Why Move to Bigfork?
Bigfork is a town of 5,000 people in Flathead County County, sitting at 2,940 feet in elevation. Known as "A Village by the Bay," 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. Bigfork specifically offers 389 recreation and attraction sites nearby, a housing affordability ratio of 9.2x, and four distinct seasons.
Cost of Living in Bigfork
The typical home value in Bigfork is $758,524, with homes currently listing at a median of $993,000. Renters can expect to pay around $1,103 per month. The median household income is $82,648.
The affordability ratio (home price ÷ income) is 9.2x, which is on the expensive side, reflecting strong demand.
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.
Bigfork Housing Market
There are currently 101 homes for sale in Bigfork — down 2.9% from last year, indicating tightening supply. The community has 3,207 total housing units with a 29% vacancy rate, suggesting more options and negotiating room for buyers.
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 Bigfork profile.
Bigfork Weather & Climate
Bigfork experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are mild with July highs averaging 80°F. Winters are relatively mild with January lows around 23°F. Expect about 16" of snow annually.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Precip | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 35°F | 23°F | 1.6" | 2.9" |
| Feb | 32°F | 16°F | 1.8" | 3.6" |
| Mar | 43°F | 24°F | 1.3" | 1.5" |
| Apr | 51°F | 31°F | 2" | 1.6" |
| May | 62°F | 41°F | 2.6" | 0.1" |
| Jun | 71°F | 50°F | 2.5" | 0" |
| Jul | 80°F | 56°F | 0.4" | 0" |
| Aug | 79°F | 57°F | 1.5" | 0" |
| Sep | 69°F | 50°F | 2.2" | 0.1" |
| Oct | 54°F | 37°F | 2.1" | 1" |
| Nov | 41°F | 29°F | 2.4" | 1.9" |
| Dec | 35°F | 25°F | 2.1" | 3.3" |
Outdoor Recreation Near Bigfork
Bigfork has access to 389 recreation and attraction sites spanning 19 categories. Glacier National Park (West Glacier) is just 30 miles away. For skiing, Blacktail Mountain is 13 miles from town.
Top Nearby Attractions
- Flathead National Forest (National Forest) — 12 miles
- Blacktail Mountain (Ski Area) — 13 miles
- Glacier National Park (West Glacier) (National Park) — 30 miles
- Whitefish Mountain Resort (Ski Area) — 31 miles
- Knox Landing (Ski Area) — 31 miles
- Fault 2 (Ski Area) — 31 miles
- Chair 3 Tenderfoot (Ski Area) — 31 miles
- Chair 6 Base Lodge (Ski Area) — 31 miles
Rivers
Flathead River, Swan River are all within reach for fishing, floating, and kayaking.
Lakes
Nearby lakes include Echo Lake, Aeneas Lake, Birch Lake, In-thlam-keh Lake, Picnic Lakes.
Hot Springs
Symes Hot Springs (44 mi), Alameda Hot Springs (44 mi), Wild Horse Hot Springs (44 mi) — perfect for soaking after a day on the trails.
Explore all 389 recreation sites on the full Bigfork profile.
Jobs & Economy in Bigfork
Bigfork has an unemployment rate of 2.9%, which is at or below the state average — indicating a healthy local job market. The labor force participation rate is 48%, which is below average — common in retirement and college communities.
The top industries by employment are Education & Healthcare (17.4%), Tourism & Hospitality (15.8%), Professional Services (14.2%). Approximately 2,112 residents are employed locally.
Employment by Industry
| Industry | Share of Employment |
|---|---|
| Education & Healthcare | 17.4% |
| Tourism & Hospitality | 15.8% |
| Professional Services | 14.2% |
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
Bigfork is served by the Bigfork Public Schools school district with approximately 900 students enrolled. The high school graduation rate is 93%, which is above the Montana state average of ~87%.
Visit Bigfork Public Schools for enrollment information and school performance data.
Graduation rates from OPI/NCES 2022–23. Per-pupil spending from Montana OPI fiscal data.
Healthcare in Bigfork
The nearest hospital is Logan Health Medical Center in Kalispell, 13.8 miles away. For advanced or emergency care, Logan Health Medical Center in Kalispell (Level 3 Trauma Center) is 13.8 miles away.
Hospital data from MT DPHHS 2024. Verify services directly with facilities.
Getting to Bigfork
Bigfork is accessible via the following airports:
- Bozeman Yellowstone Intl — 253 miles (268 min drive)
- Billings Logan Intl — 366 miles (381 min drive)
- Missoula Intl — 95 miles (110 min drive)
- Glacier Park Intl (Kalispell) — 22 miles (37 min drive)
- Great Falls Intl — 159 miles (174 min drive)
Pros & Cons of Living in Bigfork
Pros
- No state sales tax
- 389+ recreation sites nearby
- Low unemployment (2.9%)
- Strong schools (93% grad rate)
- Milder winters than eastern Montana
- Skiing at Blacktail Mountain (13 mi)
- Near Glacier National Park (West Glacier)
- Strong healthcare access
- Authentic small-town community
- No state income tax on retirement
Cons
- Cold winters
- Housing costs above national average
- Distance from major metro areas
- Airport is a significant drive
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Bigfork, Montana?
The typical home value is $758,524 and rent averages $1,103/month. The median household income is $82,648. Montana has no state sales tax, which helps offset costs.
What are winters like in Bigfork?
January lows average 23°F with about 16" of annual snowfall. Compared to eastern Montana, winters here are relatively mild.
Is Bigfork a good place to live?
Bigfork offers 389 nearby recreation sites, a higher affordability ratio of 9.2x, and four distinct seasons. It's 30 miles from Glacier National Park (West Glacier). Montana's lack of sales tax and retirement income tax are significant benefits.
How many homes are for sale in Bigfork?
As of early 2026, there were 101 homes for sale in Bigfork, down 2.9% from the prior year. The community has 3,207 total housing units with a 29% vacancy rate (Census ACS 2019–2023). Check Zillow or local MLS for the most current listings.
What is the job market like in Bigfork?
Bigfork has a 2.9% unemployment rate, which is at or below the state average. Labor force participation is 48%. About 2,112 residents are employed locally. The leading industry is education & healthcare. Montana has no state sales tax, which benefits both businesses and consumers.
How are the schools in Bigfork?
The Bigfork Public Schools school district has a graduation rate of 93%, above the Montana state average of ~87%. Approximately 900 students are enrolled.
What healthcare is available in Bigfork?
The nearest hospital is Logan Health Medical Center in Kalispell (13.8 miles). The nearest major trauma center is Logan Health Medical Center in Kalispell, 13.8 miles away. There are 5 hospitals within 60 miles.
Where is the nearest skiing to Bigfork?
Blacktail Mountain is 13 miles from Bigfork. The area receives about 16" of snow annually.