner MT 58/100 22/100
10 59524 Dodson MT 57/100 69/100
11 59604 Helena MT 57/100 47/100
12 59620 Helena MT 57/100 37/100
13 59623 Helena MT 57/100 37/100
14 59624 Helena MT 57/100 37/100
15 59625 Helena MT 57/100 37/100
16 59626 Helena MT 57/100 37/100
17 59858 Philipsburg MT 57/100 33/100
18 59248 Nashua MT 56/100 43/100
19 59526 Harlem MT 56/100 40/100
20 59035 Fort Smith MT 55/100 33/100
21 59522 Chester MT 55/100 64/100
22 59523 Chinook MT 55/100 49/100
23 59648 Wolf Creek MT 55/100 34/100
24 59755 Virginia City MT 55/100 61/100
25 59756 Warm Springs MT 55/100 54/100
26 59038 Hysham MT 54/100 56/100
27 59501 Havre MT 54/100 44/100
28 59222 Flaxville MT 53/100 56/100
29 59416 Brady MT 53/100 55/100
30 59425 Conrad MT 53/100 55/100
31 59484 Sweet Grass MT 53/100 28/100
32 59003 Ashland MT 52/100 33/100
33 59419 Bynum MT 52/100 62/100
34 59450 Highwood MT 52/100 65/100
35 59474 Shelby MT 52/100 64/100
36 59050 Lodge Grass MT 51/100 67/100
37 59270 Sidney MT 51/100 45/100
38 59446 Geraldine MT 51/100 65/100
39 59759 Whitehall MT 51/100 45/100
40 59001 Absarokee MT 50/100 64/100
41 59433 Dutton MT 50/100 65/100
42 59472 Sand Coulee MT 50/100 69/100
43 59547 Zurich MT 50/100 53/100
44 59601 Helena MT 50/100 42/100
45 59923 Libby MT 50/100 62/100
46 59068 Red Lodge MT 49/100 64/100
47 59401 Great Falls MT 49/100 56/100
48 59041 Joliet MT 48/100 61/100
49 59483 Sun River MT 48/100 65/100
50 59545 Whitlash MT 48/100 53/100
51 59722 Deer Lodge MT 48/100 58/100
52 59072 Roundup MT 47/100 48/100
53 59101 Billings MT 47/100 65/100
54 59103 Billings MT 47/100 73/100
55 59104 Billings MT 47/100 75/100
56 59107 Billings MT 47/100 73/100
57 59108 Billings MT 47/100 73/100
58 59111 Billings MT 47/100 73/100
59 59112 Billings MT 47/100 73/100
60 59114 Billings MT 47/100 73/100
61 59115 Billings MT 47/100 73/100
62 59116 Billings MT 47/100 73/100
63 59117 Billings MT 47/100 73/100
64 59645 White Sulphur Springs MT 47/100 62/100
65 59034 Hardin MT 46/100 56/100
66 59053 Martinsdale MT 46/100 64/100
67 59261 Saco MT 46/100 70/100
68 59337 Jordan MT 46/100 56/100
69 59410 Augusta MT 46/100 68/100
70 59456 Ledger MT 46/100 52/100
71 59482 Sunburst MT 46/100 64/100
72 59489 Winifred MT 46/100 65/100
73 59602 Helena MT 46/100 37/100
74 59008 Belfry MT 45/100 70/100
75 59019 Columbus MT 45/100 59/100
76 59027 Emigrant MT 45/100 68/100
77 59414 Black Eagle MT 45/100 68/100
78 59427 Cut Bank MT 45/100 64/100
79 59454 Kevin MT 45/100 43/100
80 59465 Neihart MT 45/100 58/100
81 59525 Gildford MT 45/100 55/100
82 59845 Hot Springs MT 45/100 54/100
83 59855 Pablo MT 45/100 64/100
84 59047 Livingston MT 44/100 60/100
85 59071 Roscoe MT 44/100 53/100
86 59086 Wilsall MT 44/100 62/100
87 59102 Billings MT 44/100 70/100
88 59250 Opheim MT 44/100 65/100
89 59420 Carter MT 44/100 51/100
90 59442 Fort Benton MT 44/100 61/100
91 59032 Grass Range MT 43/100 67/100
92 59036 Harlowton MT 43/100 73/100
93 59263 Scobey MT 43/100 51/100
94 59330 Glendive MT 43/100 66/100
95 59344 Plevna MT 43/100 64/100
96 59404 Great Falls MT 43/100 51/100
97 59405 Great Falls MT 43/100 56/100
98 59444 Galata MT 43/100 54/100
99 59480 Stockett MT 43/100 65/100
100 59486 Valier MT 43/100 63/100

Methodology

The Home Purchase Risk Score combines environmental hazards that create unexpected costs for homebuyers: water system violations requiring filtration, lead service lines requiring replacement, radon requiring mitigation systems, flood zones requiring insurance, and aging infrastructure requiring upgrades. These are factors that standard home inspections may not fully capture.

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: 2026-07-19.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Home Purchase Risk Score?

This score (0-100) estimates the hidden environmental costs a homebuyer may face: water filtration needs, lead pipe replacement, radon mitigation, flood insurance, and infrastructure upgrades. Higher scores mean more potential unexpected expenses after purchase.

What should homebuyers do in high-risk ZIP codes?

Request a water quality test, check for lead service lines with the utility, test for radon before closing, verify FEMA flood zone designation, and factor in potential remediation costs ($5,000-$30,000+) to your budget.

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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