Why Move to Bridger?
Bridger is a small town of 719 people in Carbon County County, sitting at 3,671 feet in elevation. Known as "The Heart of Clark's Fork Valley," 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. Bridger specifically offers 355 recreation and attraction sites nearby, a housing affordability ratio of 2.7x, and four distinct seasons.
Cost of Living in Bridger
The typical home value in Bridger is $363,621. The median household income is $136,154.
The affordability ratio (home price ÷ income) is 2.7x, 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.
Bridger Housing Market
There are currently 9 homes for sale in Bridger — up 12.5% from last year, indicating a loosening market. The community has 67 total housing units with a 31.3% 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 Bridger profile.
Bridger Weather & Climate
Bridger experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are warm with July highs averaging 87°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 | 38°F | 23°F | 0.7" | 1.7" |
| Feb | 29°F | 12°F | 1.3" | 3.5" |
| Mar | 45°F | 24°F | 1.2" | 2.7" |
| Apr | 53°F | 31°F | 1.5" | 2.1" |
| May | 65°F | 43°F | 2.1" | 0.3" |
| Jun | 77°F | 53°F | 2.7" | 0" |
| Jul | 87°F | 60°F | 0.4" | 0" |
| Aug | 85°F | 60°F | 0.8" | 0" |
| Sep | 76°F | 52°F | 1.3" | 0.2" |
| Oct | 55°F | 36°F | 1.9" | 2.5" |
| Nov | 45°F | 28°F | 0.7" | 1.4" |
| Dec | 38°F | 23°F | 0.6" | 1.6" |
Outdoor Recreation Near Bridger
Bridger has access to 355 recreation and attraction sites spanning 18 categories. Yellowstone National Park (North Entrance) is just 89 miles away. For skiing, Red Lodge Mountain is 22 miles from town.
Top Nearby Attractions
- Red Lodge Mountain (Ski Area) — 22 miles
- Custer-Gallatin NF (National Forest) — 32 miles
- Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness (Wilderness) — 32 miles
- Beartooth Highway (Scenic Drive) — 32 miles
- Yellowstone National Park (North Entrance) (National Park) — 89 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, South Pond, Basin Creek Lake, Greenough Lake.
Explore all 355 recreation sites on the full Bridger profile.
Jobs & Economy in Bridger
Bridger 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 66.3%.
The top industries by employment are Tourism & Hospitality (33.9%), Professional Services (28.8%), Education & Healthcare (22%). Approximately 59 residents are employed locally.
Employment by Industry
| Industry | Share of Employment |
|---|---|
| Tourism & Hospitality | 33.9% |
| Professional Services | 28.8% |
| Education & Healthcare | 22% |
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
Bridger is served by the Bridger K-12 Schools school district with approximately 200 students enrolled. The high school graduation rate is 95%, which is above the Montana state average of ~87%. Per-pupil spending is approximately $12,800.
Graduation rates from OPI/NCES 2022–23. Per-pupil spending from Montana OPI fiscal data.
Healthcare in Bridger
The nearest hospital is Beartooth Hospital in Red Lodge, 17.9 miles away. For advanced or emergency care, Laurel Health Center in Laurel (Level 0 Trauma Center) is 26.9 miles away.
Hospital data from MT DPHHS 2024. Verify services directly with facilities.
Getting to Bridger
Bridger is accessible via the following airports:
- Bozeman Yellowstone Intl — 136 miles (151 min drive)
- Billings Logan Intl — 48 miles (63 min drive)
- Missoula Intl — 326 miles (341 min drive)
- Glacier Park Intl (Kalispell) — 393 miles (408 min drive)
- Great Falls Intl — 229 miles (244 min drive)
Pros & Cons of Living in Bridger
Pros
- No state sales tax
- 355+ recreation sites nearby
- Low unemployment (0%)
- Strong schools (95% grad rate)
- Milder winters than eastern Montana
- Affordable cost of living
- Skiing at Red Lodge Mountain (22 mi)
- Near Yellowstone National Park (North Entrance)
- Strong healthcare access
- Authentic small-town community
- No state income tax on retirement
Cons
- Cold winters
- 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 Bridger, Montana?
The typical home value is $363,621. The median household income is $136,154. Montana has no state sales tax, which helps offset costs.
What are winters like in Bridger?
January lows average 23°F with about 16" of annual snowfall. Compared to eastern Montana, winters here are relatively mild.
Is Bridger a good place to live?
Bridger offers 355 nearby recreation sites, a favorable affordability ratio of 2.7x, and four distinct seasons. It's 89 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 Bridger?
As of early 2026, there were 9 homes for sale in Bridger, up 12.5% from the prior year. The community has 67 total housing units with a 31.3% vacancy rate (Census ACS 2019–2023). Check Zillow or local MLS for the most current listings.
What is the job market like in Bridger?
Bridger has a 0% unemployment rate, which is at or below the state average. Labor force participation is 66.3%. About 59 residents are employed locally. The leading industry is tourism & hospitality. Montana has no state sales tax, which benefits both businesses and consumers.
How are the schools in Bridger?
The Bridger K-12 Schools school district has a graduation rate of 95%, above the Montana state average of ~87%. Approximately 200 students are enrolled. Per-pupil spending is approximately $12,800.
What healthcare is available in Bridger?
The nearest hospital is Beartooth Hospital in Red Lodge (17.9 miles). The nearest major trauma center is Laurel Health Center in Laurel, 26.9 miles away. There are 5 hospitals within 60 miles.
Where is the nearest skiing to Bridger?
Red Lodge Mountain is 22 miles from Bridger. The area receives about 16" of snow annually.