Sidney - Scenic View

Sidney

The Sunrise City

Population
6,171
County
Richland County
Region
Eastern Montana
Elevation
1,939 ft
Top Industry
Education & Healthcare
Nearest Hospital
Sidney Health Center (in town)
Zip Code
59270
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

🛩️ Sidney (SDY)
5 miles
~17m drive
🛩️ Glendive (GDV)
60 miles
~1h 15m drive
🛩️ Wolf Point (OLF)
85 miles
~1h 39m 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 Sidney represents the vast, enduring frontier spirit of Montana.

The history of Sidney 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 Sidney

  • Explore the Surrounding Wilderness: Sidney 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 Sidney 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: Sidney 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 Sidney

Because Sidney 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 Sidney 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: Sidney

MonthAvg HighAvg LowPrecipSnow
Jan31°F14°F0.6"1.2"
Feb27°F7°F0.7"1.7"
Mar41°F19°F0.5"1.1"
Apr51°F30°F1.7"2.9"
May66°F43°F2.8"0.1"
Jun79°F56°F1.8"0"
Jul85°F62°F1.6"0"
Aug84°F60°F1.1"0"
Sep74°F52°F2.2"0"
Oct54°F36°F1.7"1.8"
Nov41°F23°F0.6"1.1"
Dec31°F14°F0.8"1.9"

Housing & Cost of Living

$257,663
Typical Home Value
Census (2019–23): $249,100
$890/mo
Median Rent
$62,992
Median Household Income
National Rankings
Home Value49th percentile
Rent43rd percentile
Income47th percentile
Affordability Ratio (home price ÷ income)4.1xModerate
Percentile among ~21,000 U.S. cities. Higher = more expensive (home/rent) or higher earning (income).
Housing Availability
Updated Jan 2026
24
Homes for Sale
4.3% vs last year
$278,333
Median List Price
6
New Listings/Month
3,260
Total Housing Units
20.2%
Vacancy Rate
Employment & Economy
ACS 5-Year 2019–2023
4.1%
Unemployment Rate
MT avg: ~3.5%
72.3%
Labor Force Participation
3,468
Employed Residents
Top Industries
Education & Healthcare
13.9%
Retail
11.4%
Tourism & Hospitality
11%
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.
🏫
Sidney Public Schools
~1,200 students
Grad Rate
91%
Graduation rate: OPI/NCES 2022–23. MT state avg: ~87%.

Outdoor Recreation Near Sidney

7.2/10
Very Good
32 sites within 50 mi
7 categories
🌳1🏞️102🏛️9📜11🦅8
Must-See Highlights
🌳
Makoshika State Park
State Parks50 mi
🏞️
Factory Lake
Lakes1 mi
🏛️
MonDak Heritage Center
Museums0 mi
Bagnell RV Park
Campgrounds1 mi
Sidney Country Club
Golf2 mi
🦅
Seven Sisters Wildlife Management Area
Wildlife11 mi
🏞️
Gartside Reservoir
Lakes11 mi
🦅
Elk Island Wildlife Management Area
Wildlife17 mi
🏞️
Flecher Reservoir
Lakes18 mi
🏛️
Savage Museum
Museums20 mi

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

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