Malta - Scenic View

Malta

The Dinosaur Trail Town

Population
2,100
County
Phillips County
Region
Eastern Montana
Elevation
2,254 ft
Top Industry
Education & Healthcare
Nearest Hospital
Phillips County Hospital (in town)
Zip Code
59538
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

🛩️ Glasgow (GGW)
70 miles
~1h 25m drive
🛩️ Havre (HVR)
105 miles
~2h drive
🛩️ Wolf Point (OLF)
129 miles
~2h 23m 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 Malta represents the vast, enduring frontier spirit of Montana.

The history of Malta 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 Malta

  • Explore the Surrounding Wilderness: Malta 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 Malta 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: Malta 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 Malta

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

Average Monthly Climate — Malta

MonthAvg HighAvg LowPrecipSnow
Jan33°F15°F0.5"0.9"
Feb28°F8°F0.8"2"
Mar40°F19°F0.7"1.4"
Apr53°F30°F1.1"1.4"
May66°F43°F1.6"0.4"
Jun78°F55°F2.5"0"
Jul86°F61°F0.9"0"
Aug84°F60°F0.9"0"
Sep74°F51°F1.4"0.2"
Oct55°F35°F1.2"1"
Nov41°F23°F0.9"1.9"
Dec31°F13°F0.7"1.6"

Housing & Cost of Living

$230,768
Typical Home Value
Census (2019–23): $139,000
$693/mo
Median Rent
$59,449
Median Household Income
National Rankings
Home Value41st percentile
Rent16th percentile
Income41st percentile
Affordability Ratio (home price ÷ income)3.9xModerate
Percentile among ~21,000 U.S. cities. Higher = more expensive (home/rent) or higher earning (income).
Housing Availability
Updated Jan 2026
15
Homes for Sale
25% vs last year
931
Total Housing Units
10.1%
Vacancy Rate
Employment & Economy
ACS 5-Year 2019–2023
0%
Unemployment Rate
MT avg: ~3.5%
58.2%
Labor Force Participation
883
Employed Residents
Top Industries
Education & Healthcare
20.5%
Tourism & Hospitality
19.9%
Retail
12.9%
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.
🏫
Malta Public Schools
~400 students
Grad Rate
89%
Graduation rate: OPI/NCES 2022–23. MT state avg: ~87%.

Outdoor Recreation Near Malta

6.7/10
Very Good
108 sites within 50 mi
6 categories
🏞️81♨️12🏛️3📜1🦅20
Must-See Highlights
🏞️
Nelson Reservoir
Lakes18 mi
♨️
Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs
Hot Springs37 mi
🏛️
Phillips County Museum
Museums0 mi
🏛️
Great Plains Dinosaur Museum
Museums0 mi
📜
Early Day Outlaws
Historic4 mi
🦅
Bowdoin NWR
Wildlife10 mi
🦅
Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge
Wildlife11 mi
🦅
Hewitt Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Wildlife17 mi
🦅
Dodson Creek Wildlife Management Area
Wildlife17 mi
🏞️
Hewitt Lake
Lakes18 mi

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

Malta in Our Rankings & Guides

Moving GuideBest for Young Professionals
Compare Malta with Another Town

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