Why Move to Alberton?
Alberton is a small town of 452 people in Mineral County County, sitting at 3,041 feet in elevation. Known as "Gateway to the Clark Fork," it combines the best of Montana living — stunning natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and a strong community — with authentic small-town charm.
Montana has no state sales tax and no tax on retirement income, making it financially attractive for both working professionals and retirees. Alberton specifically offers 365 recreation and attraction sites nearby, a housing affordability ratio of 6.9x, and four distinct seasons.
Cost of Living in Alberton
The typical home value in Alberton is $490,534. Renters can expect to pay around $1,161 per month. The median household income is $71,250.
The affordability ratio (home price ÷ income) is 6.9x, which is above average — plan your budget carefully.
Montana has no state sales tax, which saves residents money on everyday purchases. The state also has no tax on Social Security or other retirement income. Property taxes are moderate, based on assessed value.
Alberton Housing Market
There are currently 10 homes for sale in Alberton — flat compared to last year. The community has 246 total housing units with a 6.5% vacancy rate.
Inventory data from Zillow Research (Jan 2026). Vacancy & housing units from U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year 2019–2023. Market conditions change — verify current listings before making decisions.
See detailed housing data and percentile rankings on the full Alberton profile.
Alberton Weather & Climate
Alberton experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are warm with July highs averaging 86°F. Winters are relatively mild with January lows around 20°F. Expect about 24" of snow annually.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Precip | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 37°F | 20°F | 2" | 4.3" |
| Feb | 35°F | 16°F | 2.3" | 5.3" |
| Mar | 46°F | 23°F | 1.4" | 2.4" |
| Apr | 54°F | 30°F | 2.1" | 2.5" |
| May | 65°F | 39°F | 2.5" | 0.5" |
| Jun | 74°F | 47°F | 2.4" | 0" |
| Jul | 86°F | 53°F | 0.3" | 0" |
| Aug | 84°F | 53°F | 1.1" | 0" |
| Sep | 74°F | 45°F | 1.3" | 0.1" |
| Oct | 58°F | 34°F | 2.1" | 1.9" |
| Nov | 44°F | 26°F | 2.1" | 2.4" |
| Dec | 38°F | 23°F | 2.1" | 4.5" |
Outdoor Recreation Near Alberton
Alberton has access to 365 recreation and attraction sites spanning 19 categories. For skiing, Snowbowl is 15 miles from town.
Top Nearby Attractions
- Snowbowl (Ski Area) — 15 miles
- Lolo National Forest (National Forest) — 18 miles
- Lolo Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 19 miles
- Rattlesnake Wilderness (Wilderness) — 25 miles
- Quinn's Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 34 miles
- Mission Mountains Wilderness (Wilderness) — 37 miles
- Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness (Wilderness) — 44 miles
- Alameda Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 44 miles
Rivers
Clark Fork River, Bitterroot River, Blackfoot River, Rock Creek, Swan River are all within reach for fishing, floating, and kayaking.
Lakes
Nearby lakes include Surveyor Lake, Windfall Lake, Deep Creek Lake, Duffy Lake, Holloway Lake.
Hot Springs
Lolo Hot Springs (19 mi), Quinn's Hot Springs (34 mi), Alameda Hot Springs (44 mi) — perfect for soaking after a day on the trails.
Explore all 365 recreation sites on the full Alberton profile.
Jobs & Economy in Alberton
Alberton has an unemployment rate of 0.9%, which is at or below the state average — indicating a healthy local job market. The labor force participation rate is 76%, reflecting an active and engaged workforce.
The top industries by employment are Construction (20.1%), Education & Healthcare (19.2%), Tourism & Hospitality (14.1%). Approximately 313 residents are employed locally.
Employment by Industry
| Industry | Share of Employment |
|---|---|
| Construction | 20.1% |
| Education & Healthcare | 19.2% |
| Tourism & Hospitality | 14.1% |
Montana has no state sales tax and no tax on retirement income, making it attractive for both workers and retirees.
Employment and industry data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year 2019–2023. Current conditions may differ.
Schools & Education
Alberton is served by the Alberton K-12 Schools school district with approximately 150 students enrolled. The high school graduation rate is 88%, which is near the Montana state average of ~87%.
Graduation rates from OPI/NCES 2022–23. Per-pupil spending from Montana OPI fiscal data.
Healthcare in Alberton
The nearest hospital is Mineral Community Hospital in Superior, 23.4 miles away. For advanced or emergency care, Providence St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula (Level 2 Trauma Center) is 23.6 miles away.
Hospital data from MT DPHHS 2024. Verify services directly with facilities.
Getting to Alberton
Alberton is accessible via the following airports:
- Bozeman Yellowstone Intl — 216 miles (231 min drive)
- Billings Logan Intl — 353 miles (368 min drive)
- Missoula Intl — 23 miles (38 min drive)
- Glacier Park Intl (Kalispell) — 109 miles (124 min drive)
- Great Falls Intl — 179 miles (194 min drive)
Pros & Cons of Living in Alberton
Pros
- No state sales tax
- 365+ recreation sites nearby
- Low unemployment (0.9%)
- Milder winters than eastern Montana
- Skiing at Snowbowl (15 mi)
- Strong healthcare access
- Authentic small-town community
- No state income tax on retirement
Cons
- Cold winters
- Housing costs above national average
- Limited housing inventory
- Limited shopping and dining options
- Distance from major metro areas
- Airport is a significant drive
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Alberton, Montana?
The typical home value is $490,534 and rent averages $1,161/month. The median household income is $71,250. Montana has no state sales tax, which helps offset costs.
What are winters like in Alberton?
January lows average 20°F with about 24" of annual snowfall. Compared to eastern Montana, winters here are relatively mild.
Is Alberton a good place to live?
Alberton offers 365 nearby recreation sites, a higher affordability ratio of 6.9x, and four distinct seasons. Montana's lack of sales tax and retirement income tax are significant benefits.
How many homes are for sale in Alberton?
As of early 2026, there were 10 homes for sale in Alberton, down 0% from the prior year. The community has 246 total housing units with a 6.5% vacancy rate (Census ACS 2019–2023). Check Zillow or local MLS for the most current listings.
What is the job market like in Alberton?
Alberton has a 0.9% unemployment rate, which is at or below the state average. Labor force participation is 76%. About 313 residents are employed locally. The leading industry is construction. Montana has no state sales tax, which benefits both businesses and consumers.
How are the schools in Alberton?
The Alberton K-12 Schools school district has a graduation rate of 88%, near the state average. Approximately 150 students are enrolled.
What healthcare is available in Alberton?
The nearest hospital is Mineral Community Hospital in Superior (23.4 miles). The nearest major trauma center is Providence St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula, 23.6 miles away. There are 7 hospitals within 60 miles.
Where is the nearest skiing to Alberton?
Snowbowl is 15 miles from Alberton. The area receives about 24" of snow annually.