Moving to Billings, Montana: Everything You Need to Know

Billings is a city of 117,116 people in Yellowstone County County, sitting at 3,123 feet in elevation. Known as "The Magic City," it combines the best of Montana living — stunning natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and a strong community — with the amenities of a mid-size city.

Montana has no state sales tax and no tax on retirement income, making it financially attractive for both working professionals and retirees. Billings specifically offers 91 recreation and attraction sites nearby, a housing affordability ratio of 5.4x, and four distinct seasons.

The typical home value in Billings is $384,994, with homes currently listing at a median of $389,150. Renters can expect to pay around $1,404 per month. The median household income is $71,855.

The affordability ratio (home price ÷ income) is 5.4x, 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.

There are currently 546 homes for sale in Billings — down 2.7% from last year, indicating tightening supply. The community has 53,537 total housing units with a 6% 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.

Billings experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are warm with July highs averaging 89°F. Winters are relatively mild with January lows around 22°F. Expect about 13" of snow annually.

Billings has access to 91 recreation and attraction sites spanning 15 categories. For skiing, Red Lodge Mountain is 58 miles from town.

Top Nearby Attractions

• Custer-Gallatin NF (National Forest) — 52 miles
• Red Lodge Mountain (Ski Area) — 58 miles
• Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness (Wilderness) — 67 miles
• Beartooth Highway (Scenic Drive) — 70 miles

Rivers

Yellowstone River (Columbus), Bighorn River, Musselshell River, Stillwater River are all within reach for fishing, floating, and kayaking.

Lakes

Nearby lakes include South Pond, Hunter Lake, Dry Lake, Dallmann Lake, Deadmans Basin Reservoir.

Billings has an unemployment rate of 3.5%, which is at or below the state average — indicating a healthy local job market. The labor force participation rate is 66.1%.

The top industries by employment are Education & Healthcare (26.2%), Retail (12.1%), Tourism & Hospitality (10.9%). Approximately 60,423 residents are employed locally.

Employment by Industry

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.

Billings is served by the Billings Public Schools school district with approximately 16,000 students enrolled. The high school graduation rate is 82%, which is below the state average of ~87%. Per-pupil spending is approximately $11,200.

Visit Billings Public Schools for enrollment information and school performance data.

Billings also has access to higher education institutions and continuing education programs.

Graduation rates from OPI/NCES 2022–23. Per-pupil spending from Montana OPI fiscal data.

Billings has its own hospital — Billings Clinic (272 beds). For advanced or emergency care, Billings Clinic in Billings (Level 1 Trauma Center) is 0.4 miles away.

Hospital data from MT DPHHS 2024. Verify services directly with facilities.

Billings is accessible via the following airports:

• Bozeman Yellowstone Intl — 154 miles (169 min drive)
• Billings Logan Intl — 5 miles (18 min drive)
• Missoula Intl — 333 miles (348 min drive)
• Glacier Park Intl (Kalispell) — 387 miles (402 min drive)
• Great Falls Intl — 216 miles (231 min drive)

What is the cost of living in Billings, Montana?

The typical home value is $384,994 and rent averages $1,404/month. The median household income is $71,855. Montana has no state sales tax, which helps offset costs.

What are winters like in Billings?

January lows average 22°F with about 13" of annual snowfall. Compared to eastern Montana, winters here are relatively mild.

Is Billings a good place to live?

Billings offers 91 nearby recreation sites, a moderate affordability ratio of 5.4x, and four distinct seasons. Montana's lack of sales tax and retirement income tax are significant benefits.

How many homes are for sale in Billings?

As of early 2026, there were 546 homes for sale in Billings, down 2.7% from the prior year. The community has 53,537 total housing units with a 6% vacancy rate (Census ACS 2019–2023). Check Zillow or local MLS for the most current listings.

What is the job market like in Billings?

Billings has a 3.5% unemployment rate, which is at or below the state average. Labor force participation is 66.1%. About 60,423 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 Billings?

The Billings Public Schools school district has a graduation rate of 82%, below the state average of ~87%. Approximately 16,000 students are enrolled. Per-pupil spending is approximately $11,200.

What healthcare is available in Billings?

Billings has a local hospital, Billings Clinic. The nearest major trauma center is Billings Clinic in Billings, 0.4 miles away. There are 7 hospitals within 60 miles.

Where is the nearest skiing to Billings?

Red Lodge Mountain is 58 miles from Billings. The area receives about 13" of snow annually.