Why Move to Drummond?
Drummond is a small town of 272 people in Granite County County, sitting at 3,957 feet in elevation. Known as "The Bullshippers Capital of the World," 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. Drummond specifically offers 421 recreation and attraction sites nearby, a housing affordability ratio of 8.2x, and four distinct seasons.
Cost of Living in Drummond
The typical home value in Drummond is $365,693. Renters can expect to pay around $608 per month. The median household income is $44,375.
The affordability ratio (home price ÷ income) is 8.2x, 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.
Drummond Housing Market
There are currently 12 homes for sale in Drummond — flat compared to last year. The community has 131 total housing units with a 25.2% 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 Drummond profile.
Drummond Weather & Climate
Drummond experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are warm with July highs averaging 84°F. Winters are relatively mild with January lows around 20°F. Expect about 16" of snow annually.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Precip | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 35°F | 20°F | 1.1" | 2.4" |
| Feb | 32°F | 15°F | 1.6" | 3.8" |
| Mar | 42°F | 22°F | 1.1" | 2.1" |
| Apr | 52°F | 29°F | 1.6" | 1.6" |
| May | 64°F | 40°F | 1.9" | 0.5" |
| Jun | 73°F | 48°F | 1.9" | 0" |
| Jul | 84°F | 56°F | 0.4" | 0" |
| Aug | 82°F | 56°F | 0.5" | 0" |
| Sep | 72°F | 47°F | 1.4" | 0.1" |
| Oct | 55°F | 33°F | 1.7" | 2" |
| Nov | 42°F | 23°F | 1.3" | 1.6" |
| Dec | 36°F | 20°F | 1.1" | 2.4" |
Outdoor Recreation Near Drummond
Drummond has access to 421 recreation and attraction sites spanning 19 categories. For skiing, Discovery Ski Area is 29 miles from town.
Top Nearby Attractions
- Welcome Creek Wilderness (Wilderness) — 19 miles
- Discovery Ski Area (Ski Area) — 29 miles
- Scapegoat Wilderness (Wilderness) — 32 miles
- Pintler Veterans Memorial Scenic Route (Scenic Drive) — 35 miles
- Fairmont Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 40 miles
- Rattlesnake Wilderness (Wilderness) — 42 miles
- Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness (Wilderness) — 43 miles
- Bob Marshall Wilderness (Wilderness) — 48 miles
Rivers
Rock Creek, Blackfoot River, Clark Fork River, Bitterroot River, Missouri River (Craig) are all within reach for fishing, floating, and kayaking.
Lakes
Nearby lakes include Miller Lake, Lower Willow Creek Reservoir, Goldberg Reservoir, Gold Creek Reservoir, Bielenberg Lake.
Hot Springs
Fairmont Hot Springs (40 mi), Broadwater Hot Springs (53 mi), Alhambra Hot Springs (55 mi) — perfect for soaking after a day on the trails.
Explore all 421 recreation sites on the full Drummond profile.
Jobs & Economy in Drummond
Drummond has an unemployment rate of 8.7%, which is above the state average and may present challenges for job seekers. The labor force participation rate is 44.2%, which is below average — common in retirement and college communities.
The top industries by employment are Education & Healthcare (54.8%), Tourism & Hospitality (22.6%), Other Services (16.7%). Approximately 84 residents are employed locally.
Employment by Industry
| Industry | Share of Employment |
|---|---|
| Education & Healthcare | 54.8% |
| Tourism & Hospitality | 22.6% |
| Other Services | 16.7% |
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
Drummond is served by the Drummond Public Schools school district with approximately 150 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 Drummond
The nearest hospital is Granite County Medical Center in Philipsburg, 24.2 miles away. For advanced or emergency care, Providence St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula (Level 2 Trauma Center) is 43.4 miles away.
Hospital data from MT DPHHS 2024. Verify services directly with facilities.
Getting to Drummond
Drummond is accessible via the following airports:
- Bozeman Yellowstone Intl — 136 miles (151 min drive)
- Billings Logan Intl — 273 miles (288 min drive)
- Missoula Intl — 57 miles (72 min drive)
- Glacier Park Intl (Kalispell) — 150 miles (165 min drive)
- Great Falls Intl — 121 miles (136 min drive)
Pros & Cons of Living in Drummond
Pros
- No state sales tax
- 421+ recreation sites nearby
- Milder winters than eastern Montana
- Skiing at Discovery Ski Area (29 mi)
- Strong healthcare access
- Authentic small-town community
- No state income tax on retirement
Cons
- Cold winters
- Housing costs above national average
- Limited housing inventory
- Higher unemployment (8.7%)
- 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 Drummond, Montana?
The typical home value is $365,693 and rent averages $608/month. The median household income is $44,375. Montana has no state sales tax, which helps offset costs.
What are winters like in Drummond?
January lows average 20°F with about 16" of annual snowfall. Compared to eastern Montana, winters here are relatively mild.
Is Drummond a good place to live?
Drummond offers 421 nearby recreation sites, a higher affordability ratio of 8.2x, and four distinct seasons. Montana's lack of sales tax and retirement income tax are significant benefits.
How many homes are for sale in Drummond?
As of early 2026, there were 12 homes for sale in Drummond, down 0% from the prior year. The community has 131 total housing units with a 25.2% vacancy rate (Census ACS 2019–2023). Check Zillow or local MLS for the most current listings.
What is the job market like in Drummond?
Drummond has a 8.7% unemployment rate, which is above the state average. Labor force participation is 44.2%. About 84 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 Drummond?
The Drummond Public Schools school district has a graduation rate of 88%, near the state average. Approximately 150 students are enrolled.
What healthcare is available in Drummond?
The nearest hospital is Granite County Medical Center in Philipsburg (24.2 miles). The nearest major trauma center is Providence St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula, 43.4 miles away. There are 8 hospitals within 60 miles.
Where is the nearest skiing to Drummond?
Discovery Ski Area is 29 miles from Drummond. The area receives about 16" of snow annually.