Area Information & Facts
Missoula County, Montana covers approximately 2,600 square miles in the western part of the state. Five large valleys and two major rivers wind through this mountainous region. Missoula County has a population of over 100,000 people and the county seat is Missoula. Missoula is home to the University of Montana, an International Airport and all the amenities which include Costco, Home Depot, Lowe's. Missoula is the new "Paris" of the West full of writers, artists, cultural activities and fun.
WELCOME TO THE BITTERROOT VALLEY
For more information, visit: http://www.cityofhamilton.net/
Ravalli County & The Bitterroot Valley: 2005 Population Estimate: 39,940
In the southwest corner of Montana, lies one of the most scenic and beautiful valleys in the country. Ranches
are scattered throughout the landscape amidst acres of lush hayfields nursed by the Bitterroot River as it meanders the length of the valley. Surrounded by the theatrical backdrops of the Bitterroot Mountains and the Sapphire Range are quaint communities unique and rich in history. Home to approximately 40,000 residents, the Bitterroot Valley with its majestic mountains and rolling meadows, has an abundance of public lands accessible for recreational enjoyment.
People from all walks of life have come to this valley and shaped the Bitterroot lifestyles. Here the past and present blend. We live close to the good things of the past, as we draw from historic roots while always striving for a brighter future.
Adding to our quality of life is the availability of excellent education and health care, a wide range of housing choices and an array of services and shopping. We also enjoy and participate in a wide variety of cultural events such as theater, concerts, art shows, professional sporting events, rodeo and horse shows, festivals and celebrations.
Principal industries here include log home building, wood products and agriculture. Changing consumer demands and small acreage production has initiated the growing of crops such as herbs and organic vegetables along with alternative livestock production including elk, llamas, ostrich and emus.
Recreational opportunities include hundreds of miles of trails for hiking and horseback riding, fishing in blue ribbon streams, recreational lakes for boating and swimming, and whitewater rafting on the Bitterroot River. Natural hot springs are close-by. Trophy elk hunting and fly fishing is available with several outfitters based in the valley. Excellent skiing is close by at the Idaho-Montana border. Golfing is offered by the valley's 3 golf courses, 2 public, 1 private. There are 2 wildlife refuges in the valley offering opportunities for wildlife studies and photography.
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Climate and Topography:
The Bitterroot Valley lies in a north/south protected valley with its own distinctive climate apart from the rest of Montana. Microclimates can be found throughout the valley because of the variations in elevation and presence of water. The Bitterroot Valley has a dry climate and an average low humidity factor, with an average rainfall of 13.3 inches per year. The west side of the valley generally has more pine trees and shallower soil and with a view of the Sapphire Mountains to the East. The east side of the valley is slightly warmer with deeper soils and views of the Bitterroot Mountain Range. Growing season is 130-150 days; Average frost-free period May 14 - Sept 20. Zone 5-6.
Ravalli County Economy:
Retail trade is the biggest subsector of the county's economy. Other sectors include health care, social assistance, educational services, manufacturing, and accommodation and food services. Wholesale trade, entertainment, recreation, mining and construction have seen double-digit growth from 2004 to 2005.
Ravalli County contains 1,850 sq. miles of public forest lands, which plays a significant role in its economic development.
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Housing:
The Bitterroot Valley of Western Montana continues to be one of the fastest growing areas in Montana. Our housing market is strong. During 2006, there were 870 residential properties sold through the Bitterroot Valley Board of Realtors with an average selling price of $258,000. Of the 870 residences sold, only 213 were above the $300,000 price. Housing is still affordable here. Land prices have escalated during the past few years and is becoming harder to find, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to locate large parcels.
Buyers are coming from all over the country, with special emphasis on coastal states, Nevada, Colorado and the midwest. A large number of buyers coming to the valley are retirees looking to purchase a lifestyle to go with their Montana Home. Newer homes are much sought after. Montana "style" homes are well sought after including log homes, cedar homes or stick frame homes with log accents.
Florence Victor HamiltonAll information has been obtained from the Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce and Nelson Promotions, Inc. The Community profile information was adapted from the "Ravalli County Community Profile".
