Superior - Scenic View

Superior

The Mineral County Seat

Population
896
County
Mineral County
Region
Western Montana
Elevation
2,759 ft
Top Industry
Education & Healthcare
Nearest Hospital
Mineral Community Hospital (in town)
Zip Code
59872
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

✈️ Missoula (MSO)
51 miles
~1h 5m drive
✈️ Kalispell (FCA)
99 miles
~1h 54m drive
✈️ Butte (BTM)
171 miles
~3h 5m 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 Superior represents the vast, enduring frontier spirit of Montana.

The history of Superior 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 Superior

  • Explore the Surrounding Wilderness: Superior 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 Superior 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: Superior 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 Superior

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

Average Monthly Climate — Superior

MonthAvg HighAvg LowPrecipSnow
Jan39°F23°F2.4"5.3"
Feb36°F18°F2.5"5.9"
Mar46°F25°F1.6"3.1"
Apr54°F32°F2"2.7"
May66°F41°F2.6"0.3"
Jun74°F49°F2.2"0"
Jul87°F56°F0.4"0"
Aug85°F57°F1.1"0"
Sep74°F49°F1.5"0.2"
Oct59°F37°F2"1.8"
Nov45°F29°F2.6"2.7"
Dec39°F24°F2.5"5.3"

Housing & Cost of Living

$363,467
Typical Home Value
Census (2019–23): $260,300
$682/mo
Median Rent
$43,750
Median Household Income
National Rankings
Home Value71st percentile
Rent15th percentile
Income15th percentile
Affordability Ratio (home price ÷ income)8.3xVery Expensive
Percentile among ~21,000 U.S. cities. Higher = more expensive (home/rent) or higher earning (income).
Housing Availability
Updated Jan 2026
8
Homes for Sale
66.7% vs last year
521
Total Housing Units
12.3%
Vacancy Rate
Employment & Economy
ACS 5-Year 2019–2023
6.9%
Unemployment Rate
MT avg: ~3.5%
41.7%
Labor Force Participation
324
Employed Residents
Top Industries
Education & Healthcare
28.4%
Professional Services
15.4%
Retail
9.9%
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.
🏫
Superior Public Schools
~250 students
Grad Rate
86%
Graduation rate: OPI/NCES 2022–23. MT state avg: ~87%.

Outdoor Recreation Near Superior

9.5/10
World-Class
231 sites within 50 mi
20 categories
🏔️1🌲2🏕️8🌳6🏞️42🏢8🎣1♨️5⛷️230🥾37💧4🐟19🚣2🏛️19📜1210🛣️1🦅19👀3
Must-See Highlights
🏔️
Glacier National Park (West Glacier)
National Parks100 mi
🌲
Lolo National Forest
National Forests41 mi
🏕️
Rattlesnake Wilderness
Wilderness48 mi
🌳
Thompson Falls State Park
State Parks35 mi
🏞️
Deep Creek Lake
Lakes12 mi
🎣
Clark Fork River
Rivers48 mi
🏢
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation HQ & Visitor Center
National Headquarters42 mi
♨️
Quinn's Hot Springs
Hot Springs10 mi
⛷️
Snowbowl
Ski Areas37 mi
💧
Sweathouse Falls
Waterfalls44 mi

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

Superior in Our Rankings & Guides

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