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Fort Benton, MT

View of Fort Benton, MT
Image credit: J.B. Chandler / CC BY-SA 3.0
Population
1,416
U.S. Census Population Estimates Program · 2025
Elevation
2,636 ft
Median Home Value
$247,600
U.S. Census American Community Survey 5-Year · 2024
Median Rent
$736/mo
U.S. Census American Community Survey 5-Year · 2024
Median Income
$67,188
U.S. Census American Community Survey 5-Year · 2024
General Quality
Overall rating out of 100

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OverallBest places in MontanaPopulation rankingHighest population places in MontanaNearest larger communityGreat Falls, Montana38 miles away · 60,208 residents.

About Fort Benton

Known as the Birthplace of Montana, Fort Benton is a peaceful town of around 1,400 people tucked along a quiet bend of the Missouri River. Established in 1846, it is the state's oldest continuously occupied settlement, once serving as the bustling final stop for frontier steamboats. Today, daily life moves at a much more relaxed pace. The historic riverfront features a shady levee walking trail, the iconic 1888 bridge, and a picturesque Front Street lined with classic brick buildings looking out over the water.

FORT BENTON HISTORIC DISTRICT, CHOUTEAU COUNTY, MONTANA

Surrounded by rolling wheat fields, the town blends rich local history with a friendly, close-knit atmosphere. Residents enjoy quiet streets, local museums, and easy access to outdoor recreation like boating and fishing through the Upper Missouri River Breaks. It is a charming hideaway for anyone who loves small-town serenity, all while staying within a 40-minute drive of bigger amenities in Great Falls.

Top Rating Signals

Highest current ratings for this town.

Lower County Wildfire Hazard Potential ClassA+100.0ratingLower FEMA County Hurricane Risk IndexA+100.0ratingLower Projected Late-Century County-Area Exposure to Sea-Level RiseA+100.0rating

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