Why Move to Choteau?
Choteau is a small town of 1,721 people in Teton County County, sitting at 3,825 feet in elevation. Known as "The Front Porch of the Rockies," 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. Choteau specifically offers 104 recreation and attraction sites nearby, a housing affordability ratio of 5.3x, and four distinct seasons.
Cost of Living in Choteau
The typical home value in Choteau is $283,281. Renters can expect to pay around $713 per month. The median household income is $53,929.
The affordability ratio (home price ÷ income) is 5.3x, 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.
Choteau Housing Market
There are currently 18 homes for sale in Choteau — up 100% from last year, indicating a loosening market. The community has 834 total housing units with a 12.2% 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.
See detailed housing data and percentile rankings on the full Choteau profile.
Choteau Weather & Climate
Choteau experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are warm with July highs averaging 83°F. Winters are relatively mild with January lows around 21°F. Expect about 17" of snow annually.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Precip | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 37°F | 21°F | 0.6" | 1.3" |
| Feb | 28°F | 11°F | 1.1" | 2.6" |
| Mar | 40°F | 20°F | 0.9" | 2" |
| Apr | 50°F | 29°F | 1.6" | 2.8" |
| May | 61°F | 40°F | 3" | 1.5" |
| Jun | 72°F | 49°F | 2.4" | 0" |
| Jul | 83°F | 56°F | 0.3" | 0" |
| Aug | 81°F | 56°F | 0.9" | 0" |
| Sep | 71°F | 47°F | 1.7" | 1" |
| Oct | 53°F | 33°F | 1.3" | 2" |
| Nov | 42°F | 25°F | 0.9" | 1.9" |
| Dec | 35°F | 19°F | 0.8" | 1.8" |
Outdoor Recreation Near Choteau
Choteau has access to 104 recreation and attraction sites spanning 17 categories. Glacier National Park (East Glacier) is just 65 miles away. For skiing, Teton Pass Ski Area is 16 miles from town.
Top Nearby Attractions
- Teton Pass Ski Area (Ski Area) — 16 miles
- Medicine (Sun River) Springs (Hot Spring) — 34 miles
- Great Bear Wilderness (Wilderness) — 52 miles
- Bob Marshall Wilderness (Wilderness) — 53 miles
- Scapegoat Wilderness (Wilderness) — 59 miles
- Glacier National Park (East Glacier) (National Park) — 65 miles
- Seeley-Swan Scenic Drive (Scenic Drive) — 65 miles
- Gates of the Mountains Wilderness (Wilderness) — 68 miles
Rivers
Sun River, Missouri River (Great Falls), Missouri River (Craig) are all within reach for fishing, floating, and kayaking.
Lakes
Nearby lakes include Dougcliff Reservoir, Arod Lakes, Bynum Reservoir, Snyder Pond, Dry Creek-Krezelok Reservoir.
Hot Springs
Medicine (Sun River) Springs (34 mi) — perfect for soaking after a day on the trails.
Explore all 104 recreation sites on the full Choteau profile.
Jobs & Economy in Choteau
Choteau has an unemployment rate of 1%, which is at or below the state average — indicating a healthy local job market. The labor force participation rate is 54.3%, which is below average — common in retirement and college communities.
The top industries by employment are Education & Healthcare (24.8%), Tourism & Hospitality (15.5%), Construction (10.7%). Approximately 723 residents are employed locally.
Employment by Industry
| Industry | Share of Employment |
|---|---|
| Education & Healthcare | 24.8% |
| Tourism & Hospitality | 15.5% |
| Construction | 10.7% |
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
Choteau is served by the Choteau Public Schools school district with approximately 350 students enrolled. The high school graduation rate is 93%, 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 Choteau
Choteau has its own hospital — Teton Medical Center (40 beds). For advanced or emergency care, Benefis Health System in Great Falls (Level 2 Trauma Center) is 46.5 miles away.
Hospital data from MT DPHHS 2024. Verify services directly with facilities.
Getting to Choteau
Choteau is accessible via the following airports:
- Bozeman Yellowstone Intl — 179 miles (194 min drive)
- Billings Logan Intl — 265 miles (280 min drive)
- Missoula Intl — 130 miles (145 min drive)
- Glacier Park Intl (Kalispell) — 122 miles (137 min drive)
- Great Falls Intl — 53 miles (68 min drive)
Pros & Cons of Living in Choteau
Pros
- No state sales tax
- 104+ recreation sites nearby
- Low unemployment (1%)
- Strong schools (93% grad rate)
- Milder winters than eastern Montana
- Skiing at Teton Pass Ski Area (16 mi)
- Near Glacier National Park (East Glacier)
- Has a local hospital
- 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 Choteau, Montana?
The typical home value is $283,281 and rent averages $713/month. The median household income is $53,929. Montana has no state sales tax, which helps offset costs.
What are winters like in Choteau?
January lows average 21°F with about 17" of annual snowfall. Compared to eastern Montana, winters here are relatively mild.
Is Choteau a good place to live?
Choteau offers 104 nearby recreation sites, a moderate affordability ratio of 5.3x, and four distinct seasons. It's 65 miles from Glacier National Park (East Glacier). Montana's lack of sales tax and retirement income tax are significant benefits.
How many homes are for sale in Choteau?
As of early 2026, there were 18 homes for sale in Choteau, up 100% from the prior year. The community has 834 total housing units with a 12.2% vacancy rate (Census ACS 2019–2023). Check Zillow or local MLS for the most current listings.
What is the job market like in Choteau?
Choteau has a 1% unemployment rate, which is at or below the state average. Labor force participation is 54.3%. About 723 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 Choteau?
The Choteau Public Schools school district has a graduation rate of 93%, above the Montana state average of ~87%. Approximately 350 students are enrolled.
What healthcare is available in Choteau?
Choteau has a local hospital, Teton Medical Center. The nearest major trauma center is Benefis Health System in Great Falls, 46.5 miles away. There are 5 hospitals within 60 miles.
Where is the nearest skiing to Choteau?
Teton Pass Ski Area is 16 miles from Choteau. The area receives about 17" of snow annually.