Why Move to Cut Bank?
Cut Bank is a town of 3,056 people in Glacier County County, sitting at 3,776 feet in elevation. Known as "The Coldest Spot in the Nation," 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 does not tax Social Security benefits or most pension income, making it financially attractive for both working professionals and retirees. Cut Bank specifically offers 19 recreation and attraction sites nearby, a housing affordability ratio of 3.1x, and four distinct seasons.
Cost of Living in Cut Bank
The typical home value in Cut Bank is $172,566, with homes currently listing at a median of $230,583. Renters can expect to pay around $921 per month. The median household income is $55,848.
The affordability ratio (home price ÷ income) is 3.1x, which is moderate and comparable to the national average.
Montana has no state sales tax, which saves residents money on everyday purchases. The state also has no tax on Social Security benefits or most pension income. Property taxes are moderate, based on assessed value.
Cut Bank Housing Market
There are currently 26 homes for sale in Cut Bank: flat compared to last year. The community has 1,382 total housing units with a 16.3% 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 Cut Bank profile.
Cut Bank Weather & Climate
Cut Bank experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are mild with July highs averaging 80°F. Winters are cool with January lows around 19°F. Expect about 15" of snow annually.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Precip | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 33°F | 19°F | 0.4" | 1" |
| Feb | 25°F | 9°F | 1" | 2.7" |
| Mar | 38°F | 18°F | 0.7" | 1.8" |
| Apr | 49°F | 28°F | 1" | 1.8" |
| May | 61°F | 40°F | 2.3" | 1.1" |
| Jun | 71°F | 49°F | 2.3" | 0" |
| Jul | 80°F | 55°F | 0.4" | 0" |
| Aug | 79°F | 55°F | 0.8" | 0" |
| Sep | 69°F | 47°F | 1.2" | 0.8" |
| Oct | 51°F | 32°F | 1" | 1.5" |
| Nov | 39°F | 24°F | 1.2" | 2.3" |
| Dec | 32°F | 17°F | 0.7" | 1.8" |
Outdoor Recreation Near Cut Bank
Cut Bank has access to 19 recreation and attraction sites spanning 6 categories.
Lakes
Nearby lakes include Goedertz Lake, Goeddertz Reservoir, Verden Lake, Virden Lake, Boundary Lake.
Explore all 19 recreation sites on the full Cut Bank profile.
Jobs & Economy in Cut Bank
Cut Bank has an unemployment rate of 2.2%, which is at or below the state average: indicating a healthy local job market. The labor force participation rate is 50%, which is below average: common in retirement and college communities.
The top industries by employment are Education & Healthcare (35.6%), Transportation (16.5%), Retail (10.6%). Approximately 1,091 residents are employed locally.
Employment by Industry
| Industry | Share of Employment |
|---|---|
| Education & Healthcare | 35.6% |
| Transportation | 16.5% |
| Retail | 10.6% |
Montana has no state sales tax and no tax on Social Security benefits or most pension 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
Cut Bank is served by the Cut Bank Public Schools school district with approximately 600 students enrolled. The high school graduation rate is 82%, which is below the state average of ~87%.
Graduation rates from OPI/NCES 2022–23. Per-pupil spending from Montana OPI fiscal data.
Healthcare in Cut Bank
Cut Bank has its own hospital: Northern Rockies Medical Center (20 beds). For advanced or emergency care, Benefis Health System in Great Falls (Level 2 Trauma Center) is 90.8 miles away.
Hospital data from MT DPHHS 2024. Verify services directly with facilities.
Getting to Cut Bank
Cut Bank is accessible via the following airports:
- Bozeman Yellowstone Intl: 246 miles (261 min drive)
- Billings Logan Intl: 317 miles (332 min drive)
- Missoula Intl: 173 miles (188 min drive)
- Glacier Park Intl (Kalispell): 109 miles (124 min drive)
- Great Falls Intl: 109 miles (124 min drive)
Pros & Cons of Living in Cut Bank
Pros
- No state sales tax
- Montana outdoor lifestyle
- Low unemployment (2.2%)
- Milder winters than eastern Montana
- Affordable cost of living
- Has a local hospital
- Authentic small-town community
- No state tax on Social Security or most pensions
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 Cut Bank, Montana?
The typical home value is $172,566 and rent averages $921/month. The median household income is $55,848. Montana has no state sales tax, which helps offset costs.
What are winters like in Cut Bank?
January lows average 19°F with about 15" of annual snowfall. Compared to eastern Montana, winters here are relatively mild.
Is Cut Bank a good place to live?
Cut Bank offers 19 nearby recreation sites, a favorable affordability ratio of 3.1x, and four distinct seasons. Montana's lack of sales tax can help offset some day-to-day costs.
How many homes are for sale in Cut Bank?
As of early 2026, there were 26 homes for sale in Cut Bank, down 0% from the prior year. The community has 1,382 total housing units with a 16.3% vacancy rate (Census ACS 2019–2023). Check Zillow or local MLS for the most current listings.
What is the job market like in Cut Bank?
Cut Bank has a 2.2% unemployment rate, which is at or below the state average. Labor force participation is 50%. About 1,091 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 Cut Bank?
The Cut Bank Public Schools school district has a graduation rate of 82%, below the state average of ~87%. Approximately 600 students are enrolled.
What healthcare is available in Cut Bank?
Cut Bank has a local hospital, Northern Rockies Medical Center. The nearest major trauma center is Benefis Health System in Great Falls, 90.8 miles away. There are 4 hospitals within 60 miles.