| ZIP Code | 59859 |
|---|---|
| City | Plains |
| State | Montana (MT) |
| County | Sanders County |
| Area Code | 406 |
| Elevation | 5,224 ft |
| Latitude | 47.519781 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -114.795216 |
| Timezone | Denver (DST) |
| FIPS | 30089 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 55.1 yrs ↓ 4% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.20 |
| Below Poverty | 10.0% ≈ Avg |
| College Grads | 33.6% ▼ 13% below avg |
| Unemployment | 4.0% ▼ 19% below avg |
| No HS Diploma | 4 (0.1%) |
| HS Graduate | 895 (30.3%) |
| Some College | 463 (15.7%) |
| Associates | 600 (20.3%) |
| Bachelors | 332 (11.2%) |
| Graduate Degree | 660 (22.3%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $61,667 ▼ 19% below avg ↑ 34% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $403,800 ▲ 45% above avg ↑ 57% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 6.5x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $792/mo ↑ 24% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 2,155 |
| Vacant Units | 287 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.20 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 2,155 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 287 |
| Owner Occupied | 74.3% |
| Renter Occupied | 25.7% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.20 |
ZIP code 59859 is located in Plains, Montana, within Sanders County. With a population of 4,204, this is a lightly populated ZIP code with an older community — the median age is 55.1 years. Economically, 59859 is a solidly middle-class ZIP code: the median household income of $61,667 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 59859 represents a premium housing market. The median home value of $403,800 is above the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $792 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 74.3% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 57% since 2019.
The population of 59859 is primarily White (92.44%). Residents are moderately educated — 33.6% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is near the national average. Poverty affects a relatively small share of residents at 10.0%. Household income has grown by 34% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 59859 stands at 4.0%, which is below the national average. About 14% of workers are remote. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 64%.
Overall, ZIP code 59859 in Plains, MT is characterized as solidly middle-class, moderately educated, an older community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 4,204 residents, a median household income of $61,667, and a median home value of $403,800, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Montana.