Big Timber, Montana

Last updated

Big Timber
City
GRAND HOTEL.jpg
Grand Hotel
Sweet Grass County Montana Incorporated and Unincorporated areas Big Timber Highlighted.svg
Location of Big Timber, Montana
Coordinates: 45°50′05″N109°56′54″W / 45.83472°N 109.94833°W / 45.83472; -109.94833
CountryUnited States
State Montana
County Sweet Grass
Government
 • TypeMayor Council
 • MayorJustin Ferguson [1]
Area
[2]
 • Total
0.98 sq mi (2.53 km2)
 • Land0.98 sq mi (2.53 km2)
 • Water0 sq mi (0.00 km2)
Elevation
[3]
4,095 ft (1,248 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
1,650
 • Density1,688.3/sq mi (651.84/km2)
Time zone UTC−7 (Mountain (MST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC−6 (MDT)
ZIP code
59011
Area code 406
FIPS code 30-06475
GNIS feature ID2409846 [3]
Website www.cityofbigtimber.com

Big Timber is a city in, and the county seat of, Sweet Grass County, Montana, United States. [4] The population was 1,650 at the 2020 census. [5]

Contents

Big Timber takes its name from Big Timber Creek, which was named by William Clark because of the large cottonwood trees. [6] The post office was established in 1880, closed, then reopened in 1882 with Ella Burns as postmaster. [7] As a stop on the Northern Pacific Railroad, Big Timber became a major wool-shipping depot. It became the county seat in 1895. [8] A fire in 1908 destroyed half the commercial buildings and a third of the residential homes. [8]

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.95 square miles (2.46 km2), of which 0.92 square miles (2.38 km2) is land and 0.03 square miles (0.08 km2) is water. [9]

Climate

Big Timber has a cool semi-arid climate (Köppen BSk) bordering on a humid continental climate (Dfb). Although winters can be frigid, frequent chinook winds will raise temperatures above 50 °F or 10 °C on an average twenty days between December and February, and have raised them to or above 68 °F or 20 °C on ten occasions during these months since 1894. [10] The chinooks mean Big Timber's 31.3 days per year failing to top freezing is among the fewest in Montana, with the average window for such maxima being from November 11 to March 18. [10] In the absence of chinooks, temperatures fall to 0 °F or −17.8 °C on seventeen mornings during an average winter, although such temperatures were reached just once in 1999/2000 but as many as thirty-four times during the very cold winters of 1935/1936 and 1978/1979. The average window for zero temperatures is from December 4 to February 25. The coldest temperature in Big Timber has been −47 °F (−43.9 °C) during the notorious 1936 cold wave on February 15, whilst February 1936 was also the coldest month on record at 5.0 °F or −15.0 °C, shading January 1916 which averaged 5.5 °F or −14.7 °C.

Spring is typically windy with temperatures nearly as variable as in winter: the last frost typically arrives on May 19, but temperatures have reached 80 °F or 26.7 °C as early as March 22, 1928, and have fallen to 0 °F or −17.8 °C as late as April 13, 1928, and April 12, 1997. Late in spring thunderstorms increase in frequency and during late spring and early summer these provide most of Big Timber's annual precipitation. The wettest calendar year since 1894 has been 1957 with 25.71 inches (653.0 mm) and the driest 1939 with 9.38 inches (238.3 mm), whilst the wettest single month has been May 1981 with 7.69 inches (195.3 mm)

During the summer, days can be very hot, with maxima of 90 °F or 32.2 °C on 28.5 afternoons and over 100 °F or 37.8 °C on 1.1, although mornings very rarely stay above 65 °F or 18.3 °C. The record hottest temperature is 110 °F (43.3 °C) on July 21, 1931, and the hottest morning 73 °F (22.8 °C) on July 31, 1936.

The fall season is usually short and variable, with snow occasionally falling in September, but at other times hot weather can extend into October or even November.

Climate data for Big Timber, Montana, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1894–present
MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecYear
Record high °F (°C)78
(26)		72
(22)		80
(27)		89
(32)		97
(36)		106
(41)		110
(43)		107
(42)		100
(38)		88
(31)		78
(26)		80
(27)		110
(43)
Mean maximum °F (°C)56.1
(13.4)		58.7
(14.8)		68.0
(20.0)		77.0
(25.0)		84.0
(28.9)		92.0
(33.3)		97.5
(36.4)		96.3
(35.7)		91.3
(32.9)		80.0
(26.7)		65.6
(18.7)		56.4
(13.6)		98.3
(36.8)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C)38.1
(3.4)		40.0
(4.4)		49.3
(9.6)		56.8
(13.8)		66.6
(19.2)		75.8
(24.3)		86.2
(30.1)		84.9
(29.4)		74.1
(23.4)		59.0
(15.0)		45.9
(7.7)		37.2
(2.9)		59.5
(15.3)
Daily mean °F (°C)28.8
(−1.8)		29.8
(−1.2)		37.7
(3.2)		44.6
(7.0)		53.4
(11.9)		61.9
(16.6)		69.8
(21.0)		68.1
(20.1)		58.8
(14.9)		46.7
(8.2)		35.9
(2.2)		28.4
(−2.0)		47.0
(8.3)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C)19.5
(−6.9)		19.6
(−6.9)		26.0
(−3.3)		32.4
(0.2)		40.3
(4.6)		47.9
(8.8)		53.5
(11.9)		51.3
(10.7)		43.4
(6.3)		34.4
(1.3)		26.0
(−3.3)		19.5
(−6.9)		34.5
(1.4)
Mean minimum °F (°C)−10.8
(−23.8)		−6.3
(−21.3)		2.3
(−16.5)		17.2
(−8.2)		26.6
(−3.0)		36.8
(2.7)		44.3
(6.8)		40.2
(4.6)		30.1
(−1.1)		14.3
(−9.8)		0.3
(−17.6)		−7.4
(−21.9)		−20.5
(−29.2)
Record low °F (°C)−36
(−38)		−47
(−44)		−32
(−36)		−10
(−23)		10
(−12)		26
(−3)		33
(1)		28
(−2)		12
(−11)		−14
(−26)		−29
(−34)		−38
(−39)		−47
(−44)
Average precipitation inches (mm)0.73
(19)		0.65
(17)		0.98
(25)		2.18
(55)		3.06
(78)		2.63
(67)		1.38
(35)		0.99
(25)		1.31
(33)		1.51
(38)		0.78
(20)		0.73
(19)		16.93
(431)
Average snowfall inches (cm)7.1
(18)		10.8
(27)		9.1
(23)		3.6
(9.1)		0.6
(1.5)		0.0
(0.0)		0.0
(0.0)		0.0
(0.0)		0.5
(1.3)		4.8
(12)		7.9
(20)		10.2
(26)		54.6
(137.9)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in)4.74.46.18.611.410.67.55.46.37.24.94.481.5
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in)2.63.12.11.30.10.00.00.00.21.22.22.415.2
Source 1: NOAA [11]
Source 2: National Weather Service [12]

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1880 100—
1890 265165.0%
1900 850220.8%
1910 1,02220.2%
1920 1,28225.4%
1930 1,224−4.5%
1940 1,53325.2%
1950 1,6799.5%
1960 1,660−1.1%
1970 1,592−4.1%
1980 1,6906.2%
1990 1,557−7.9%
2000 1,6506.0%
2010 1,641−0.5%
2020 1,6500.5%
source: [13]
U.S. Decennial Census [14] [5]

2010 census

As of the census [15] of 2010, there were 1,641 people, 751 households, and 429 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,783.7 inhabitants per square mile (688.7/km2). There were 933 housing units at an average density of 1,014.1 per square mile (391.5/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 95.9% White, 0.1% African American, 0.5% Native American, 0.7% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.5% from other races, and 2.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.8% of the population.

There were 751 households, of which 28.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.5% were married couples living together, 9.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 42.9% were non-families. 38.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 20.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.13 and the average family size was 2.82.

The median age in the city was 45.5 years. 23.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 20.8% were from 25 to 44; 25.2% were from 45 to 64; and 25.2% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.5% male and 51.5% female.

2000 census

As of the census [16] of 2000, there were 1,650 people, 711 households, and 430 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,752.6 inhabitants per square mile (676.7/km2). There were 812 housing units at an average density of 862.5 per square mile (333.0/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 96.61% White, 0.79% Native American, 0.30% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 0.73% from other races, and 1.52% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.70% of the population.

There were 711 households, out of which 27.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.2% were married couples living together, 5.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.5% were non-families. 34.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.24 and the average family size was 2.92.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 23.7% under the age of 18, 6.6% from 18 to 24, 23.2% from 25 to 44, 23.7% from 45 to 64, and 22.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females there were 96.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $30,595, and the median income for a family was $38,869. Males had a median income of $29,000 versus $17,596 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,569. About 9.3% of families and 10.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.9% of those under age 18 and 7.6% of those age 65 or over.

Mayoral Elections

2025

2025 Big Timber Mayoral Election
← 2021
November 4, 2025
2029 →
Registered1,015
Turnout517
50.39% (Decrease2.svg19.58 pp)
 
NomineeJustin FergusonLee Andreas
Party Nonpartisan Republican
Popular vote320197
Percentage61.98%38.10%
Mayor of Big Timber before election

Greg DeBoer
Independent

Elected Mayor of Big Timber

Justin Ferguson
Independent

An election for the Mayor of Big Timber was held on November 4th, 2025 [17] . Nonpartisan candidate and incumbent City Councilman, Justin Ferguson, was elected with 61.98% of the vote. He defeated Republican candidate and nominee for mayor in 2021, Lee Andreas [18] . This election saw an overall decline in voter turnout as 50.39% of voters cast their vote at the ballot box, showing a decline of 19.58% from the 2021 election. Ferguson succeeded Mayor Greg DeBoer on January 1st of 2026.

Initially DeBoer was considering running for a second term, however he eventually decided that he was going to step down from the role and focus on his career as a chiropractor. This opened up the race for anyone to claim the open seat. Over the course of the months before the election, Lee Andreas declared that he would once again seek the mayorship. He had failed to secure the position in 2021, losing to DeBoer, but believed that this election he could turn the tides. However following Andreas's entrance to the race, incumbent City Councilman, Justin Ferguson, also announced his candidacy.

Background

Justin Ferguson is a Big Timber native [19] . The fifty-two year old had been serving as a City Councilman on the Big Timber City Council for 16 years. He had been elected in 2009 and had won the four consecutive elections following. Ferguson had also operated a small business with his brother at Big Timber's public airport, Big Timber's Howard Field. Ferguson and his brother had obtained the business from their father in the early 1990's and continued to operate it until 2021.

Lee Andreas is a Montana native [19] . A entrepreneur and semi truck driver, Andreas operates a small construction company. He moved to the area in 2019 and is currently serving on the Board of Adjustments. In 2021 he attempted to seek the mayorship but lost to Greg DeBoer.

2021

2021 Big Timber Mayoral Election
← 2017
November 2, 2021
2025 →
Registered1,015
Turnout707
69.67% (Increase2.svg28.97 pp)
 
NomineeGreg DeBoerLee AndreasLucas Lee
Party Independent Independent Independent
Popular vote5498672
Percentage77.69%12.14%10.16%
Mayor of Big Timber before election

Rolland Karlin
Independent

Elected Mayor of Big Timber

Greg DeBoer
Independent

An election for the Mayor of Big Timber was held on November 2nd, 2021 [20] . Independent candidate and owner of Crazy Peak Chiropractic, Greg DeBoer, was elected with 77.69% of the vote. He defeated Independent candidates, Lee Andreas and Lucas Lee. DeBoer succeeded Mayor Rolland Karlin on January 1st of 2022.

Karlin made his intentions clear years before the 2021 election, he would not seek re-election. This left the whole election open for anyone to take the office. In early 2021, Andreas declared his candidacy, followed closely by Lee. DeBoer declared for the election later in the year, and quickly became the favorite.

Background

Greg DeBoer is a Montana native [19] . The fifty-nine year old owns Crazy Peak Chiropractic. DeBoer had also been a Chamber Board member for many years at the time.

Lee Andreas is a Montana native [19] . A entrepreneur and semi truck driver, Andreas operates a small construction company. He moved to the area in 2019.

Lucas Lee is a Montana native [19] . The thirty-two year old currently works as a laser engraver. He was born in Livingston.

Issues

One of the major issues that presented itself in the 2021 Big Timber Mayoral election was the rising coasts of housing. As the small community pulled out of the COVID-19 pandemic, it faced intense increases in housing and living. DeBoer addressed this issue, calling for the community to apply for grants and asking for any local businesses to donate money, which would be investing in Sweet Grass County [19] . Andreas commented on the issue, stating that if older buildings like the Madhatter Saloon were fixed up, then that would pull residents in. He also spoke of purchasing the Madhatter himself, and making the upstairs a two apartment complex [19] . When lee was questioned on the topic, he responded with the idea of the city annexing more land from Sweet Grass County. He also endorsed the idea of bringing in investors to fund new housing and utilities that would be necessary [19] .

Big Timber mayoral election Big Timber mayoral election

Arts and culture

The Crazy Mountain Museum has a focus on the area history. [21] In addition to the indoor displays there are outdoor replicas, including a homestead cabin from Swedish settlers to the area, and a large garden based on plant descriptions from the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

Carnegie Public Library serves the Big Timber area. [22]

Infrastructure

Insterstate 90 passes to the south of Big Timber while U.S. Route 191 runs directly through town.

Big Timber Airport is a public use airport located 3 miles southwest of town. [23]

Intercity bus service to the city is provided by Jefferson Lines. [24]

Education

Sweet Grass County High School provides public high school education in Big Timber. [25] They are known as the Sheepherders. [26]

Media

The local newspaper is the Big Timber Pioneer. It is published weekly. [27]

A satellite of Yellowstone Public Radio, KYPB, is licensed in Big Timber. [28]

Orvin Fjare Orvin Fjare.png
Orvin Fjare

Notable people

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Mayor Council". City of Big Timber. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
  2. ↑ "ArcGIS REST Services Directory". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved September 5, 2022.
  3. 1 2 U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Big Timber, Montana
  4. ↑ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  5. 1 2 "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved November 2, 2021.
  6. ↑ French, Brett (June 12, 2008). "Big Timber's Chinatown: Dig reveals a rich cultural past" . Retrieved July 26, 2017.
  7. ↑ Carkeek Cheney, Roberta (1983). Names on the Face of Montana. Missoula, Montana: Mountain Press Publishing Company. p. 5. ISBN   0-87842-150-5.
  8. 1 2 "Montana Place Names Companion". Montana Historical Society. Retrieved July 25, 2017.
  9. ↑ "US Gazetteer files 2010". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on January 12, 2012. Retrieved December 18, 2012.
  10. 1 2 National Weather Service, Billings, MT; NOW Data
  11. ↑ "U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved August 5, 2022.
  12. ↑ "NOAA Online Weather Data". National Weather Service. Retrieved August 5, 2022.
  13. ↑ Moffatt, Riley. Population History of Western U.S. Cities & Towns, 1850-1990. Lanham: Scarecrow, 1996, 127.
  14. ↑ "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved July 19, 2016.
  15. ↑ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved December 18, 2012.
  16. ↑ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  17. ↑ Seitz, C (January 14, 2025). "2025 Big Timber Mayoral Election PDF Results" (PDF). Retrieved November 6, 2025.
  18. ↑ Seitz, C. "Mayor of Big Timber General Election". Decision Desk. Retrieved November 4, 2025.
  19. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Brown, C. (January 13, 2026). "Mayoral race candidates vie for city overseer" . Retrieved August 21, 2025.
  20. ↑ Davey, F. "City of Big Timber". City of Big Timber. Retrieved January 14, 2025.
  21. ↑ "Welcome". Crazy Mountain Museum. Retrieved September 8, 2023.
  22. ↑ "Carnegie Public Library". Carnegie Public Library. Retrieved April 12, 2021.
  23. ↑ "6S0 Big Timber at Howard Fld". FAA. Retrieved September 8, 2023.
  24. ↑ "Montana Bus Stops" . Retrieved July 20, 2023.
  25. ↑ "Sweet Grass County High School". Sweet Grass County High School. Retrieved April 12, 2021.
  26. ↑ "Member Schools". Montana High School Association. Retrieved April 19, 2021.
  27. ↑ "About Us". Big Timber Pioneer. Retrieved September 8, 2023.
  28. ↑ "KYPB". FCC. Retrieved September 8, 2023.
  29. ↑ "FJARE, Orvin Benonie, (1918 - 2011)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Retrieved October 14, 2012.
  30. ↑ "Bobby Hauck". Gogriz.com. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  31. ↑ Jim Robbins (January 4, 1994). "Montana town puts out unwelcome mat". High Country News. Retrieved January 27, 2017. Near Big Timber, a tiny ranching town 30 miles east of Livingston, Tom Brokaw, Michael Keaton and Whoopi Goldberg have all dropped anchor. Mel Gibson has a spread a little farther east, near Columbus. Kiefer Sutherland, Emilio Estevez, Joe Montana, Christopher Lloyd, Huey Lewis and Andie McDowall all have homes in western Montana.
  32. ↑ http://homepages.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~hal/Langworthy/ps15/ps15_163.html [ user-generated source ]
  33. ↑ "Montana Governor Judy Martz". National Governors Association. Retrieved October 14, 2012.
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