Darby, MT is a small western Montana community of 2,100 people nestled in the southern Bitterroot Valley known for its scenic beauty, authentic western charm, and great access to outdoor recreation.
This article explores Darby’s history, population, location, weather, real estate, lodging, and local services.
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Darby, MT is a Step Back in Time
The first time you experience Darby Montana you feel like you stepped back in time.
Tucked away in the southern reaches of Montana’s Bitterroot Valley, Darby is much like it was years ago.
Darby, MT prior to 1910 fire / Montana History Portal
The mountain and river views are still stunning, the people are still friendly, and the quaint shops and restaurants still welcome your arrival.
With just a few thousand people living in one of Mother Nature’s largest and most spectacular playgrounds, Darby, MT is definitely a town you’ll remember.
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Darby, MT Map & Location
The town of Darby is located in Ravalli County, Montana.
Darby is located in the southern end of the Bitterroot Valley.
Darby is 17 miles south of Hamilton, MT, the largest nearby town.
Darby is 60 miles south of Missoula, MT, the largest nearby city.
US 93 connects Darby to Hamilton, and Darby to Conner and Sula.
Darby, MT Lodging
Darby has some great lodging options to choose from.
To start with, there’s a bunch of vacation rentals in a wide variety of classic Montana settings.
If you’ve ever wanted to experience what it’s like to stay along the banks of a Montana river, or hang out in a Montana cabin with a mile long view, this is your chance.
Darby also hosts several hotels, motels, B&B’s, ranches, lodges, resorts and RV parks.
The trick is to narrow your search, and get your dates booked early. It’s busy around here in the summer.
To see some of our favorites, check out our Darby, MT Lodging article.
Darby, MT / Bitterroot Info
Darby, MT Population
Darby is an incorporated town.
The population estimate of the town of Darby was 527 in the 2024 US Census ACS survey.
This total includes residents living within a 0.58 square mile area surrounding Darby town.
DARBY POPULATION — ZIP CODE VS TOWN
For a more realistic population of the Darby area, we cite the population of the 59829 zip code that serves Darby residents.
Our Bitterroot Valley population article reports the population of the Darby zip code at 2,148 residents according to the US Census 2024 ACS estimate.
Darby, MT Weather
Darby, MT shares the same pleasant weather found throughout the Bitterroot Valley.
With 4 distinct seasons each year, there’s a wide variety of weather conditions.
Here’s the current weather and 5 day forecast for Darby, MT.
Summers in Darby are generally warm and pleasant with average daily highs in the 80’s.
Winters are normally cold and snowy with average daily highs in the low 30’s.
Every now and then Darby’s weather can be extreme, with 20 below zero or 100 degree temperatures possible.
Check out our Bitterroot Valley weather page for additional information.
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Darby, MT Real Estate
The real estate market in Darby is a little non-traditional to say the least.
To begin with, the market covers a huge geographic area.
Properties in the same Darby market are located dozens of miles from each other.
There’s also a wide variety of properties that range from modest homes in town, to expansive Montana ranches.
Home prices range from a few hundred thousand dollars to several million dollars.
If charts and graphs are your thing, then head over to our Darby Real Estate Market Report article.
We provide 19 charts, graphs and indicators for the real estate market in Darby that are all updated weekly.
For additional information and resources, check out our Real Estate in the Bitterroot Valley article.
Local Services in Darby
The Town of Darby provides a variety of municipal services and public works.
Darby is home to Darby School District #9. The K-12 District enrolls around 300 students per year. Their team name is the “Tigers”.
Darby Volunteer Fire Department provides fire and EMS services.
Darby Farmer’s Market / Bitterroot Info
Law enforcement is provided by the Darby Police Department and the Ravalli County Sheriff’s office.
The centrally located Darby Community Public Library is available for residents and visitors.
Businesses in Darby span many categories including agriculture, construction, forestry, health care, manufacturing, recreation, retail and more.
Darby, MT Historical Timeline
Lewis and Clark traveled through the area on their epic journey in 1805 and 1806.
Darby was first settled in 1882.
The community of Darby was officially established in 1888 and was named after James W. Darby.
Darby was incorporated in 1917 and James Pierce became the town’s first Mayor.
Bitterroot River Bridge near Darby, MT / Bitterroot Info
Electricity came to Darby in 1932, the water system in 1959, and the sewage system in 1963.
The massive 350,000 acre Bitterroot Valley wildfires of 2000 drew national attention to Darby.
Paramount began filming the hit ‘Yellowstone’ television series near Darby in 2017.
Points of Interest in Darby
The Richard Cromwell Memorial Rodeo Grounds hosts summer rodeos and events.
The Darby Ranger Station Visitor’s Center displays interesting history of the US Forest Service.
The Darby Farmers Market is held at Main Street Park on Tuesday’s during the summer months.
The Darby Pioneer Memorial Museum features historical items from Darby’s past.
Chief Joseph Ranch is the famed “Dutton Ranch” in the Yellowstone TV series that is filmed in the Bitterroot Valley.
Lake Como near Darby, MT / Bitterroot Info
Lake Como and Painted Rocks Reservoir are both popular summer recreation areas.
Trapper Creek Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center helps young people develop skills needed to succeed in today’s workforce.
The Magruder Corridor begins 20 miles south of Darby and continues for 101 rugged miles through two wilderness areas to Elk City, ID.
That’s a Good Question
527 residents live in the town of Darby. An estimated 2,148 residents live in the 59829 zip code.
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59829