Plains, MT
Full City Profile · Montana · Lake County County
2.5
/5.0
C+
Fair
1,077
Population
1,737/sq mi density
$24,661
Median Income
$43,265 per capita
$209,200
Home Value
$449,605 Zillow
$782
Median Rent
46.0% income on rent
48°F
Avg Temperature
C+
Overall
2.5 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C+
Economy
2.9 / 5.0
$24,661 median income, 3.6% unemployment
D
Affordability
1.9 / 5.0
$209,200 home value, $782/mo rent
C+
Safety
2.5 / 5.0
0 violent crimes/100K
C+
Education
2.6 / 5.0
20.0% bachelor's degree or higher
Plains experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 16.4 inches. The area receives 15.3 inches of snow annually.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 47.7°F |
| 12% below US avg | |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,471 ft (753 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,737/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.4602°N, 114.8842°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Lake County County |
| Nearest Airport | Missoula Montana (MSO) 53 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 67.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 58.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 51.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire | Relatively Moderate |
| Flood | Relatively Low |
| Hail | Very Low |
| Strong Wind | Very Low |
| Heat Wave | Very Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively High |
| Lightning | Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Moderate |
| Drought | Very Low |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide | Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche | Relatively High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 29°F (-2°C) | 1.2 in | |
| February | 32°F (0°C) | 1.3 in | |
| March | 40°F (4°C) | 1.1 in | |
| April | 47°F (8°C) | 1.4 in | |
| May | 55°F (13°C) | 1.8 in | |
| June | 62°F (16°C) | 2.0 in | Wettest |
| July | 70°F (21°C) | 0.9 in | Warmest, Driest |
| August | 69°F (20°C) | 1.1 in | |
| September | 60°F (15°C) | 1.0 in | |
| October | 47°F (8°C) | 1.3 in | |
| November | 35°F (2°C) | 2.0 in | |
| December | 28°F (-2°C) | 1.4 in | Coldest |
Plains has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 28°F in December to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 16.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (2.0") and July the driest (0.9").