Why Move to Darby?
Darby is a small town of 783 people in Ravalli County County, sitting at 3,885 feet in elevation. Known as "Where the Bitterroot Begins," 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. Darby specifically offers 313 recreation and attraction sites nearby, a housing affordability ratio of 13.2x, and four distinct seasons.
Cost of Living in Darby
The typical home value in Darby is $540,903, with homes currently listing at a median of $667,400. Renters can expect to pay around $883 per month. The median household income is $40,943.
The affordability ratio (home price ÷ income) is 13.2x, 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.
Darby Housing Market
There are currently 24 homes for sale in Darby — up 4.3% from last year, indicating a loosening market. The community has 354 total housing units with a 17.5% 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 Darby profile.
Darby Weather & Climate
Darby experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are warm with July highs averaging 84°F. Winters are cool with January lows around 18°F. Expect about 30" of snow annually.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Precip | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 38°F | 18°F | 1.8" | 4.5" |
| Feb | 37°F | 16°F | 2.6" | 6.2" |
| Mar | 45°F | 22°F | 1.9" | 4.3" |
| Apr | 53°F | 28°F | 2.5" | 3.8" |
| May | 63°F | 36°F | 2.7" | 1.2" |
| Jun | 73°F | 44°F | 2" | 0.1" |
| Jul | 84°F | 50°F | 0.7" | 0" |
| Aug | 83°F | 51°F | 1.1" | 0" |
| Sep | 74°F | 43°F | 1.1" | 0.3" |
| Oct | 58°F | 32°F | 2.3" | 2.5" |
| Nov | 45°F | 23°F | 1.9" | 2.7" |
| Dec | 39°F | 20°F | 2" | 4.7" |
Outdoor Recreation Near Darby
Darby has access to 313 recreation and attraction sites spanning 18 categories. For skiing, Lost Trail Powder Mountain is 25 miles from town.
Top Nearby Attractions
- Bitterroot National Forest (National Forest) — 16 miles
- Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness (Wilderness) — 25 miles
- Lost Trail Powder Mountain (Ski Area) — 25 miles
- Blue Joint Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 25 miles
- Pintler Veterans Memorial Scenic Route (Scenic Drive) — 46 miles
- Discovery Ski Area (Ski Area) — 47 miles
- Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness (Wilderness) — 49 miles
- Lolo Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 52 miles
Rivers
Bitterroot River, Rock Creek, Big Hole River, Clark Fork River are all within reach for fishing, floating, and kayaking.
Lakes
Nearby lakes include Lake Como, Shannon Lake, Goat Lake, Hart Lake, Baker Lake.
Hot Springs
Blue Joint Hot Springs (25 mi), Lolo Hot Springs (52 mi), Jackson Hot Springs (58 mi) — perfect for soaking after a day on the trails.
Explore all 313 recreation sites on the full Darby profile.
Jobs & Economy in Darby
Darby has an unemployment rate of 3.4%, which is at or below the state average — indicating a healthy local job market. The labor force participation rate is 56.1%, which is below average — common in retirement and college communities.
The top industries by employment are Construction (22%), Finance & Real Estate (16.4%), Education & Healthcare (13.6%). Approximately 287 residents are employed locally.
Employment by Industry
| Industry | Share of Employment |
|---|---|
| Construction | 22% |
| Finance & Real Estate | 16.4% |
| Education & Healthcare | 13.6% |
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
Darby is served by the Darby Public Schools school district with approximately 300 students enrolled. The high school graduation rate is 88%, which is near the Montana state average of ~87%.
Graduation rates from OPI/NCES 2022–23. Per-pupil spending from Montana OPI fiscal data.
Healthcare in Darby
The nearest hospital is Bitterroot Health - Daly Hospital in Hamilton, 15.5 miles away. For advanced or emergency care, Providence St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula (Level 2 Trauma Center) is 59.2 miles away.
Hospital data from MT DPHHS 2024. Verify services directly with facilities.
Getting to Darby
Darby is accessible via the following airports:
- Bozeman Yellowstone Intl — 176 miles (191 min drive)
- Billings Logan Intl — 325 miles (340 min drive)
- Missoula Intl — 74 miles (89 min drive)
- Glacier Park Intl (Kalispell) — 190 miles (205 min drive)
- Great Falls Intl — 200 miles (215 min drive)
Pros & Cons of Living in Darby
Pros
- No state sales tax
- 313+ recreation sites nearby
- Low unemployment (3.4%)
- Milder winters than eastern Montana
- Skiing at Lost Trail Powder Mountain (25 mi)
- 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 Darby, Montana?
The typical home value is $540,903 and rent averages $883/month. The median household income is $40,943. Montana has no state sales tax, which helps offset costs.
What are winters like in Darby?
January lows average 18°F with about 30" of annual snowfall. Compared to eastern Montana, winters here are relatively mild.
Is Darby a good place to live?
Darby offers 313 nearby recreation sites, a higher affordability ratio of 13.2x, and four distinct seasons. Montana's lack of sales tax and retirement income tax are significant benefits.
How many homes are for sale in Darby?
As of early 2026, there were 24 homes for sale in Darby, up 4.3% from the prior year. The community has 354 total housing units with a 17.5% vacancy rate (Census ACS 2019–2023). Check Zillow or local MLS for the most current listings.
What is the job market like in Darby?
Darby has a 3.4% unemployment rate, which is at or below the state average. Labor force participation is 56.1%. About 287 residents are employed locally. The leading industry is construction. Montana has no state sales tax, which benefits both businesses and consumers.
How are the schools in Darby?
The Darby Public Schools school district has a graduation rate of 88%, near the state average. Approximately 300 students are enrolled.
What healthcare is available in Darby?
The nearest hospital is Bitterroot Health - Daly Hospital in Hamilton (15.5 miles). The nearest major trauma center is Providence St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula, 59.2 miles away. There are 5 hospitals within 60 miles.
Where is the nearest skiing to Darby?
Lost Trail Powder Mountain is 25 miles from Darby. The area receives about 30" of snow annually.