Joliet - Scenic View

Joliet

The Carbon County Gateway

Population
613
County
Carbon County
Region
Central Montana
Elevation
3,734 ft
Top Industry
Retail
Nearest Hospital
Laurel Health Center (16.1 mi)
Zip Code
59041
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

✈️ Billings (BIL)
36 miles
~51m drive
✈️ Bozeman (BZN)
129 miles
~2h 23m drive
✈️ West Yellowstone (WYS)
142 miles
~2h 36m 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 Joliet represents the vast, enduring frontier spirit of Montana.

The history of Joliet 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 Joliet

  • Explore the Surrounding Wilderness: Joliet 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 Joliet 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: Joliet 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 Joliet

Because Joliet 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 Joliet as a scenic day-trip destination.
  • Camping: For outdoor enthusiasts, nearby public lands often provide beautiful, rustic camping options.
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Average Monthly Climate: Joliet

MonthAvg HighAvg LowPrecipSnow
Jan39°F23°F0.7"1.7"
Feb29°F11°F1.4"3.8"
Mar45°F24°F1.2"2.7"
Apr54°F31°F1.6"2.2"
May65°F43°F2.3"0.3"
Jun77°F52°F2.7"0"
Jul87°F59°F0.5"0"
Aug86°F60°F0.8"0"
Sep76°F51°F1.1"0.2"
Oct55°F36°F2.3"2.6"
Nov45°F28°F0.8"1.4"
Dec38°F23°F0.7"1.7"

Housing & Cost of Living

$486,408
Typical Home Value
Census (2019–23): $237,100
$75,469
Median Household Income
National Rankings
Home Value84th percentile
Income64th percentile
Affordability Ratio (home price ÷ income)6.4xExpensive
Percentile among ~21,000 U.S. cities. Higher = more expensive (home/rent) or higher earning (income).
Housing Availability
Updated Jan 2026
11
Homes for Sale
10% vs last year
259
Total Housing Units
7.7%
Vacancy Rate
Employment & Economy
ACS 5-Year 2019–2023
0%
Unemployment Rate
MT avg: ~3.5%
66.5%
Labor Force Participation
329
Employed Residents
Top Industries
Retail
21.3%
Education & Healthcare
17.6%
Tourism & Hospitality
14.9%
Home values from Zillow ZHVI (Jan 2026). Inventory, list prices & new listings from Zillow Research (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.
🏫
Joliet Public Schools
~200 students
Grad Rate
93%
Graduation rate: OPI/NCES 2022–23. MT state avg: ~87%.

Outdoor Recreation Near Joliet

9.6/10
World-Class
360 sites within 50 mi
18 categories
🏔️1🌲1🏕️1🌳3🏞️245🎣3⛷️120🥾12💧5🐟25🏛️12📜56🛣️1🦅12🏞️1👀6
Must-See Highlights
🏔️
Yellowstone National Park (North Entrance)
National Parks90 mi
🌲
Custer-Gallatin NF
National Forests26 mi
🏕️
Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness
Wilderness36 mi
🌳
Cooney State Park
State Parks11 mi
🏞️
South Pond
Lakes15 mi
🎣
Yellowstone River (Columbus)
Rivers17 mi
⛷️
Red Lodge Mountain
Ski Areas27 mi
💧
Calamity Falls
Waterfalls35 mi
🛣️
Beartooth Highway
Scenic Drives40 mi
🏞️
Bighorn Canyon NRA
Rec Areas46 mi

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

Joliet in Our Rankings & Guides

Moving GuideBest Fly Fishing TownsBest for Retirees
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