Why Move to Dodson?
Dodson is a small town of 128 people in Phillips County County, sitting at 2,290 feet in elevation. Known as "The Quiet Corner of the Hi-Line," 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. Dodson specifically offers 55 recreation and attraction sites nearby, a housing affordability ratio of 1.1x, and four distinct seasons.
Cost of Living in Dodson
The typical home value in Dodson is $44,700. The median household income is $41,172.
The affordability ratio (home price ÷ income) is 1.1x, which is very affordable by national standards.
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.
Dodson Housing Market
Dodson. The community has 65 total housing units with a 7.7% vacancy rate.
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 Dodson profile.
Dodson Weather & Climate
Dodson experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are warm with July highs averaging 85°F. Winters are cool with January lows around 15°F. Expect about 11" of snow annually.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Precip | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 33°F | 15°F | 0.4" | 0.9" |
| Feb | 28°F | 8°F | 0.8" | 2" |
| Mar | 40°F | 19°F | 0.6" | 1.4" |
| Apr | 52°F | 30°F | 1" | 1.4" |
| May | 66°F | 43°F | 1.7" | 0.5" |
| Jun | 77°F | 55°F | 2.4" | 0" |
| Jul | 85°F | 60°F | 0.8" | 0" |
| Aug | 84°F | 60°F | 0.8" | 0" |
| Sep | 74°F | 50°F | 1.5" | 0.2" |
| Oct | 55°F | 35°F | 1.1" | 1" |
| Nov | 41°F | 22°F | 0.9" | 1.9" |
| Dec | 31°F | 13°F | 0.6" | 1.6" |
Outdoor Recreation Near Dodson
Dodson has access to 55 recreation and attraction sites spanning 8 categories. For skiing, Bear Paw Ski Bowl is 69 miles from town.
Top Nearby Attractions
- Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 53 miles
- Bear Paw Ski Bowl (Ski Area) — 69 miles
Lakes
Nearby lakes include Little Warm Reservoir, Adair Reservoir, Hewitt Lake, Plum Reservoir, Nelson Reservoir.
Hot Springs
Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs (53 mi) — perfect for soaking after a day on the trails.
Explore all 55 recreation sites on the full Dodson profile.
Jobs & Economy in Dodson
Dodson has an unemployment rate of 36.4%, which is above the state average and may present challenges for job seekers. The labor force participation rate is 17.6%, which is below average — common in retirement and college communities.
The top industries by employment are Retail (78.6%), Education & Healthcare (14.3%), Government (7.1%). Approximately 14 residents are employed locally.
Employment by Industry
| Industry | Share of Employment |
|---|---|
| Retail | 78.6% |
| Education & Healthcare | 14.3% |
| Government | 7.1% |
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
Dodson is served by the Dodson Public Schools school district with approximately 60 students enrolled.
Graduation rates from OPI/NCES 2022–23. Per-pupil spending from Montana OPI fiscal data.
Healthcare in Dodson
The nearest hospital is Phillips County Hospital in Malta, 17.4 miles away. The nearest major trauma center is Benefis Health System in Great Falls, 153 miles away — plan accordingly for emergencies.
Note: Healthcare access in Dodson 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 Dodson
Dodson is accessible via the following airports:
- Bozeman Yellowstone Intl — 272 miles (287 min drive)
- Billings Logan Intl — 215 miles (230 min drive)
- Missoula Intl — 349 miles (364 min drive)
- Glacier Park Intl (Kalispell) — 331 miles (346 min drive)
- Great Falls Intl — 189 miles (204 min drive)
Pros & Cons of Living in Dodson
Pros
- No state sales tax
- Strong outdoor recreation access
- Milder winters than eastern Montana
- Affordable cost of living
- Skiing at Bear Paw Ski Bowl (69 mi)
- Authentic small-town community
- No state income tax on retirement
Cons
- Cold winters
- Higher unemployment (36.4%)
- Limited healthcare access (nearest hospital: 17.4 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 Dodson, Montana?
The typical home value is $44,700. The median household income is $41,172. Montana has no state sales tax, which helps offset costs.
What are winters like in Dodson?
January lows average 15°F with about 11" of annual snowfall. Compared to eastern Montana, winters here are relatively mild.
Is Dodson a good place to live?
Dodson offers 55 nearby recreation sites, a favorable affordability ratio of 1.1x, and four distinct seasons. Montana's lack of sales tax and retirement income tax are significant benefits.
How many homes are for sale in Dodson?
Housing availability varies. The community has 65 total housing units with a 7.7% vacancy rate (Census ACS 2019–2023). Check Zillow or local MLS for the most current listings.
What is the job market like in Dodson?
Dodson has a 36.4% unemployment rate, which is above the state average. Labor force participation is 17.6%. About 14 residents are employed locally. The leading industry is retail. Montana has no state sales tax, which benefits both businesses and consumers.
What healthcare is available in Dodson?
The nearest hospital is Phillips County Hospital in Malta (17.4 miles). The nearest major trauma center is Benefis Health System in Great Falls, 153 miles away. There are 1 hospitals within 60 miles.
Where is the nearest skiing to Dodson?
Bear Paw Ski Bowl is 69 miles from Dodson. The area receives about 11" of snow annually.