Why Move to Conrad?
Conrad is a small town of 2,318 people in Pondera County County, sitting at 3,510 feet in elevation. Known as "The Friendly City," 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. Conrad specifically offers 74 recreation and attraction sites nearby, a housing affordability ratio of 5.1x, and four distinct seasons.
Cost of Living in Conrad
The typical home value in Conrad is $240,496. Renters can expect to pay around $888 per month. The median household income is $47,348.
The affordability ratio (home price ÷ income) is 5.1x, 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.
Conrad Housing Market
There are currently 19 homes for sale in Conrad — up 58.3% from last year, indicating a loosening market. The community has 1,260 total housing units with a 20.3% 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 Conrad profile.
Conrad Weather & Climate
Conrad experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are warm with July highs averaging 83°F. Winters are cool with January lows around 19°F. Expect about 15" of snow annually.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Precip | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 36°F | 19°F | 0.4" | 1" |
| Feb | 27°F | 10°F | 1" | 2.7" |
| Mar | 40°F | 20°F | 0.7" | 1.7" |
| Apr | 51°F | 30°F | 1.4" | 2.1" |
| May | 63°F | 41°F | 2.4" | 0.8" |
| Jun | 73°F | 51°F | 2" | 0" |
| Jul | 83°F | 58°F | 0.4" | 0" |
| Aug | 81°F | 57°F | 0.8" | 0" |
| Sep | 71°F | 48°F | 1.5" | 1.1" |
| Oct | 53°F | 33°F | 1" | 1.7" |
| Nov | 41°F | 23°F | 1.1" | 2.1" |
| Dec | 33°F | 17°F | 0.7" | 1.9" |
Outdoor Recreation Near Conrad
Conrad has access to 74 recreation and attraction sites spanning 13 categories. Glacier National Park (East Glacier) is just 62 miles away. For skiing, Teton Pass Ski Area is 37 miles from town.
Top Nearby Attractions
- Teton Pass Ski Area (Ski Area) — 37 miles
- Medicine (Sun River) Springs (Hot Spring) — 56 miles
- Glacier National Park (East Glacier) (National Park) — 62 miles
- Great Bear Wilderness (Wilderness) — 67 miles
- Bob Marshall Wilderness (Wilderness) — 78 miles
- Scapegoat Wilderness (Wilderness) — 86 miles
- Gates of the Mountains Wilderness (Wilderness) — 91 miles
- Glacier National Park (West Glacier) (National Park) — 96 miles
Rivers
Sun River, Missouri River (Great Falls) are all within reach for fishing, floating, and kayaking.
Lakes
Nearby lakes include Snyder Pond, Arod Lakes, Fowler Reservoir, Melcott Reservoir, Summers Reservoir.
Hot Springs
Medicine (Sun River) Springs (56 mi) — perfect for soaking after a day on the trails.
Explore all 74 recreation sites on the full Conrad profile.
Jobs & Economy in Conrad
Conrad has an unemployment rate of 6%, which is moderate. The labor force participation rate is 60.3%.
The top industries by employment are Education & Healthcare (22.1%), Retail (12.7%), Tourism & Hospitality (11.9%). Approximately 1,133 residents are employed locally.
Employment by Industry
| Industry | Share of Employment |
|---|---|
| Education & Healthcare | 22.1% |
| Retail | 12.7% |
| Tourism & Hospitality | 11.9% |
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
Conrad is served by the Conrad Public Schools school district with approximately 450 students enrolled. The high school graduation rate is 91%, 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 Conrad
Conrad has its own hospital — Pondera Medical Center (25 beds). For advanced or emergency care, Benefis Health System in Great Falls (Level 2 Trauma Center) is 54.4 miles away.
Hospital data from MT DPHHS 2024. Verify services directly with facilities.
Getting to Conrad
Conrad is accessible via the following airports:
- Bozeman Yellowstone Intl — 203 miles (218 min drive)
- Billings Logan Intl — 274 miles (289 min drive)
- Missoula Intl — 159 miles (174 min drive)
- Glacier Park Intl (Kalispell) — 128 miles (143 min drive)
- Great Falls Intl — 65 miles (80 min drive)
Pros & Cons of Living in Conrad
Pros
- No state sales tax
- Strong outdoor recreation access
- Strong schools (91% grad rate)
- Milder winters than eastern Montana
- Skiing at Teton Pass Ski Area (37 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 Conrad, Montana?
The typical home value is $240,496 and rent averages $888/month. The median household income is $47,348. Montana has no state sales tax, which helps offset costs.
What are winters like in Conrad?
January lows average 19°F with about 15" of annual snowfall. Compared to eastern Montana, winters here are relatively mild.
Is Conrad a good place to live?
Conrad offers 74 nearby recreation sites, a moderate affordability ratio of 5.1x, and four distinct seasons. It's 62 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 Conrad?
As of early 2026, there were 19 homes for sale in Conrad, up 58.3% from the prior year. The community has 1,260 total housing units with a 20.3% vacancy rate (Census ACS 2019–2023). Check Zillow or local MLS for the most current listings.
What is the job market like in Conrad?
Conrad has a 6% unemployment rate. Labor force participation is 60.3%. About 1,133 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 Conrad?
The Conrad Public Schools school district has a graduation rate of 91%, above the Montana state average of ~87%. Approximately 450 students are enrolled.
What healthcare is available in Conrad?
Conrad has a local hospital, Pondera Medical Center. The nearest major trauma center is Benefis Health System in Great Falls, 54.4 miles away. There are 6 hospitals within 60 miles.
Where is the nearest skiing to Conrad?
Teton Pass Ski Area is 37 miles from Conrad. The area receives about 15" of snow annually.