How Much It Costs to Build a Custom Home in Lewis & Clark, Jefferson, and Broadwater Counties (2023 Snapshot)

Building a custom home in Montana isn’t a one size fits all equation. Location, land conditions, finishing level, and builder experience all play a major role. From our experience at JCH Construction and Development Inc., and based on 2023 market data, here’s how construction costs typically compare across the three counties surrounding the Helena region.

Lewis & Clark County (Helena Area)

In Lewis & Clark County, which includes Helena, the average cost to build a custom home in 2023 ranged from $220 to $300 per square foot, excluding land but including standard custom finishes.

At a midpoint of around $260 per square foot, a 2,500 square foot home would cost roughly $650,000 for construction alone.

Key cost drivers in this area include higher labor rates near the county seat, more complex permit requirements, and an overall demand for higher end finishes in and around Helena. Infill lots with slopes or rock outcroppings can also increase excavation costs, which is why accurate site evaluation early in the process is so important.

Broadwater County

Broadwater County offers a slightly lower overall build cost, particularly for acreage style homes with fewer permit layers and simpler site access. In 2023, most custom homes built in Broadwater County ranged from $200 to $270 per square foot, again excluding land.

For example, a 3,000 square foot home at $230 per square foot would cost about $690,000 to build.

This county is popular for homeowners wanting more land and fewer subdivision restrictions, while still being close enough to Helena for convenience. The savings often come from fewer development fees and more flexible design options, though accessibility and utility extensions can vary widely depending on the site.

Jefferson County

Jefferson County combines the scenic appeal of rural Montana with accessibility to Helena and Butte. In 2023, custom home construction costs here generally ranged from $210 to $260 per square foot for a quality custom build.

A 2,800 square foot home built at $240 per square foot would total approximately $672,000 for construction.

Jefferson County’s costs tend to stay competitive thanks to lower land prices and slightly reduced permit costs, but rural parcels often require more planning for wells, septic systems, and utility connections. These factors can add variability to overall budgets, so early coordination with your builder is key.

Why Costs Vary So Much (From a Builder’s Perspective)

Several factors influence the difference in build costs between counties:

• Land and site preparation: Soil type, slope, and excavation difficulty can add or save thousands.

• Finishes and customization: Higher end materials, detailed trim work, and luxury amenities increase costs more than square footage alone.

• Labor and market conditions: Skilled trades remain in high demand throughout Montana, especially in the Helena area.

• Permitting and utilities: Rural builds often require additional planning for wells, septic systems, and power connections.

• Layout efficiency: A well designed floor plan with functional square footage costs less per foot to build than a sprawling layout with wasted space.

What This Means for Montana Homeowners

If you’re budgeting for a custom home in the Helena area, here’s a realistic 2023 summary:

Lewis & Clark County: $220–$300 per sq ft

Broadwater County: $200–$270 per sq ft

Jefferson County: $210–$260 per sq ft

These numbers exclude land and can vary based on design complexity and finish level. As a general rule, a 2,500–3,000 sq ft custom home in this region would cost between $650,000 and $700,000 to build.

Always plan for a 10–15% contingency to cover unexpected site costs or upgrades made during construction.

Final Thoughts from a Local Builder

Building in Montana is about balance, between lifestyle, land, and long term value. Each county offers its own advantages: proximity and convenience in Lewis & Clark, open space and flexibility in Broadwater, and affordability with scenery in Jefferson.

At JCH Construction and Development Inc., we help homeowners plan every phase of their build to maximize both comfort and investment. From site evaluation to final finishes, our process is designed to deliver quality homes built for Montana living.

Contact us for a free pre-build consultation. We’ll walk you through realistic cost expectations, site requirements, and design options tailored to your property.