Stanford - Scenic View

Stanford

The Judith Basin Gateway

Quick Facts
Population
268
County
Judith Basin County
Region
Central Montana
Elevation
4,275 ft
Top Industry
Agriculture & Mining
Nearest Hospital
Central Montana Medical Center (37.6 mi)
Zip Code
59479
Area Code
406
Time Zone
Mountain Time (MT)
Industry: Census ACS 5-Year 2019–2023 · Hospital: MT DPHHS 2024
Current Weather
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Airport Distances

Nearest Major Airports

✈️ Great Falls (GTF)
70 miles
~1h 25m drive
✈️ Helena (HLN)
110 miles
~2h 4m drive
🛩️ Havre (HVR)
118 miles
~2h 12m drive

Map & Nearby

Explore Stanford on the interactive map with 3 nearby towns and 7 highlighted recreation sites. Use the zoom controls or select a recreation item to focus it on the map.

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Outdoor Recreation Near Stanford
History & Heritage

History & Heritage

The quiet town of Stanford represents the vast, enduring frontier spirit of Montana.

The history of Stanford 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.

Official historic markers tied to Stanford in our statewide dataset. Expand the list to read inscriptions and follow links to full pages or deep reads where available. Browse Judith Basin County on the map · History trails

No markers are matched to Stanford in our dataset yet. Use the map below to explore nearby markers by county, or open the full explorer.

Historic markers map

Open the interactive map filtered to Stanford. The view zooms to the markers for this community.

Open map zoomed to Stanford

Events & Festivals in Stanford

Annual gatherings tied to Stanford — check official sites for tickets and current dates.

Montana statewide events & festivals calendar

View all Montana events · Where to stay in Stanford

Quick Facts

  • Population: ~TBD
  • County: TBD County
  • Elevation: TBD ft
  • Known For: Historical agricultural roots, stunning Montana landscapes, and quiet small-town charm.

Top Things to Do in Stanford

  • Explore the Surrounding Wilderness: Stanford 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 Stanford 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: Stanford 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 Stanford

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

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Shop Stanford Gear

Shop Stanford Gear

Stanford Climate

Average Monthly Climate: Stanford

MonthAvg HighAvg LowPrecipSnow
Jan38°F22°F1"2.4"
Feb28°F11°F1.6"4.4"
Mar40°F22°F1"2.4"
Apr48°F30°F2.7"5.1"
May59°F41°F3.3"1.4"
Jun71°F50°F2.6"0"
Jul81°F59°F0.9"0"
Aug80°F58°F1.1"0"
Sep71°F50°F1.9"0.7"
Oct52°F35°F2.1"3.3"
Nov43°F26°F1.2"2.4"
Dec36°F21°F1.1"2.7"
Housing & Economy

Housing & Cost of Living

$247,987
Typical Home Value
Census (2019–23): $170,100
$425/mo
Median Rent
$52,045
Median Household Income
National Rankings
Home Value42nd percentile
Rent1st percentile
Income28th percentile
Affordability Ratio (home price ÷ income)4.8xModerate
Percentile among ~21,000 U.S. cities. Higher = more expensive (home/rent) or higher earning (income).
Housing Availability
Updated Jan 2026
5
Homes for Sale
180
Total Housing Units
17.8%
Vacancy Rate
Employment & Economy
ACS 5-Year 2019–2023
0%
Unemployment Rate
MT avg: ~3.5%
50%
Labor Force Participation
128
Employed Residents
Top Industries
Agriculture & Mining
18.8%
Education & Healthcare
17.2%
Finance & Real Estate
15.6%
Home values from Zillow ZHVI (May 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.
Schools
🏫
Stanford Public Schools
~100 students
Grad Rate
93%
Graduation rate: OPI/NCES 2022–23. MT state avg: ~87%.
Scenic Drives Near Stanford

Scenic Drives Near Stanford

Stanford is located along or near a scenic corridor in Montana.

Stanford in Rankings & Guides
Compare Stanford with Another Town
View Stanford in the site graph

Explore Nearby Destinations

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