Why Move to Columbus?
Columbus is a small town of 2,015 people in Stillwater County County, sitting at 3,583 feet in elevation. Known as "The Stillwater Gateway," 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. Columbus specifically offers 378 recreation and attraction sites nearby, a housing affordability ratio of 6.7x, and four distinct seasons.
Cost of Living in Columbus
The typical home value in Columbus is $420,229. Renters can expect to pay around $926 per month. The median household income is $62,500.
The affordability ratio (home price ÷ income) is 6.7x, 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.
Columbus Housing Market
There are currently 21 homes for sale in Columbus — down 44.7% from last year, indicating tightening supply. The community has 887 total housing units with a 5.5% 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 Columbus profile.
Columbus Weather & Climate
Columbus experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are warm with July highs averaging 87°F. Winters are relatively mild with January lows around 20°F. Expect about 16" of snow annually.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Precip | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 40°F | 20°F | 0.6" | 1.5" |
| Feb | 30°F | 9°F | 1.3" | 3.5" |
| Mar | 44°F | 22°F | 1.1" | 2.6" |
| Apr | 53°F | 29°F | 1.8" | 2.5" |
| May | 65°F | 42°F | 2.3" | 0.2" |
| Jun | 77°F | 52°F | 2.8" | 0" |
| Jul | 87°F | 60°F | 0.3" | 0" |
| Aug | 86°F | 60°F | 0.5" | 0" |
| Sep | 77°F | 49°F | 1.2" | 0.3" |
| Oct | 56°F | 33°F | 2" | 2.6" |
| Nov | 46°F | 25°F | 0.7" | 1.4" |
| Dec | 37°F | 18°F | 0.7" | 1.8" |
Outdoor Recreation Near Columbus
Columbus has access to 378 recreation and attraction sites spanning 18 categories. Yellowstone National Park (North Entrance) is just 82 miles away. For skiing, Red Lodge Mountain is 31 miles from town.
Top Nearby Attractions
- Custer-Gallatin NF (National Forest) — 15 miles
- Red Lodge Mountain (Ski Area) — 31 miles
- Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness (Wilderness) — 35 miles
- Beartooth Highway (Scenic Drive) — 44 miles
- Yellowstone National Park (North Entrance) (National Park) — 82 miles
Rivers
Yellowstone River (Columbus), Stillwater River, Boulder River are all within reach for fishing, floating, and kayaking.
Lakes
Nearby lakes include Hunter Lake, Dry Lake, Dallmann Lake, South Pond, Crater Lake.
Explore all 378 recreation sites on the full Columbus profile.
Jobs & Economy in Columbus
Columbus has an unemployment rate of 4.3%, which is moderate. The labor force participation rate is 62.4%.
The top industries by employment are Education & Healthcare (29.6%), Tourism & Hospitality (16.6%), Agriculture & Mining (13.2%). Approximately 976 residents are employed locally.
Employment by Industry
| Industry | Share of Employment |
|---|---|
| Education & Healthcare | 29.6% |
| Tourism & Hospitality | 16.6% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 13.2% |
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
Columbus is served by the Columbus Public Schools school district with approximately 500 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 Columbus
Columbus has its own hospital — Stillwater Billings Clinic (10 beds). For advanced or emergency care, Laurel Health Center in Laurel (Level 0 Trauma Center) is 23.3 miles away.
Hospital data from MT DPHHS 2024. Verify services directly with facilities.
Getting to Columbus
Columbus is accessible via the following airports:
- Bozeman Yellowstone Intl — 111 miles (126 min drive)
- Billings Logan Intl — 43 miles (58 min drive)
- Missoula Intl — 297 miles (312 min drive)
- Glacier Park Intl (Kalispell) — 359 miles (374 min drive)
- Great Falls Intl — 195 miles (210 min drive)
Pros & Cons of Living in Columbus
Pros
- No state sales tax
- 378+ recreation sites nearby
- Strong schools (93% grad rate)
- Milder winters than eastern Montana
- Skiing at Red Lodge Mountain (31 mi)
- Near Yellowstone National Park (North Entrance)
- Has a local hospital
- 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 Columbus, Montana?
The typical home value is $420,229 and rent averages $926/month. The median household income is $62,500. Montana has no state sales tax, which helps offset costs.
What are winters like in Columbus?
January lows average 20°F with about 16" of annual snowfall. Compared to eastern Montana, winters here are relatively mild.
Is Columbus a good place to live?
Columbus offers 378 nearby recreation sites, a higher affordability ratio of 6.7x, and four distinct seasons. It's 82 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 Columbus?
As of early 2026, there were 21 homes for sale in Columbus, down 44.7% from the prior year. The community has 887 total housing units with a 5.5% vacancy rate (Census ACS 2019–2023). Check Zillow or local MLS for the most current listings.
What is the job market like in Columbus?
Columbus has a 4.3% unemployment rate. Labor force participation is 62.4%. About 976 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 Columbus?
The Columbus Public Schools school district has a graduation rate of 93%, above the Montana state average of ~87%. Approximately 500 students are enrolled.
What healthcare is available in Columbus?
Columbus has a local hospital, Stillwater Billings Clinic. The nearest major trauma center is Laurel Health Center in Laurel, 23.3 miles away. There are 6 hospitals within 60 miles.
Where is the nearest skiing to Columbus?
Red Lodge Mountain is 31 miles from Columbus. The area receives about 16" of snow annually.