Why Move to Dutton?
Dutton is a small town of 318 people in Teton County County, sitting at 3,698 feet in elevation. Known as "The Prairie Rose," 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. Dutton specifically offers 116 recreation and attraction sites nearby, a housing affordability ratio of 4.8x, and four distinct seasons.
Cost of Living in Dutton
The typical home value in Dutton is $266,228. Renters can expect to pay around $788 per month. The median household income is $55,469.
The affordability ratio (home price ÷ income) is 4.8x, 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 or other retirement income. Property taxes are moderate, based on assessed value.
Dutton Housing Market
Dutton. The community has 171 total housing units with a 18.7% 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 Dutton profile.
Dutton Weather & Climate
Dutton experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are warm with July highs averaging 84°F. Winters are relatively mild with January lows around 21°F. Expect about 16" of snow annually.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Precip | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 36°F | 21°F | 0.5" | 1.3" |
| Feb | 28°F | 11°F | 1" | 2.7" |
| Mar | 41°F | 21°F | 0.8" | 1.8" |
| Apr | 51°F | 31°F | 1.4" | 2.5" |
| May | 62°F | 42°F | 2.5" | 1" |
| Jun | 73°F | 51°F | 2.3" | 0" |
| Jul | 84°F | 58°F | 0.4" | 0" |
| Aug | 82°F | 57°F | 1" | 0" |
| Sep | 72°F | 49°F | 1.5" | 1.1" |
| Oct | 53°F | 35°F | 1.3" | 2.1" |
| Nov | 42°F | 26°F | 0.9" | 1.8" |
| Dec | 35°F | 20°F | 0.7" | 1.9" |
Outdoor Recreation Near Dutton
Dutton has access to 116 recreation and attraction sites spanning 17 categories. Glacier National Park (East Glacier) is just 81 miles away. For skiing, Teton Pass Ski Area is 38 miles from town.
Top Nearby Attractions
- Teton Pass Ski Area (Ski Area) — 38 miles
- Medicine (Sun River) Springs (Hot Spring) — 55 miles
- Gates of the Mountains Wilderness (Wilderness) — 69 miles
- Bob Marshall Wilderness (Wilderness) — 73 miles
- Scapegoat Wilderness (Wilderness) — 74 miles
- Great Bear Wilderness (Wilderness) — 74 miles
- Glacier National Park (East Glacier) (National Park) — 81 miles
Rivers
Sun River, Missouri River (Great Falls), Missouri River (Craig) are all within reach for fishing, floating, and kayaking.
Lakes
Nearby lakes include Snyder Pond, Arod Lakes, Fowler Reservoir, Dougcliff Reservoir, Bynum Reservoir.
Hot Springs
Medicine (Sun River) Springs (55 mi) — perfect for soaking after a day on the trails.
Explore all 116 recreation sites on the full Dutton profile.
Jobs & Economy in Dutton
Dutton has an unemployment rate of 3.7%, which is moderate. The labor force participation rate is 48%, which is below average — common in retirement and college communities.
The top industries by employment are Education & Healthcare (26.9%), Professional Services (26%), Agriculture & Mining (14.4%). Approximately 104 residents are employed locally.
Employment by Industry
| Industry | Share of Employment |
|---|---|
| Education & Healthcare | 26.9% |
| Professional Services | 26% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 14.4% |
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
Dutton is served by the Dutton/Brady Public Schools school district with approximately 130 students enrolled.
Graduation rates from OPI/NCES 2022–23. Per-pupil spending from Montana OPI fiscal data.
Healthcare in Dutton
The nearest hospital is Teton Medical Center in Choteau, 22 miles away. For advanced or emergency care, Benefis Health System in Great Falls (Level 2 Trauma Center) is 30 miles away.
Hospital data from MT DPHHS 2024. Verify services directly with facilities.
Getting to Dutton
Dutton is accessible via the following airports:
- Bozeman Yellowstone Intl — 174 miles (189 min drive)
- Billings Logan Intl — 247 miles (262 min drive)
- Missoula Intl — 154 miles (169 min drive)
- Glacier Park Intl (Kalispell) — 146 miles (161 min drive)
- Great Falls Intl — 36 miles (51 min drive)
Pros & Cons of Living in Dutton
Pros
- No state sales tax
- 116+ recreation sites nearby
- Milder winters than eastern Montana
- Skiing at Teton Pass Ski Area (38 mi)
- Near Glacier National Park (East Glacier)
- Strong healthcare access
- Authentic small-town community
- No state income tax on retirement
Cons
- Cold winters
- 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 Dutton, Montana?
The typical home value is $266,228 and rent averages $788/month. The median household income is $55,469. Montana has no state sales tax, which helps offset costs.
What are winters like in Dutton?
January lows average 21°F with about 16" of annual snowfall. Compared to eastern Montana, winters here are relatively mild.
Is Dutton a good place to live?
Dutton offers 116 nearby recreation sites, a moderate affordability ratio of 4.8x, and four distinct seasons. It's 81 miles from Glacier National Park (East Glacier). Montana's lack of sales tax and retirement income tax are significant benefits.
How many homes are for sale in Dutton?
Housing availability varies. The community has 171 total housing units with a 18.7% vacancy rate (Census ACS 2019–2023). Check Zillow or local MLS for the most current listings.
What is the job market like in Dutton?
Dutton has a 3.7% unemployment rate. Labor force participation is 48%. About 104 residents are employed locally. The leading industry is education & healthcare. Montana has no state sales tax, which benefits both businesses and consumers.
What healthcare is available in Dutton?
The nearest hospital is Teton Medical Center in Choteau (22 miles). The nearest major trauma center is Benefis Health System in Great Falls, 30 miles away. There are 6 hospitals within 60 miles.
Where is the nearest skiing to Dutton?
Teton Pass Ski Area is 38 miles from Dutton. The area receives about 16" of snow annually.