Why Move to Cascade?
Cascade is a small town of 572 people in Cascade County County, sitting at 3,894 feet in elevation. Known as "The Little Town on the Missouri," 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. Cascade specifically offers 123 recreation and attraction sites nearby, a housing affordability ratio of 8x, and four distinct seasons.
Cost of Living in Cascade
The typical home value in Cascade is $390,787, with homes currently listing at a median of $503,000. Renters can expect to pay around $844 per month. The median household income is $48,750.
The affordability ratio (home price ÷ income) is 8x, 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.
Cascade Housing Market
There are currently 22 homes for sale in Cascade — down 4.3% from last year, indicating tightening supply. The community has 345 total housing units with a 19.7% 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 Cascade profile.
Cascade Weather & Climate
Cascade experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are warm with July highs averaging 84°F. Winters are relatively mild with January lows around 23°F. Expect about 20" of snow annually.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Precip | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 38°F | 23°F | 0.9" | 2.3" |
| Feb | 29°F | 13°F | 1.3" | 3.5" |
| Mar | 42°F | 24°F | 0.9" | 2.1" |
| Apr | 51°F | 31°F | 2.3" | 3.5" |
| May | 62°F | 42°F | 2.8" | 1" |
| Jun | 73°F | 52°F | 2.8" | 0" |
| Jul | 84°F | 60°F | 0.4" | 0" |
| Aug | 83°F | 59°F | 0.9" | 0" |
| Sep | 73°F | 51°F | 1.4" | 0.5" |
| Oct | 54°F | 37°F | 2" | 3.2" |
| Nov | 43°F | 28°F | 1" | 2.1" |
| Dec | 37°F | 23°F | 0.8" | 2.1" |
Outdoor Recreation Near Cascade
Cascade has access to 123 recreation and attraction sites spanning 18 categories. For skiing, Showdown Montana is 44 miles from town.
Top Nearby Attractions
- Gates of the Mountains Wilderness (Wilderness) — 41 miles
- Kings Hill Scenic Byway (Scenic Drive) — 41 miles
- Showdown Montana (Ski Area) — 44 miles
- Helena-Lewis & Clark NF (National Forest) — 54 miles
- Spa Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 57 miles
- Broadwater Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 60 miles
- Teton Pass Ski Area (Ski Area) — 65 miles
- Scapegoat Wilderness (Wilderness) — 72 miles
Rivers
Missouri River (Great Falls), Smith River, Sun River, Missouri River (Craig) are all within reach for fishing, floating, and kayaking.
Lakes
Nearby lakes include Deerborn Reservoir, Eightmile Springs, Holter Lake, Dry Creek-Krezelok Reservoir, Rhoda Lake.
Hot Springs
Spa Hot Springs (57 mi), Broadwater Hot Springs (60 mi) — perfect for soaking after a day on the trails.
Explore all 123 recreation sites on the full Cascade profile.
Jobs & Economy in Cascade
Cascade has an unemployment rate of 3.9%, which is moderate. The labor force participation rate is 54.1%, which is below average — common in retirement and college communities.
The top industries by employment are Education & Healthcare (22.6%), Retail (18.2%), Tourism & Hospitality (11.6%). Approximately 292 residents are employed locally.
Employment by Industry
| Industry | Share of Employment |
|---|---|
| Education & Healthcare | 22.6% |
| Retail | 18.2% |
| Tourism & Hospitality | 11.6% |
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
Cascade is served by the Cascade Public Schools school district with approximately 180 students enrolled. The high school graduation rate is 90%, which is above the Montana state average of ~87%.
Graduation rates from OPI/NCES 2022–23. Per-pupil spending from Montana OPI fiscal data.
Healthcare in Cascade
The nearest hospital is Benefis Health System in Great Falls, 13.5 miles away. For advanced or emergency care, Benefis Health System in Great Falls (Level 2 Trauma Center) is 13.5 miles away.
Hospital data from MT DPHHS 2024. Verify services directly with facilities.
Getting to Cascade
Cascade is accessible via the following airports:
- Bozeman Yellowstone Intl — 129 miles (144 min drive)
- Billings Logan Intl — 203 miles (218 min drive)
- Missoula Intl — 160 miles (175 min drive)
- Glacier Park Intl (Kalispell) — 182 miles (197 min drive)
- Great Falls Intl — 13 miles (28 min drive)
Pros & Cons of Living in Cascade
Pros
- No state sales tax
- 123+ recreation sites nearby
- Strong schools (90% grad rate)
- Milder winters than eastern Montana
- Skiing at Showdown Montana (44 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 Cascade, Montana?
The typical home value is $390,787 and rent averages $844/month. The median household income is $48,750. Montana has no state sales tax, which helps offset costs.
What are winters like in Cascade?
January lows average 23°F with about 20" of annual snowfall. Compared to eastern Montana, winters here are relatively mild.
Is Cascade a good place to live?
Cascade offers 123 nearby recreation sites, a higher affordability ratio of 8x, and four distinct seasons. Montana's lack of sales tax and retirement income tax are significant benefits.
How many homes are for sale in Cascade?
As of early 2026, there were 22 homes for sale in Cascade, down 4.3% from the prior year. The community has 345 total housing units with a 19.7% vacancy rate (Census ACS 2019–2023). Check Zillow or local MLS for the most current listings.
What is the job market like in Cascade?
Cascade has a 3.9% unemployment rate. Labor force participation is 54.1%. About 292 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 Cascade?
The Cascade Public Schools school district has a graduation rate of 90%, above the Montana state average of ~87%. Approximately 180 students are enrolled.
What healthcare is available in Cascade?
The nearest hospital is Benefis Health System in Great Falls (13.5 miles). The nearest major trauma center is Benefis Health System in Great Falls, 13.5 miles away. There are 4 hospitals within 60 miles.
Where is the nearest skiing to Cascade?
Showdown Montana is 44 miles from Cascade. The area receives about 20" of snow annually.