Poplar - Scenic View

Poplar

The Fort Peck Reservation Town

Population
635
County
Roosevelt County
Region
Eastern Montana
Elevation
1,995 ft
Top Industry
Education & Healthcare
Nearest Hospital
Poplar Community Hospital (in town)
Zip Code
59255
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

🛩️ Wolf Point (OLF)
21 miles
~35m drive
🛩️ Sidney (SDY)
65 miles
~1h 20m drive
🛩️ Glasgow (GGW)
79 miles
~1h 33m 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 Poplar represents the vast, enduring frontier spirit of Montana.

The history of Poplar 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 Poplar

  • Explore the Surrounding Wilderness: Poplar 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 Poplar 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: Poplar 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 Poplar

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

Average Monthly Climate — Poplar

MonthAvg HighAvg LowPrecipSnow
Jan29°F12°F0.5"1"
Feb25°F6°F0.7"1.8"
Mar39°F18°F0.5"1.1"
Apr51°F29°F1.4"2.3"
May66°F43°F2.1"0.3"
Jun78°F56°F2.3"0"
Jul85°F61°F1.3"0"
Aug83°F60°F0.9"0"
Sep73°F51°F2"0"
Oct53°F35°F1.4"1.4"
Nov39°F22°F0.8"1.4"
Dec29°F12°F0.7"1.7"

Housing & Cost of Living

$91,700
Median Home Value
$680/mo
Median Rent
$45,104
Median Household Income
National Rankings
Home Value17th percentile
Rent15th percentile
Income17th percentile
Affordability Ratio (home price ÷ income)2xAffordable
Percentile among ~21,000 U.S. cities. Higher = more expensive (home/rent) or higher earning (income).
Housing Availability
334
Total Housing Units
36.2%
Vacancy Rate
Employment & Economy
ACS 5-Year 2019–2023
7.5%
Unemployment Rate
MT avg: ~3.5%
39.3%
Labor Force Participation
184
Employed Residents
Top Industries
Education & Healthcare
58.2%
Government
18.5%
Professional Services
6.5%
Income, home values,, 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.
🏫
Poplar Public Schools
~500 students
Grad Rate
58%
Graduation rate: OPI/NCES 2022–23. MT state avg: ~87%.

Outdoor Recreation Near Poplar

5.4/10
Good
31 sites within 50 mi
5 categories
🏞️111🏛️102🦅7
Must-See Highlights
🏞️
McIlwain Lake
Lakes16 mi
🏛️
Poplar Museum
Museums1 mi
🏛️
Fort Peck Tribal Museum
Museums1 mi
Airport Golf Club
Golf17 mi
🏛️
Wolf Point Area Historical Society Museum
Museums20 mi
🏛️
Wolf Point Area Museum
Museums20 mi
🏛️
Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame
Museums20 mi
Homestad RV & Camping
Campgrounds22 mi
🏛️
Culbertson Museum
Museums33 mi
🏛️
Richey Historical Museum
Museums33 mi

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

Poplar in Our Rankings & Guides

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Wolf PointCulbertsonRichey

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