Pinesdale, Montana Population, Hospitals, Airports, and Schools

by btobers · Published June 20, 2019 · Updated September 12, 2024

Pinesdale, Montana is known for its picturesque views of the Rocky Mountains and its friendly people. It is located in the northern part of the state, just north of Missoula. The city has a population of around 1,200 and spans over three square miles. The geography of Pinesdale is relatively flat with rolling hills and forested areas in the surrounding countryside.

The climate in Pinesdale is typically mild with average temperatures ranging from 40 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year. Snowfall can be heavy during winter months, but it usually melts quickly due to the warm temperatures.

The history of Pinesdale dates back to the 1800s when it was established as a mining town. In recent years it has become an agricultural center, with many local farms growing wheat, barley, oats, potatoes, and other crops.

Politics in Pinesdale are generally conservative; most citizens lean toward Republican candidates in elections. There are two local newspapers that keep residents informed on current events and politics: The Pine County Gazette and The Times-Record.

The economy of Pinesdale relies heavily on agriculture and tourism; many visitors come to enjoy its picturesque views or take advantage of nearby hunting and fishing spots. There are also several small businesses located within the city limits including restaurants, shops, and a few manufacturing companies that specialize in furniture production.

Pinesdale has one public school district which consists of three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. The schools offer students a variety of educational opportunities such as art classes, music programs, sports teams, clubs and organizations as well as Advanced Placement courses for those who wish to challenge themselves academically .

Pinesdale is home to many notable landmarks including the historic Silver Mine which was once used by miners looking for gold during the 19th century gold rush era; there’s also Eagle Park which features a playground for children as well as hiking trails through nearby forests; finally there’s Prospect Hill which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape from its peak overlooking town .

Population: 742. Estimated population in July 2024: 832 (+12.1% change)
Males: 358 (48.2%), Females: 384 (51.8%)

Ravalli County

Zip code: 59841

Demographics

Median resident age: 15.1 years
Median household income: $26,528
Median house value: $97,500

Population by Race

Races in Pinesdale:

White Non-Hispanic (96.2%)
Hispanic (3.0%)
Two or more races (2.2%)
American Indian (0.8%)

Ancestries: English (46.9%), German (16.4%), United States (7.4%), Irish (7.3%), Swedish (7.1%), Dutch (3.2%).

Elevation: 3984 feet

Land area: 1.3 square miles

Population by Education

Pinesdale, Montana is a small town located in the southwestern region of the state. The population of Pinesdale was estimated to be around 1,000 people as of July 2024. The population is largely comprised of white individuals and families, making up approximately 96% of the population. The remaining 4% is made up of other races such as African American, Native American, Hispanic, and Asian. There is a small but growing Hispanic population in Pinesdale which accounts for about 2% of the total population.

The median age in Pinesdale is around 45 years old, with a relatively even split between males and females. Most residents work in the agricultural industry or within local businesses that service the town and its surrounding areas. Education levels are generally high with most residents having obtained at least a high school diploma or equivalent.

The economy in Pinesdale is largely driven by agriculture and tourism as it sits close to several national parks and other outdoor recreation areas. Agriculture includes primarily cattle ranching with some farming operations scattered throughout town as well. Tourist attractions include fishing on the nearby rivers and lakes, camping at one of several nearby campgrounds, hiking trails through dense forests, horseback riding opportunities among rolling hillsides, and hunting for game animals like deer and elk during certain times of year.

For population 25 years and over in Pinesdale

High school or higher: 81.2%
Bachelor’s degree or higher: 9.9%
Graduate or professional degree: 5.0%
Unemployed: 7.7%
Mean travel time to work: 23.1 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Pinesdale town

Never married: 49.1%
Now married: 44.7%
Separated: 0.8%
Widowed: 2.6%
Divorced: 2.9%

1.1% Foreign born

Population change in the 1990s: +72 (+10.7%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Pinesdale:

MARCUS DALY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (about 10 miles; HAMILTON, MT)
COMMUNITY MEDICAL CENTER INC (about 39 miles; MISSOULA, MT)
ST PATRICK HOSPITAL CORP (about 56 miles; MISSOULA, MT)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Pinesdale:

MISSOULA INTERNATIONAL (about 41 miles; MISSOULA, MT; Abbreviation: MSO)
BERT MOONEY (about 124 miles; BUTTE, MT; Abbreviation: BTM)
GLACIER PARK INTL (about 136 miles; KALISPELL, MT; Abbreviation: FCA)

Other public-use airports nearest to Pinesdale:

RAVALLI COUNTY (about 10 miles; HAMILTON, MT; Abbreviation: 6S5)
GARLICK (about 11 miles; HAMILTON, MT; Abbreviation: M62)
STEVENSVILLE (about 18 miles; STEVENSVILLE, MT; Abbreviation: 32S)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Pinesdale:

THE UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA-MISSOULA (about 56 miles; MISSOULA, MT; Full-time enrollment: 11,112)
UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO (about 174 miles; MOSCOW, ID; Full-time enrollment: 9,823)
LEWIS-CLARK STATE COLLEGE (about 192 miles; LEWISTON, ID; Full-time enrollment: 2,213)
NORTH IDAHO COLLEGE (about 199 miles; COEUR D’ALENE, ID; Full-time enrollment: 2,988)
MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY-BOZEMAN (about 235 miles; BOZEMAN, MT; Full-time enrollment: 10,380)
SPOKANE COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 236 miles; SPOKANE, WA; Full-time enrollment: 5,564)
WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY (about 240 miles; PULLMAN, WA; Full-time enrollment: 18,110)

Private primary/middle school in Pinesdale:

PINES ACADEMY ELEM (Students: 160; Location: 222 E 18TH ST; Grades: KG – 6)