Geraldine - Scenic View

Geraldine

The Square Butte Gateway

Population
317
County
Chouteau County
Region
Central Montana
Elevation
3,143 ft
Top Industry
Education & Healthcare
Nearest Hospital
Missouri River Medical Center (23.6 mi)
Zip Code
59446
Area Code
406
Time Zone
Mountain Time (MT)
Industry: Census ACS 5-Year 2019–2023 · Hospital: MT DPHHS 2024
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Nearest Major Airports

✈️ Great Falls (GTF)
63 miles
~1h 17m drive
🛩️ Havre (HVR)
83 miles
~1h 37m drive
✈️ Helena (HLN)
127 miles
~2h 22m drive

Quick Facts

  • Population: ~TBD (Source: U.S. Census Bureau estimates)
  • County: TBD County
  • Elevation: TBD ft
  • Known For: Historical agricultural roots, stunning Montana landscapes, and quiet small-town charm.

History & Heritage

The quiet town of Geraldine represents the vast, enduring frontier spirit of Montana.

The history of Geraldine is closely tied to the pioneering spirit of early Montana. Founded during the homesteading or railroad eras, the town grew as a central hub for the surrounding farmers and ranchers who worked the expansive plains and river valleys. Today, it retains its deep agricultural heritage and stands as a testament to the resilience of rural Montana communities.

Top Things to Do in Geraldine

  • Explore the Surrounding Wilderness: Geraldine serves as a fantastic, quiet basecamp for exploring the vast public lands, rivers, and mountain ranges that define this region of Montana.
  • Experience Local Culture: Visit the local businesses, cafes, and historic sites in town to experience the genuine, welcoming hospitality of a classic Montana ranching community.
  • Hunting and Fishing: The surrounding agricultural fields, prairies, and waterways provide excellent, uncrowded opportunities for seasonal hunting and fishing.

Local Industry & Economy

The economy of Geraldine is primarily driven by agriculture. The vast expanses of land surrounding the town are dedicated to cattle ranching and dryland farming (primarily wheat, barley, and hay). Small, locally-owned businesses provide essential services and goods to the community, while the local school district often serves as one of the primary civic anchors and employers in town.

Getting There & Nearby Destinations

  • Getting There: Geraldine is accessible via Montana's network of scenic state highways and local county roads, offering a beautiful drive no matter which direction you approach from.
  • Nearby Destinations:
    • Regional Hubs: Larger neighboring cities offer comprehensive dining, shopping, and commercial airports.
    • State Parks and Public Lands: Visitors can easily take day trips to nearby state parks, national forests, or wildlife refuges.

Where to Stay in Geraldine

Because Geraldine is a smaller, residential community, traditional commercial lodging can be limited.

  • Local Motels: There may be small, independent motels in or near town offering basic accommodations for highway travelers and hunters.
  • Nearby Cities: Many visitors choose to stay in larger regional hubs a short drive away, utilizing Geraldine as a scenic day-trip destination.
  • Camping: For outdoor enthusiasts, nearby public lands often provide beautiful, rustic camping options.

Average Monthly Climate — Geraldine

MonthAvg HighAvg LowPrecipSnow
Jan39°F23°F0.9"1.8"
Feb29°F12°F1.4"3.7"
Mar42°F24°F0.9"1.8"
Apr51°F32°F2.3"3.6"
May63°F44°F2.6"0.6"
Jun74°F54°F2.1"0"
Jul85°F61°F0.4"0"
Aug83°F60°F0.9"0"
Sep74°F51°F1.6"0.7"
Oct55°F37°F1.7"2.4"
Nov44°F27°F1.3"2.4"
Dec37°F20°F1"2.5"

Housing & Cost of Living

$246,604
Typical Home Value
Census (2019–23): $73,300
$572/mo
Median Rent
$42,639
Median Household Income
National Rankings
Home Value46th percentile
Rent6th percentile
Income14th percentile
Affordability Ratio (home price ÷ income)5.8xExpensive
Percentile among ~21,000 U.S. cities. Higher = more expensive (home/rent) or higher earning (income).
Housing Availability
159
Total Housing Units
18.9%
Vacancy Rate
Employment & Economy
ACS 5-Year 2019–2023
2.1%
Unemployment Rate
MT avg: ~3.5%
41.5%
Labor Force Participation
95
Employed Residents
Top Industries
Education & Healthcare
25.3%
Finance & Real Estate
16.8%
Transportation
13.7%
Home values from Zillow ZHVI (Jan 2026). Income, vacancy,, employment, industry, from U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year 2019–2023. Data may not reflect current conditions. Check Zillow for the latest market data.
🏫
Geraldine Public Schools
~60 students

Outdoor Recreation Near Geraldine

9.3/10
World-Class
107 sites within 50 mi
15 categories
🏕️1🌳3🏞️12🎣1⛷️228🥾1💧4🚣1🏛️15📜174🛣️1🦅13👀4
Must-See Highlights
🏕️
Gates of the Mountains Wilderness
Wilderness91 mi
🌳
First Peoples Buffalo Jump
State Parks38 mi
🏞️
Phantom Coulee Reservoir
Lakes6 mi
🎣
Missouri River (Great Falls)
Rivers48 mi
⛷️
Bear Paw Ski Bowl
Ski Areas41 mi
💧
Wolf Creek Falls
Waterfalls28 mi
🛣️
Kings Hill Scenic Byway
Scenic Drives54 mi
🏞️
Little Phantom Lake
Lakes8 mi
🦅
Square Butte Wilderness Study Area
Wildlife10 mi
🏞️
Lost Lake
Lakes10 mi

Distances are straight-line estimates. Driving distances may be longer. Data: OpenStreetMap contributors & editorial research.

Geraldine in Our Rankings & Guides

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