Hamilton, MT, is a growing town of 15,000 people in Montana’s Bitterroot Valley, and the county seat of Ravalli County.
Founded by copper magnate Marcus Daly, Hamilton has become an important hub for local history, outdoor access, and community life in western Montana.
This article explores Hamilton’s history, population, location, weather, real estate, lodging, and local services.
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Hamilton, MT Was Built by Marcus Daly
The Bitterroot Valley had not only become a key source of lumber for Marcus Daly’s rapidly growing Anaconda copper mine in Butte, but it had also become his summer home with his newly acquired 22,000 acre property.
Daly’s thoroughbred horse breeding and horse racing ambitions were playing out on a national level, and the Bitterroot Valley was where he raised and trained his stock.
Marcus Daly sitting on a fence shortly before his death in 1900 / UM Mansfield Library
Marcus Daly needed a town to support his timber and horse racing enterprises, and all the people involved in both growing operations.
So, he hired a couple of experts from Minnesota, and together, they designed and built Hamilton, Montana.
And for that, we’re forever grateful.
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Hamilton, MT Map & Location
Hamilton is located in Ravalli County, Montana.
The community is located in the geographic center of the scenic Bitterroot Valley.
Hamilton is 43 miles south of Missoula, MT, the largest nearby city.
US 93 connects Hamilton to Victor, and Hamilton to Darby.
The Eastside Highway connects Hamilton to Corvallis.
Hamilton, MT Lodging
Hamilton 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.
Main Street Hamilton, MT / Bitterroot Info
Hamilton, MT Population
Hamilton is an incorporated city.
The population estimate of Hamilton city was 5,101 in the 2024 US Census ACS survey.
This total includes residents living within a 2.6 square mile area surrounding Hamilton city.
HAMILTON POPULATION — ZIP CODE VS CITY
For a more realistic population of the Hamilton area, we cite the population of the 59840 zip code that serves Hamilton residents.
Our Bitterroot Valley population article reports the population of the Hamilton zip code at 15,679 residents according to the US Census 2024 ACS estimate.
Hamilton, MT Weather
Hamilton, MT enjoys the same comfortable weather found throughout the Bitterroot Valley.
With 4 distinct seasons each year, the weather always seems to be changing.
Here’s the current weather and 5 day forecast for Hamilton, MT.
Summers in Hamilton are generally warm and pleasant with average daily highs in the 80’s.
Winters are generally cold and snowy with average daily highs only reaching into the low 30’s.
Occasionally, Hamilton weather can be extreme, with 20 below zero and 100 degree temperatures possible.
Check out our Bitterroot Valley weather page for additional information.
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Hamilton, MT Real Estate
As the largest real estate market in the Bitterroot Valley, Hamilton offers the most diverse selection of homes, apartments and properties.
Properties range from suburban style residential developments, to large rural parcels, to riverfront homes on the Bitterroot River, and along the foothills of the Bitterroot Mountains.
There’s plenty of historic homes throughout the area, and many newer modern developments have been built in recent years.
Hamilton Market Report
Our Hamilton, MT real estate market report covers the 59840 zip code.
Real estate has become much more expensive in recent years as the Montana lifestyle has been popularized.
If charts and graphs are your thing, then head over to our Hamilton Real Estate Market Report article.
We provide 19 charts, graphs and indicators for the real estate market in Hamilton that are all updated weekly.
For additional information and resources, check out our Real Estate in the Bitterroot Valley article.
Local Services in Hamilton
The City of Hamilton provides a wide variety of municipal services and public works.
Hamilton is home to Hamilton School District #3. The District enrolls around 1,500 students per year in grades K-12. Their team name is the “Broncs”.
Bitterroot College University of Montana offers college, workforce training, and continuing education courses in Hamilton.
Hamilton Volunteer Fire Department provides fire and EMS services
Daly Days Wiener Dog Races / Bitterroot Info
Law enforcement is provided by the Hamilton Police Department and the Ravalli County Sheriff’s office.
The historic Bitterroot Public Library has been operating in its current location since 1916.
Hamilton hosts the Ravalli County Airport, a general aviation airport with an FBO.
Several businesses, including retail, banking, health care, restaurants, gas and groceries are located in the Hamilton community.
Hamilton, MT Historical Timeline
Lewis and Clark traveled through the area on their epic journey in 1805 and 1806.
Marcus Daly began purchasing property near what’s now Hamilton in 1886. He added his 22,000 acre summer home named ‘Riverside’ in 1887.
James Hamilton and Robert O’Hara arrived from Minnesota in 1890 to assist Marcus Daly in planning and developing the town of Hamilton, MT.
Hamilton was founded on September 4th, 1890. The town was named after James Hamilton.
Ravalli County was established in 1893.
Marcus Daly / Artvee.com
Hamilton was incorporated in 1894 and Robert O’Hara became the town’s first Mayor.
Marcus Daly hosted the first Ravalli County Fair in Hamilton in 1894.
Hamilton became the Ravalli County seat in 1898.
Hamilton residents learned of Marcus Daly’s death in New York City on November 13, 1900.
Scientific experiments began in the area in 1902 to find the cause of Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
An apple orchard boom began in 1909 after heavy promotion by Minneapolis land speculators. The apple boom died out in 1912 resulting in many leaving the area for good.
Rocky Mountain Lab / NIAID
The Big Ditch irrigation network went into bankruptcy in 1916.
The Rocky Mountain Laboratory was established in 1927 to research the cause of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
Margaret Daly dedicated $250,000 to build a hospital in memory of her husband, and to the citizens of Hamilton and the Bitterroot Valley. Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital opened in 1931.
The massive 350,000 acre Bitterroot Valley wildfires of 2000 drew national attention to Hamilton.
Points of Interest in Hamilton
The Ravalli County Museum & Historical Society was established in 1955 and houses important history and artwork from Ravalli County’s past.
The historic 25 bedroom Daly Mansion is a popular attraction for visitors and residents.
Daly Mansion / Dalymansion.org
The Ravalli County Fairgrounds plays host to many events each year, including the Ravalli County Fair.
The Saturday morning Hamilton Farmers Market is a favorite activity all summer long.
That’s a Good Question
5,101 residents live in the city of Hamilton. An estimated 15,679 residents live in the 59840 zip code.
406
59840
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