Compare Montana towns side by side

West Yellowstone vs Colstrip

Montana Town Comparison

West Yellowstone
The Yellowstone Gateway
Colstrip
Montana's Energy Capital

A side-by-side comparison to help you decide which Montana community is right for you.

OverviewWest YellowstoneColstrip
Population1,2722,055
Elevation6,667 ft3,238 ft
CountyGallatin CountyRosebud County
RegionCentral MontanaEastern Montana
Climate
January Avg High24°F38°F
January Avg Low8°F22°F
July Avg High78°F87°F
July Avg Low46°F63°F
Annual Precipitation21.5"15.6"
Annual Snowfall36.5"14.6"
Housing & Cost of Living (ACS 2019–2023)
Typical Home Value$601,098$220,250
Median Rent$1,035/mo$632/mo
Median Household Income$57,167$86,000
Access & Education
Nearest AirportWest Yellowstone (5 mi)Billings (111 mi)
Zip Code5975859323
School DistrictWest Yellowstone Public SchoolsColstrip Public Schools
Enrollment~150~500

Outdoor Recreation & Attractions (within 30 mi)

West Yellowstone: 52 sites | Colstrip: 15 sites

CategoryWest YellowstoneColstrip
Campground22
📍 Disc Golf1
🐟 Fishing Access23
Golf2
📜 Historic Site11
🏞️ Lake102
🏛️ Museum23
🏔️ National Park1
🎣 River1
🌳 State Park2
🥾 Trailhead13
💧 Waterfall1
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