Regions
Montana’s six major land regions are the Glacier Country, Russell Country (Central Montana), Missouri River Country, Gold West Country (Southwest Montana), Yellowstone Country, and Custer Country (Southeast Montana).
Agriculture
Agriculture continues to be Montana’s top industry, generating $5.2 billion for the Big Sky Country State. There are approximately 28,000 farms in the state, covering 59.7 million acres of Montana. The average size farm comprises 2,134 acres. Agriculture makes a significant contribution to all 56 counties.
Montana’s most valuable commodities are cattle, wheat, and hay. The state also grows substantial quantities of barley, lentils, and peas. Most of the cropland is found in the Yellowstone Country region of the state.
Wildlife
Montana wildlife is abundant within the state on both land and water. Its primary wildlife includes antelope, bison, black bear, elk, and mountain lion. Popular fish species include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, rainbow trout, and cutthroat trout.
Montana is involved in multiple conservation efforts to protect its land, waters, and wildlife habits.
Major Rivers and Lakes
Montana’s longest rivers include the Missouri River, Milk River, Yellowstone River, Kootenai River, and Bighorn River. Their main tributaries include the Cheyenne River, Kansas River, Tongue River, St. Mary River, and Bull Elk River.
Fort Peck Lake, the largest lake in Montana, is formed by the Fort Peck Dam on the Missouri River. The surface area of this lake is approximately 244,992 acres (382.8 square miles). Other significant lakes include Lake Koocanusa, Flathead Lake, and Cannon Ferry Lake.
State and National Parks
Montana has 55 state parks and 2 national parks.
National Parks:
- Yellowstone National Park
- Glacier National Park
| State Summary | |
| Nickname | The Big Sky Country State |
| Neighboring States | North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Idaho |
| Regions | Glacier Country, Central Montana, Missouri River Country, Southwest Montana, Yellowstone Country, and Southeast Montana |
| State Flower | Bitterroot |
| State Bird | Western Meadowlark |
| Big Game | Antelope, bison, black bear, elk, and mountain lion |
| Small Game | Turkey, quail, and waterfowl |
| Freshwater Fish | Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, rainbow trout, and cutthroat trout |
| Saltwater Fish | N/A |
| Hunting Information | https://fwp.mt.gov/hunt |
| Total Acreage | 94.1 million acres |
| Total Public Land Acreage | 26.9 million acres |
| Average Annual Rainfall | 15 inches |
| Farmland by Acreage | 59.7 million acres |
| Woodlands by Acreage | 22.5 million acres |
| Coastline | N/A |
| Conservation Program | https://fwp.mt.gov/conservation |
| Primary Crops | Hay and Wheat |
| Largest Lake | Fort Peck Lake |
| Other Lakes | Lake Koocanusa, Flathead Lake, and Cannon Ferry Lake |
| Major Rivers | Missouri River, Milk River, Yellowstone River, Kootenai River, and Bighorn River |
| Other Tributaries | Cheyenne River, Kansas River, Tongue River, St. Mary River, and Bull Elk River |
Our Rural Real Estate Offices
Mossy Oak Properties Montana began with the goal of becoming a trusted resource for folks looking to buy or sell rural land for sale in Montana. Our land brokers and agents understand what people are looking for in rural property because we share the same lifestyle and love for the land as you do. We understand the importance of honor and integrity and that buying or selling land is an emotional and life-changing experience for consumers.
Only Mossy Oak Properties Montana can provide the powerful combination of brand strength, local expertise, quality service, and national exposure. Whether you want to buy or sell rural real estate, a Mossy Oak Properties land specialist is a must-have on your team.
Find a Montana land real estate agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of buyers are active in the Montana land market?
Montana attracts a huge mix of buyers. Farming and ranching operators are always looking for hay ground and cattle ranches to expand their businesses.
Out of state recreational buyers mostly from California Texas and the Pacific Northwest want properties with elk hunting trout fishing and big mountain views. Conservation buyers purchase large ranches to protect wildlife habitats and they often use conservation easements to get federal income tax deductions.
Remote workers and retirees from expensive states have massively increased the demand for rural homes near Whitefish Livingston Hamilton and Bozeman. Big investment groups also own large chunks of timberland and ranch land across the state. The areas around Bozeman and Missoula have seen prices skyrocket because of population growth spreading out into the rural areas.
What are typical land prices in Montana by region?
According to the 2025 USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service report average Montana cropland values sit at $1320 per acre. Because of this working cattle ranches out on the eastern plains usually trade between $500 and $1500 per acre based on their purely agricultural value.
Mountain and foothill ranches that feature elk hunting trout streams and irrigated hay meadows in prime counties like Madison Sweet Grass or Ravalli easily command $2500 to $6000 per acre.
High profile luxury ranches near Bozeman Missoula or Livingston have sold for anywhere from $5000 to $15000 per acre strictly because of lifestyle demand. Water rights federal grazing permits hay production and trout stream access are the main things that drive the massive price differences across Montana ranch sales.
What should buyers know about water rights on Montana ranch land?
Montana follows prior appropriation water law and water rights are easily one of the most valuable assets on any property. Senior irrigation water rights with old priority dates are fully protected against newer users even during terrible drought years.
The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation runs the state water rights system. You must look at a water rights abstract during your purchase research to see all the claims their priority dates and their current legal status.
Since water rights can be sold separately from the physical dirt in Montana you have to make absolutely sure the purchase contract specifically says all claimed water rights transfer with the land sale.
