The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 59538 sells for about $225,000, or $145 per square foot.
Prices are up +2.4% from a year ago, so sellers still have some momentum. Homes take about 88 days to sell, which is slow. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $631 a month.
ZIP 59538 — Malta
The housing market in ZIP 59538 remains stable with low inventory and modest price appreciation. Demand is driven by local residents and limited supply, keeping the market balanced despite broader economic headwinds.
This ZIP is best suited for families and individuals seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle, as well as those employed in the local agricultural or service sectors.
Median prices moved up 2.4% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 88 days on market with 6.2 months of supply — a balanced-paced market.
15% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 97.5% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 0.4% · poverty 8.2% — a stable, low-distress profile.
Researched annual trajectory for this ZIP, from published historical series
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 5.0%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
Median annual property tax paid on this ZIP's residential parcels
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 6.3%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
versus the prior ACS vintage
net outflow — more people moved out than in
ZCTA 59538, Phillips County MT
Crime rates in this rural area are generally low and stable, consistent with regional trends in central Montana.
Schools serving this area are part of small, rural districts with limited extracurricular offerings but high teacher-to-student ratios.
The area faces moderate wildfire risk during summer months and standard winter weather hazards; flood risk is localized to specific drainage basins.
Economic momentum is driven primarily by agriculture and local services, with limited new commercial development or infrastructure expansion.
Property taxes are assessed at the county level based on state-mandated valuation cycles, with mill levies determined by local school and municipal districts.
Commutes are primarily by private vehicle, with most residents traveling to local employment hubs within the county.
Recreation is centered on outdoor activities including hunting, fishing, and access to nearby public lands and regional parks.
The rental market is characterized by low inventory and high demand for long-term housing, with limited short-term rental presence.
The economy is heavily reliant on agriculture, ranching, and local government services, with minimal industrial diversification.
Transportation is entirely dependent on highway corridors; there is no public transit infrastructure.
There are no major commercial or residential developments currently approved or under construction in this ZIP.
The Phillips County assessor manages property valuations using a cyclical appraisal model based on state guidelines.
Parcels are subject to local school district levies and county-wide emergency service district taxes.
Property insurance premiums are rising due to regional wildfire risk and the increasing cost of materials for rural construction.
Net domestic migration is stable with a slight trend toward younger families moving into the area for rural lifestyle opportunities.
Montana is a judicial foreclosure state, requiring court intervention for the foreclosure process.
Sellers are required to provide a standard disclosure statement regarding the condition of the property at the time of sale.
Data retrieved from data.census.gov using ZCTA 59538 profile.
Public schools whose reported address is in this area (NCES). Not attendance boundaries — schools that serve residents may sit outside it. Check the district's address locator for assignment.
Local history and cultural exhibits.
Significant regional habitat for migratory birds and wildlife viewing.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.