Lavina - Scenic View

Lavina

The Golden Valley Gateway

Population
134
County
Golden Valley County
Region
Central Montana
Elevation
3,442 ft
Top Industry
Education & Healthcare
Nearest Hospital
Roundup Memorial Healthcare (21.5 mi)
Zip Code
59046
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)
46 miles
~1h 1m drive
✈️ Bozeman (BZN)
134 miles
~2h 29m drive
✈️ Great Falls (GTF)
169 miles
~3h 4m 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 Lavina represents the vast, enduring frontier spirit of Montana.

The history of Lavina 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 Lavina

  • Explore the Surrounding Wilderness: Lavina 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 Lavina 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: Lavina 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 Lavina

Because Lavina 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 Lavina 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: Lavina

MonthAvg HighAvg LowPrecipSnow
Jan39°F21°F0.6"1.4"
Feb30°F10°F1.2"3"
Mar44°F22°F0.8"1.7"
Apr53°F31°F1.9"2"
May65°F43°F2.4"0.3"
Jun77°F53°F2.3"0"
Jul87°F60°F0.7"0"
Aug86°F60°F0.8"0"
Sep76°F50°F1.3"0.1"
Oct56°F35°F1.5"1.8"
Nov46°F26°F0.7"1.2"
Dec38°F19°F0.6"1.5"

Housing & Cost of Living

$231,330
Typical Home Value
Census (2019–23): $123,600
$725/mo
Median Rent
$66,875
Median Household Income
National Rankings
Home Value41st percentile
Rent20th percentile
Income52nd percentile
Affordability Ratio (home price ÷ income)3.5xModerate
Percentile among ~21,000 U.S. cities. Higher = more expensive (home/rent) or higher earning (income).
Housing Availability
68
Total Housing Units
13.2%
Vacancy Rate
Employment & Economy
ACS 5-Year 2019–2023
0%
Unemployment Rate
MT avg: ~3.5%
68.4%
Labor Force Participation
78
Employed Residents
Top Industries
Education & Healthcare
38.5%
Transportation
17.9%
Manufacturing
12.8%
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.
🏫
Lavina Public Schools
~50 students

Outdoor Recreation Near Lavina

8.6/10
Excellent
70 sites within 50 mi
13 categories
🌲1🏕️1🌳3🏞️10🎣3♨️15🐟10🏛️10📜78🦅10👀1
Must-See Highlights
🌲
Custer-Gallatin NF
National Forests61 mi
🏕️
Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness
Wilderness83 mi
🌳
Lake Elmo State Park
State Parks41 mi
🏞️
Deadmans Basin Reservoir
Lakes23 mi
🎣
Musselshell River
Rivers25 mi
♨️
Gigantic Warm Spring
Hot Springs65 mi
🦅
Hailstone NWR
Wildlife9 mi
📜
Chief Joseph
Historic15 mi
Pine Ridge Golf Club
Golf21 mi
🏛️
Musselshell Valley Historical Museum
Museums22 mi

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

Lavina in Our Rankings & Guides

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