Plains ZIP Code List — Sanders County, MT

There is one unique ZIP code in Plains, Montana and it is 59859. Area code: 406.

ZIP codes

710.80

sq mi land

4.84

sq mi water

406

area code

Plains, MT ZIP code map

About Plains, MT

Plains, Montana, is a charming small town situated in Sanders County. Nestled in the scenic backdrop of the western Montana mountains, it boasts a friendly community and picturesque views. Known for its outdoor recreational opportunities, Plains serves as a delightful gateway for those exploring the beauty of the surrounding region.

Location & geography

Plains is located in the western part of Montana, approximately 70 miles northwest of Missoula and about 28 miles from Thompson Falls. The city covers a vast land area of 710.80 square miles and includes a modest water area of 4.84 square miles. The terrain is characterized by rolling hills and nearby waterways, contributing to its natural beauty.

Community & economy

The character of Plains is deeply rooted in a rural lifestyle, with a focus on agriculture and outdoor activities. The local economy is supported by industries such as tourism, timber, and small-scale agriculture, which play a vital role in the community's daily life. Residents enjoy a close-knit environment where community events and gatherings foster a strong sense of belonging.

Transportation

Highway 200 runs directly through Plains, providing easy access to neighboring towns and scenic drives. The nearest major airport is Missoula International Airport, located about 70 miles away, offering a range of domestic flights. Public transit options are limited, making personal vehicles the primary mode of transportation for residents.

History

Plains was founded in the late 19th century and quickly developed as a hub for trade and agriculture in the region. Key industries included logging and agriculture, which have shaped the town's economic landscape over the years. A notable event in the town's history includes the establishment of the Sanders County seat, which helped boost local growth.

Did you know?

A surprising fact about Plains is that it is home to various art galleries and cultural events, reflecting the town's rich artistic community. Additionally, the surrounding landscape offers excellent opportunities for fishing and hiking, drawing nature enthusiasts year-round.

ZIP codes for Plains, MT (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
59859	Plains	Sanders	View map

Demographics & statistics

4,115

Population

55.2

Median age

$47,097

Median household income

$35,732

Per capita income

$338,900

Median home value

$769

Median monthly rent

76.1%

Home ownership

14.1%

Poverty rate

5.3%

Unemployment

1,720

Housing units

15.4%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

Under 5

5–9

10–14

105

15–19

102

103

20–24

100

149

25–34

145

259

35–44

254

170

45–54

167

200

55–59

195

149

60–64

145

461

65–74

450

183

75–84

178

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	613	14.9%
18 and over	3,502	85.1%
65 and over	1,388	33.7%
Median age	55.2 years

Race & ethnicity

White 91.5%

Two or more races 4.4%

American Indian / Alaska Native 2.6%

Hispanic or Latino 1.4%

Black or African American 0.1%

Group	Count	%
White	3,820	91.5%
Two or more races	182	4.4%
American Indian / Alaska Native	109	2.6%
Hispanic or Latino	58	1.4%
Black or African American	4	0.1%

Household income

Under $10k 2.9%

$10k–$15k 7.8%

$15k–$25k 19.2%

$25k–$35k 11.0%

$35k–$50k 10.5%

$50k–$75k 22.4%

$75k–$100k 8.9%

$100k–$150k 9.8%

$150k–$200k 3.0%

$200k+ 4.5%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	2.9%
$10k–$15k	7.8%
$15k–$25k	19.2%
$25k–$35k	11.0%
$35k–$50k	10.5%
$50k–$75k	22.4%
$75k–$100k	8.9%
$100k–$150k	9.8%
$150k–$200k	3.0%
$200k+	4.5%
Median income	$47,097

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 2.6%

$50k–$100k 9.3%

$100k–$150k 6.4%

$150k–$200k 5.0%

$200k–$300k 18.5%

$300k–$500k 32.7%

$500k–$1M 14.6%

$1M+ 10.8%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$338,900
Median rent / month	$769
Owner occupied	76.1%
Renter occupied	23.9%
Vacant	14.2%
Single-family detached	75.5%
Large apartment buildings	0.0%
Mobile homes	18.1%
Median rooms	5.2
Avg household size (owned)	2.22

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	1.4%
2010–2019	11.7%
2000–2009	20.7%
1990–1999	17.0%
1980–1989	13.1%
1970–1979	18.9%
1960–1969	3.1%
1950–1959	4.5%
1940–1949	1.8%
1939 or earlier	7.8%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	2.3%
1 bedroom	6.0%
2 bedrooms	33.7%
3 bedrooms	43.5%
4 bedrooms	8.1%
5+ bedrooms	6.3%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	9.8%
1 vehicle	21.6%
2 vehicles	36.3%
3 or more	32.3%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	1.8%
Electricity	15.2%
Propane / LP gas	33.5%
Fuel oil	2.9%
Wood	33.9%
No fuel used	0.9%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	770	41.5%
Cohabiting couple	73	3.9%
Male householder, no spouse	559	30.1%
Female householder, no spouse	454	24.5%
Households with children under 18	359	19.3%
Households with seniors (65+)	987	53.2%
Average household size	2.16

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	25.8%	19.8%
Married	42.6%	47.5%
Separated	3.1%	4.9%
Widowed	15.8%	14.4%
Divorced	12.7%	13.3%

Education

Less than 9th grade 1.5%

Some HS, no diploma 6.3%

HS graduate 38.4%

Some college, no degree 27.3%

Associate's degree 11.0%

Bachelor's degree 11.7%

Graduate / professional 3.8%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	92.1%
Bachelor's or higher	15.4%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	7	1.3%
Kindergarten	28	5.3%
Elementary school	294	55.4%
High school	164	30.9%
College / grad school	38	7.2%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 26.5%

Construction 10.1%

Retail trade 9.9%

Arts, food & hospitality 9.5%

Manufacturing 8.5%

Agriculture & mining 8.4%

Finance & real estate 6.4%

Transportation & utilities 4.9%

Public administration 4.5%

Wholesale trade 4.3%

Professional & management 4.1%

Other services 2.9%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	31.1%
Service	13.8%
Sales & office	24.4%
Natural resources & construction	19.1%
Production & transportation	11.6%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	72.1%
Government	19.7%
Self-employed	8.2%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	64.1%
Carpool	7.2%
Public transit	0.3%
Walk	5.1%
Other means	6.3%
Avg commute (minutes)	24.7

Poverty

All people 14.1%

Under 18 years 17.8%

18 and over 13.5%

Married-couple families 5.7%

Female-led households 22.9%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	50.5%
Retirement income	38.6%
Supplemental Security	3.2%
Cash public assistance	2.4%
Food stamps / SNAP	17.8%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	36.5%
High cholesterol	35.3%
Heart disease	9.1%
Stroke	4.4%
Asthma	10.4%
Arthritis	32.8%
Kidney disease	3.9%
Pulmonary disease	9.8%
Cancer	8.5%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	18.2%
No physical activity	25.3%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	32.2%
Fair or poor health	17.7%
Poor mental health	13.3%
Poor physical health	13.8%
No health insurance	13.7%
Visited doctor (checkup)	70.9%
Visited dentist	55.5%
Cholesterol screening	89.5%
Teeth loss	16.8%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	627	17.9%

Disability	%
Any disability	24.6%
Under 18	3.1%
18–64 years	18.5%
65 and over	43.7%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	45.3%
Public insurance	62.8%
Uninsured under 19	11.0%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	3,980	96.7%
Spanish	4	0.1%
Other Indo-European	0	0.0%
Asian & Pacific Islander	0	0.0%
Other languages	4	0.1%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	4,090	99.4%
Born in same state	4,090	99.4%
Born in different state	1,553	37.7%
Foreign born	0	0.0%
Naturalized citizen	25	0.6%
Not a US citizen	21	84.0%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Italian	523	12.7%
French	451	11%
Arab	342	8.3%
Polish	248	6%

Ancestry	Count	%
English	143	3.5%
Irish	35	0.9%
German	27	0.7%
Dutch	8	0.2%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	45.1%
Internet access	89.9%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 estimates.

Frequently asked questions

What is the ZIP code for Plains, MT?

Plains, MT has one ZIP code: 59859.

What is the main ZIP code for Plains, MT?

The primary ZIP code for Plains, MT is 59859. The city uses area code 406 for phone service.

What county is Plains, MT in?

Plains is located in Sanders County, Montana.

How many ZIP codes are in Plains, MT?

Plains, MT has 1 ZIP code.