2026 Rankings

Worst ZIP Codes for Homebuyers in Montana — 2026

Last updated: April 13, 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 36/100
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 59230 Glasgow MT 62/100 39/100
3 59241 Hinsdale MT 62/100 41/100
4 59457 Lewistown MT 60/100 40/100
5 59301 Miles City MT 58/100 54/100
6 59353 Wibaux MT 58/100 69/100
7 59430 Denton MT 58/100 45/100
8 59524 Dodson MT 58/100 69/100
9 59542 Turner MT 58/100 22/100
10 59625 Helena MT 58/100 37/100
11 59858 Philipsburg MT 57/100 33/100
12 59248 Nashua MT 56/100 43/100
13 59526 Harlem MT 56/100 40/100
14 59756 Warm Springs MT 56/100 54/100
15 59035 Fort Smith MT 55/100 33/100
16 59522 Chester MT 55/100 64/100
17 59648 Wolf Creek MT 55/100 34/100
18 59755 Virginia City MT 55/100 61/100
19 59038 Hysham MT 54/100 56/100
20 59416 Brady MT 54/100 55/100
21 59425 Conrad MT 54/100 55/100
22 59222 Flaxville MT 53/100 56/100
23 59419 Bynum MT 53/100 62/100
24 59484 Sweet Grass MT 53/100 28/100
25 59523 Chinook MT 53/100 49/100
26 59003 Ashland MT 52/100 33/100
27 59450 Highwood MT 52/100 65/100
28 59501 Havre MT 52/100 44/100
29 59759 Whitehall MT 52/100 45/100
30 59050 Lodge Grass MT 51/100 67/100
31 59270 Sidney MT 51/100 45/100
32 59433 Dutton MT 51/100 65/100
33 59446 Geraldine MT 51/100 65/100
34 59001 Absarokee MT 50/100 64/100
35 59401 Great Falls MT 50/100 56/100
36 59472 Sand Coulee MT 50/100 69/100
37 59474 Shelby MT 50/100 64/100
38 59601 Helena MT 50/100 42/100
39 59923 Libby MT 50/100 62/100
40 59068 Red Lodge MT 49/100 64/100
41 59041 Joliet MT 48/100 61/100
42 59483 Sun River MT 48/100 65/100
43 59545 Whitlash MT 48/100 53/100
44 59547 Zurich MT 48/100 53/100
45 59722 Deer Lodge MT 48/100 58/100
46 59072 Roundup MT 47/100 48/100
47 59101 Billings MT 47/100 65/100
48 59410 Augusta MT 47/100 68/100
49 59645 White Sulphur Springs MT 47/100 62/100
50 59034 Hardin MT 46/100 56/100
51 59053 Martinsdale MT 46/100 64/100
52 59261 Saco MT 46/100 70/100
53 59337 Jordan MT 46/100 56/100
54 59456 Ledger MT 46/100 52/100
55 59482 Sunburst MT 46/100 64/100
56 59489 Winifred MT 46/100 65/100
57 59602 Helena MT 46/100 37/100
58 59008 Belfry MT 45/100 70/100
59 59019 Columbus MT 45/100 59/100
60 59027 Emigrant MT 45/100 68/100
61 59414 Black Eagle MT 45/100 68/100
62 59420 Carter MT 45/100 51/100
63 59845 Hot Springs MT 45/100 54/100
64 59855 Pablo MT 45/100 64/100
65 59047 Livingston MT 44/100 60/100
66 59071 Roscoe MT 44/100 53/100
67 59086 Wilsall MT 44/100 62/100
68 59102 Billings MT 44/100 70/100
69 59250 Opheim MT 44/100 65/100
70 59405 Great Falls MT 44/100 56/100
71 59427 Cut Bank MT 44/100 64/100
72 59442 Fort Benton MT 44/100 61/100
73 59454 Kevin MT 44/100 43/100
74 59829 Darby MT 44/100 66/100
75 59032 Grass Range MT 43/100 67/100
76 59036 Harlowton MT 43/100 73/100
77 59263 Scobey MT 43/100 51/100
78 59330 Glendive MT 43/100 66/100
79 59344 Plevna MT 43/100 64/100
80 59404 Great Falls MT 43/100 51/100
81 59444 Galata MT 43/100 54/100

Methodology

The Home Purchase Risk Score combines area indicators that may lead to added costs for homebuyers: water system violation records, lead service line indicators, county radon potential, flood zones and housing age. An indicator does not mean a home needs filtration, mitigation, insurance or upgrades; a home test or inspection decides that. 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: 2026-04-13.

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 service-line indicators and system-level action-level 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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