Why Move to Denton?
Denton is a small town of 215 people in Fergus County County, sitting at 3,602 feet in elevation. Known as "The Heart of the Judith Basin," 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. Denton specifically offers 94 recreation and attraction sites nearby, a housing affordability ratio of 5.6x, and four distinct seasons.
Cost of Living in Denton
The typical home value in Denton is $320,090. Renters can expect to pay around $1,058 per month. The median household income is $57,500.
The affordability ratio (home price ÷ income) is 5.6x, 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.
Denton Housing Market
Denton. The community has 128 total housing units with a 28.1% vacancy rate, suggesting more options and negotiating room for buyers.
Inventory data from Zillow Research (recent). 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 Denton profile.
Denton Weather & Climate
Denton 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 20" of snow annually.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Precip | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 39°F | 21°F | 1" | 2.2" |
| Feb | 29°F | 11°F | 1.4" | 3.9" |
| Mar | 42°F | 23°F | 0.8" | 1.7" |
| Apr | 50°F | 31°F | 2.4" | 3.7" |
| May | 62°F | 42°F | 2.8" | 0.9" |
| Jun | 73°F | 52°F | 2.9" | 0" |
| Jul | 83°F | 60°F | 0.8" | 0" |
| Aug | 82°F | 59°F | 1.3" | 0" |
| Sep | 73°F | 50°F | 1.8" | 0.6" |
| Oct | 54°F | 35°F | 1.9" | 2.6" |
| Nov | 44°F | 25°F | 1.2" | 2.3" |
| Dec | 37°F | 19°F | 1" | 2.5" |
Outdoor Recreation Near Denton
Denton has access to 94 recreation and attraction sites spanning 13 categories. For skiing, Showdown Montana is 49 miles from town.
Top Nearby Attractions
- Kings Hill Scenic Byway (Scenic Drive) — 47 miles
- Showdown Montana (Ski Area) — 49 miles
- Bear Paw Ski Bowl (Ski Area) — 51 miles
- Gates of the Mountains Wilderness (Wilderness) — 95 miles
Lakes
Nearby lakes include Little Phantom Lake, Phantom Coulee Reservoir, Taylor Lake, Upper Carters Pond, Stafford Reservoir.
Explore all 94 recreation sites on the full Denton profile.
Jobs & Economy in Denton
Denton has an unemployment rate of 2%, which is at or below the state average — indicating a healthy local job market. The labor force participation rate is 58.9%, which is below average — common in retirement and college communities.
The top industries by employment are Transportation (21.6%), Education & Healthcare (19.6%), Agriculture & Mining (17.5%). Approximately 97 residents are employed locally.
Employment by Industry
| Industry | Share of Employment |
|---|---|
| Transportation | 21.6% |
| Education & Healthcare | 19.6% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 17.5% |
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
Denton is served by the Denton Public Schools school district with approximately 50 students enrolled.
Graduation rates from OPI/NCES 2022–23. Per-pupil spending from Montana OPI fiscal data.
Healthcare in Denton
The nearest hospital is Central Montana Medical Center in Lewistown, 30.1 miles away. For advanced or emergency care, Benefis Health System in Great Falls (Level 2 Trauma Center) is 63.9 miles away.
Note: Healthcare access in Denton is limited. If you have ongoing medical needs, consider proximity to Benefis Health System when making your decision.
Hospital data from MT DPHHS 2024. Verify services directly with facilities.
Getting to Denton
Denton is accessible via the following airports:
- Bozeman Yellowstone Intl — 145 miles (160 min drive)
- Billings Logan Intl — 149 miles (164 min drive)
- Missoula Intl — 236 miles (251 min drive)
- Glacier Park Intl (Kalispell) — 254 miles (269 min drive)
- Great Falls Intl — 81 miles (96 min drive)
Pros & Cons of Living in Denton
Pros
- No state sales tax
- Strong outdoor recreation access
- Low unemployment (2%)
- Milder winters than eastern Montana
- Skiing at Showdown Montana (49 mi)
- Authentic small-town community
- No state income tax on retirement
Cons
- Cold winters
- Limited healthcare access (nearest hospital: 30.1 mi)
- 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 Denton, Montana?
The typical home value is $320,090 and rent averages $1,058/month. The median household income is $57,500. Montana has no state sales tax, which helps offset costs.
What are winters like in Denton?
January lows average 21°F with about 20" of annual snowfall. Compared to eastern Montana, winters here are relatively mild.
Is Denton a good place to live?
Denton offers 94 nearby recreation sites, a moderate affordability ratio of 5.6x, and four distinct seasons. Montana's lack of sales tax and retirement income tax are significant benefits.
How many homes are for sale in Denton?
Housing availability varies. The community has 128 total housing units with a 28.1% vacancy rate (Census ACS 2019–2023). Check Zillow or local MLS for the most current listings.
What is the job market like in Denton?
Denton has a 2% unemployment rate, which is at or below the state average. Labor force participation is 58.9%. About 97 residents are employed locally. The leading industry is transportation. Montana has no state sales tax, which benefits both businesses and consumers.
What healthcare is available in Denton?
The nearest hospital is Central Montana Medical Center in Lewistown (30.1 miles). The nearest major trauma center is Benefis Health System in Great Falls, 63.9 miles away. There are 2 hospitals within 60 miles.
Where is the nearest skiing to Denton?
Showdown Montana is 49 miles from Denton. The area receives about 20" of snow annually.