Why Move to Bearcreek?
Bearcreek is a small town of 107 people in Carbon County County, sitting at 4,606 feet in elevation. Known as "Montana's Mining Hamlet," 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. Bearcreek specifically offers 351 recreation and attraction sites nearby, a housing affordability ratio of 1.7x, and four distinct seasons.
Cost of Living in Bearcreek
The typical home value in Bearcreek is $191,700. Renters can expect to pay around $840 per month. The median household income is $111,500.
The affordability ratio (home price ÷ income) is 1.7x, which is very affordable by national standards.
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.
Bearcreek Housing Market
Bearcreek. The community has 39 total housing units with a 12.8% vacancy rate.
Inventory data from Zillow Research (recent). 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 Bearcreek profile.
Bearcreek Weather & Climate
Bearcreek experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are warm with July highs averaging 83°F. Winters are relatively mild with January lows around 20°F. Expect about 19" of snow annually.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Precip | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 34°F | 20°F | 0.7" | 1.9" |
| Feb | 25°F | 8°F | 1.6" | 4.3" |
| Mar | 41°F | 22°F | 1.2" | 3" |
| Apr | 50°F | 29°F | 1.6" | 2.7" |
| May | 62°F | 41°F | 2.2" | 0.5" |
| Jun | 73°F | 51°F | 2.5" | 0" |
| Jul | 83°F | 59°F | 0.6" | 0" |
| Aug | 81°F | 58°F | 0.9" | 0" |
| Sep | 72°F | 50°F | 1.4" | 0.3" |
| Oct | 51°F | 33°F | 2.3" | 3" |
| Nov | 41°F | 25°F | 0.8" | 1.7" |
| Dec | 34°F | 19°F | 0.7" | 1.8" |
Outdoor Recreation Near Bearcreek
Bearcreek has access to 351 recreation and attraction sites spanning 18 categories. Yellowstone National Park (North Entrance) is just 76 miles away. For skiing, Red Lodge Mountain is 9 miles from town.
Top Nearby Attractions
- Red Lodge Mountain (Ski Area) — 9 miles
- Beartooth Highway (Scenic Drive) — 17 miles
- Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness (Wilderness) — 19 miles
- Custer-Gallatin NF (National Forest) — 29 miles
- Yellowstone National Park (North Entrance) (National Park) — 76 miles
Rivers
Yellowstone River (Columbus), Stillwater River, Boulder River are all within reach for fishing, floating, and kayaking.
Lakes
Nearby lakes include Wild Bill Lake, Lower Basin Creek Lake, Basin Creek Lake, Greenough Lake, Line Lake.
Explore all 351 recreation sites on the full Bearcreek profile.
Jobs & Economy in Bearcreek
Bearcreek has an unemployment rate of 0%, which is at or below the state average — indicating a healthy local job market. The labor force participation rate is 86.7%, reflecting an active and engaged workforce.
The top industries by employment are Tourism & Hospitality (26.9%), Agriculture & Mining (21.8%), Transportation (20.5%). Approximately 78 residents are employed locally.
Employment by Industry
| Industry | Share of Employment |
|---|---|
| Tourism & Hospitality | 26.9% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 21.8% |
| Transportation | 20.5% |
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
Bearcreek is served by the Bearcreek School District school district with approximately 30 students enrolled.
Graduation rates from OPI/NCES 2022–23. Per-pupil spending from Montana OPI fiscal data.
Healthcare in Bearcreek
Bearcreek has its own hospital — Beartooth Hospital (10 beds). For advanced or emergency care, Laurel Health Center in Laurel (Level 0 Trauma Center) is 40 miles away.
Hospital data from MT DPHHS 2024. Verify services directly with facilities.
Getting to Bearcreek
Bearcreek is accessible via the following airports:
- Bozeman Yellowstone Intl — 127 miles (142 min drive)
- Billings Logan Intl — 64 miles (79 min drive)
- Missoula Intl — 319 miles (334 min drive)
- Glacier Park Intl (Kalispell) — 390 miles (405 min drive)
- Great Falls Intl — 230 miles (245 min drive)
Pros & Cons of Living in Bearcreek
Pros
- No state sales tax
- 351+ recreation sites nearby
- Low unemployment (0%)
- Milder winters than eastern Montana
- Affordable cost of living
- Skiing at Red Lodge Mountain (9 mi)
- Near Yellowstone National Park (North Entrance)
- Has a local hospital
- Strong healthcare access
- Authentic small-town community
- No state income tax on retirement
Cons
- Cold winters
- 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 Bearcreek, Montana?
The typical home value is $191,700 and rent averages $840/month. The median household income is $111,500. Montana has no state sales tax, which helps offset costs.
What are winters like in Bearcreek?
January lows average 20°F with about 19" of annual snowfall. Compared to eastern Montana, winters here are relatively mild.
Is Bearcreek a good place to live?
Bearcreek offers 351 nearby recreation sites, a favorable affordability ratio of 1.7x, and four distinct seasons. It's 76 miles from Yellowstone National Park (North Entrance). Montana's lack of sales tax and retirement income tax are significant benefits.
How many homes are for sale in Bearcreek?
Housing availability varies. The community has 39 total housing units with a 12.8% vacancy rate (Census ACS 2019–2023). Check Zillow or local MLS for the most current listings.
What is the job market like in Bearcreek?
Bearcreek has a 0% unemployment rate, which is at or below the state average. Labor force participation is 86.7%. About 78 residents are employed locally. The leading industry is tourism & hospitality. Montana has no state sales tax, which benefits both businesses and consumers.
What healthcare is available in Bearcreek?
Bearcreek has a local hospital, Beartooth Hospital. The nearest major trauma center is Laurel Health Center in Laurel, 40 miles away. There are 5 hospitals within 60 miles.
Where is the nearest skiing to Bearcreek?
Red Lodge Mountain is 9 miles from Bearcreek. The area receives about 19" of snow annually.