Florence, MT is a charming western Montana community of just over 6,000 people in the northern Bitterroot Valley, known for its timber heritage, scenic surroundings, and convenient access to Missoula.
This article explores Florence’s history, population, location, weather, real estate, lodging, and local services.
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Florence, MT was a Timber Community
Head back in time to the 1860’s and you’d find homesteaders like Robert Carlton building Carlton, a small community and trading post near what’s now Florence, MT.
The nearby sawmill was originally called ‘One Horse’ after the local creek that fed the mill.
With the arrival of A.B. Hammond in Missoula and the Bitterroot Valley, the sawmill operation grew substantially.
Timber operation near Florence circa 1900 / UM Mansfield Library
The railroad was heading west, and Hammond was building it. The Anaconda Mine in Butte needed timbers, and Hammond was providing them. Hammond needed timber, and he needed lots of it.
By 1880, One Horse and Carlton had grown together and Florence was established.
Today, people just love the small town charm, great access to outdoor recreation, and convenient Bitterroot Valley location that Florence has to offer.
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Florence, MT Map & Location
The town of Florence is located in Ravalli County, Montana.
Florence is located in the northern half of the Bitterroot Valley.
Florence is located 20 miles south of Missoula, MT, the largest nearby city.
Florence is located 27 miles north of Hamilton, MT.
US 93 connects Florence to Stevensville, and Florence to Lolo.
A section of the Eastside Highway (MT 203) also connects Florence to Stevensville.
Florence, MT Lodging
Florence is a small community, but has some great lodging options to choose from.
You’ll find plenty of choices within a short drive, including waterfront options along the Bitterroot River.
Visit our Bitterroot Valley Lodging pages to see all the unique lodging options in the Bitterroot Valley.
Florence, MT / Bitterroot Info
Florence, MT Population
Florence is a Census Designated Place (CDP) — In other words, Florence is an unincorporated community.
The population estimate of the Florence CDP was 923 in the 2024 US Census ACS survey.
This total includes residents living within a 0.77 square mile area surrounding Florence town.
FLORENCE POPULATION — ZIP CODE VS TOWN
For a more realistic population of the Florence area, we cite the population of the 59833 zip code that serves Florence residents.
Our Bitterroot Valley population article reports the population of the Florence zip code at 6,316 residents according to the US Census 2024 ACS estimate.
Florence, MT Weather
Florence, MT enjoys the same pleasant weather found throughout the rest of 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 Florence, MT.
Summers in Florence are generally warm and mild with average daily highs in the 80’s.
Winters are usually cold and snowy with average daily highs in the low 30’s.
Occasionally, the weather in Florence can be extreme, with 20 below zero or 100 degree temperatures possible.
Check out our Bitterroot Valley weather page for additional information.
Florence, MT Real Estate
The real estate market in Florence, Montana is influenced by it’s close proximity to Missoula.
Florence offers a peaceful rural lifestyle with great access to recreation in the Bitterroot Valley, and a growing and eclectic city just 20 miles away.
Properties range from suburban style developments, to large rural parcels, to riverfront homes on the Bitterroot River.
Florence Market Report
Our Florence, MT real estate market report covers the 59833 zip code.
As with most communities in western Montana, housing prices have soared recently in Florence, with average listing prices doubling over the past four years..
If charts and graphs are your thing, then head over to our Florence Real Estate Market Report article.
We provide 19 charts, graphs and indicators for the real estate market in Florence that are all updated weekly.
For additional information and resources, check out our Real Estate in the Bitterroot Valley article.
Local Services in Florence
Law enforcement is provided by the Ravalli County Sheriff’s office.
Florence is home to Florence-Carlton School District 15-6. The District enrolls just under 800 students per year in grades K-12 . Their team name is the “Falcons”.
Florence-Carlton Elementary School / Florence-Carlton School District 15-6
Florence Rural Fire District provides fire and EMS services.
Several businesses, including retail, banking, health care, restaurants, gas and groceries are located in the Florence community.
Florence, MT Historical Timeline
Lewis and Clark traveled through the area on their epic journey in 1805 and 1806.
Homesteader Robert Carlton settled near today’s Florence, MT in the early 1860’s.
A.B. Hammond named the community after his wife Florence in 1880.
View of Florence from Highway 93 / Bitterroot Info
The railroad arrived in 1887, putting Florence on the map to the rest of the world.
The Florence Post Office was established in 1888.
The Florence Volunteer Fire Department was established in 1947.
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Points of Interest in Florence
Threemile Wildlife Management Area is located 9 miles east of Florence and provides wildlife viewing, bird watching, hiking, biking and hunting opportunities.
Florence Bridge on the Bitterroot River / Bitterroot Info
The popular Florence Bridge Fishing Access Site provides great access to the Bitterroot River for fishing and fun.
That’s a Good Question
923 residents live in the town of Florence. An estimated 6,316 residents live in the 59833 zip code.
406
59833
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