Garfield County sits in east-central Montana and is among the most sparsely populated counties in the state, with vast ranch and farmland expanses. The economy centers on agriculture (grain, cattle), and the communities are very small — access to large city amenities is limited, and much of the land is open range. The housing stock is modest: homes in the small towns or on ranches rather than subdivisions or close-in neighborhoods. Home values tend to be lower relative to more populated counties — for example, modest existing homes might be in the $120K-$250K range, while ranch homes on large acreage might rise to $300K-$500K+, depending on improvements, outbuildings, water rights, and land size. Building a new comfortable home on ranch acreage may cost $250K-$400K+, though remote siting and access may add cost. The county is almost entirely rural, with very little urbanisation; nearest larger service centres are some hours away. For buyers wanting deep rural Montana, open space, low population and affordability, Garfield County offers an appealing option—but with trade-offs in infrastructure, services and convenience. Historically, the county was formed in 1919 and built on the dry-land farming and ranching tradition. Homes tend toward older ranch houses, barns/outbuildings, and large land-holdings.
Garfield County Real Estate Listings
Garfield County sits in east-central Montana and is among the most sparsely populated counties in the state, with vast ranch and farmland expanses. The economy centers on agriculture (grain, cattle), and the communities are very small — access to large city amenities is limited, and much of the land is open range. The housing stock is modest: homes in the small towns or on ranches rather than subdivisions or close-in neighborhoods. Home values tend to be lower relative to more populated counties — for example, modest existing homes might be in the $120K-$250K range, while ranch homes on large acreage might rise to $300K-$500K+, depending on improvements, outbuildings, water rights, and land size. Building a new comfortable home on ranch acreage may cost $250K-$400K+, though remote siting and access may add cost. The county is almost entirely rural, with very little urbanisation; nearest larger service centres are some hours away. For buyers wanting deep rural Montana, open space, low population and affordability, Garfield County offers an appealing option—but with trade-offs in infrastructure, services and convenience. Historically, the county was formed in 1919 and built on the dry-land farming and ranching tradition. Homes tend toward older ranch houses, barns/outbuildings, and large land-holdings.