Valier - Scenic View

Valier

The Lake Frances Town

Population
573
County
Pondera County
Region
Central Montana
Elevation
3,819 ft
Top Industry
Education & Healthcare
Nearest Hospital
Pondera Medical Center (16.8 mi)
Zip Code
59486
Area Code
406
Time Zone
Mountain Time (MT)
Industry: Census ACS 5-Year 2019–2023 · Hospital: MT DPHHS 2024
Loading current weather...

Nearest Major Airports

✈️ Great Falls (GTF)
84 miles
~1h 39m drive
✈️ Kalispell (FCA)
111 miles
~2h 5m drive
🛩️ Havre (HVR)
138 miles
~2h 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 Valier represents the vast, enduring frontier spirit of Montana.

The history of Valier 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 Valier

  • Explore the Surrounding Wilderness: Valier 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 Valier 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: Valier 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 Valier

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

Average Monthly Climate — Valier

MonthAvg HighAvg LowPrecipSnow
Jan35°F19°F0.6"1.3"
Feb27°F11°F1.1"2.8"
Mar39°F20°F0.9"2"
Apr49°F29°F1.5"2.8"
May61°F40°F2.4"1.2"
Jun71°F49°F2.4"0"
Jul81°F57°F0.4"0"
Aug80°F56°F1.1"0"
Sep70°F48°F1.5"1.1"
Oct52°F34°F1.2"2"
Nov41°F25°F1.3"2.6"
Dec33°F18°F0.9"2.2"

Housing & Cost of Living

$277,276
Typical Home Value
Census (2019–23): $124,300
$780/mo
Median Rent
$44,432
Median Household Income
National Rankings
Home Value54th percentile
Rent28th percentile
Income16th percentile
Affordability Ratio (home price ÷ income)6.2xExpensive
Percentile among ~21,000 U.S. cities. Higher = more expensive (home/rent) or higher earning (income).
Housing Availability
Updated Jan 2026
6
Homes for Sale
45.5% vs last year
349
Total Housing Units
17.2%
Vacancy Rate
Employment & Economy
ACS 5-Year 2019–2023
7.4%
Unemployment Rate
MT avg: ~3.5%
48.8%
Labor Force Participation
239
Employed Residents
Top Industries
Education & Healthcare
23%
Agriculture & Mining
15.5%
Construction
8.8%
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.
🏫
Valier Public Schools
~130 students
Grad Rate
91%
Graduation rate: OPI/NCES 2022–23. MT state avg: ~87%.

Outdoor Recreation Near Valier

8.6/10
Excellent
71 sites within 50 mi
12 categories
🏔️2🏕️3🏞️25♨️1⛷️113🥾2🏛️8📜45🛣️1🦅6
Must-See Highlights
🏔️
Glacier National Park (East Glacier)
National Parks46 mi
🏕️
Great Bear Wilderness
Wilderness58 mi
🏞️
Four Horns Lake
Lakes21 mi
♨️
Medicine (Sun River) Springs
Hot Springs54 mi
⛷️
Teton Pass Ski Area
Ski Areas37 mi
🛣️
Going-to-the-Sun Road
Scenic Drives73 mi
🦅
Marias River Wildlife Management Area
Wildlife15 mi
Pondera Golf Club
Golf16 mi
🏛️
Conrad Transportation and Historical Museum
Museums17 mi
Marias Valley Golf & Country Club
Golf18 mi

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

Valier in Our Rankings & Guides

Moving Guide
Compare Valier with Another Town

Map & Nearby

Loading map...

Explore Nearby Destinations

ConradShelbyCut Bank

Bring Montana Home

Discover authentic, locally-inspired apparel, gifts, and souvenirs at the official Treasure State Trading Post.

Shop Now