Why Move to East Glacier?
East Glacier is a small town of 354 people in Glacier County County, sitting at 4,852 feet in elevation. Known as "Gateway to Glacier National Park," 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. East Glacier specifically offers 352 recreation and attraction sites nearby, a housing affordability ratio of 4.6x, and four distinct seasons.
Cost of Living in East Glacier
The typical home value in East Glacier is $170,800. Renters can expect to pay around $867 per month. The median household income is $37,500.
The affordability ratio (home price ÷ income) is 4.6x, 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.
East Glacier Housing Market
East Glacier. The community has 175 total housing units with a 42.9% 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 East Glacier profile.
East Glacier Weather & Climate
East Glacier experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are mild with July highs averaging 74°F. Winters are cool with January lows around 18°F. Expect about 38" of snow annually.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Precip | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 29°F | 18°F | 1.7" | 4.3" |
| Feb | 22°F | 9°F | 2.4" | 6.4" |
| Mar | 33°F | 19°F | 1.7" | 4.1" |
| Apr | 41°F | 25°F | 2.3" | 5.3" |
| May | 53°F | 34°F | 3.3" | 3.1" |
| Jun | 64°F | 44°F | 3" | 0.6" |
| Jul | 74°F | 50°F | 0.7" | 0" |
| Aug | 73°F | 51°F | 1.4" | 0" |
| Sep | 63°F | 44°F | 2" | 1.6" |
| Oct | 46°F | 30°F | 2.1" | 2.8" |
| Nov | 33°F | 22°F | 2.4" | 4.6" |
| Dec | 28°F | 17°F | 2" | 5" |
Outdoor Recreation Near East Glacier
East Glacier has access to 352 recreation and attraction sites spanning 19 categories. Glacier National Park (East Glacier) is just 0 miles away. For skiing, Lee's Way is 50 miles from town.
Top Nearby Attractions
- Glacier National Park (East Glacier) (National Park) — 0 miles
- Going-to-the-Sun Road (Scenic Drive) — 28 miles
- Glacier National Park (West Glacier) (National Park) — 34 miles
- Flathead National Forest (National Forest) — 39 miles
- Great Bear Wilderness (Wilderness) — 41 miles
- Lee's Way (Ski Area) — 50 miles
- Bigfoot T-Bar (T-bar 2) (Ski Area) — 50 miles
- Chair 11 Flower Point (Ski Area) — 50 miles
Rivers
Flathead River, Swan River are all within reach for fishing, floating, and kayaking.
Lakes
Nearby lakes include Dead Dog Lake, Four Horns Lake, Swift Reservoir, Hungry Horse Reservoir, Cracker Lake.
Hot Springs
Medicine (Sun River) Springs (59 mi) — perfect for soaking after a day on the trails.
Explore all 352 recreation sites on the full East Glacier profile.
Jobs & Economy in East Glacier
East Glacier 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 53.5%, which is below average — common in retirement and college communities.
The top industries by employment are Education & Healthcare (42.9%), Tourism & Hospitality (20.2%), Retail (13.1%). Approximately 84 residents are employed locally.
Employment by Industry
| Industry | Share of Employment |
|---|---|
| Education & Healthcare | 42.9% |
| Tourism & Hospitality | 20.2% |
| Retail | 13.1% |
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
East Glacier is served by the East Glacier Park Schools school district with approximately 40 students enrolled. The high school graduation rate is 52%, which is significantly below the state average.
Graduation rates from OPI/NCES 2022–23. Per-pupil spending from Montana OPI fiscal data.
Healthcare in East Glacier
The nearest hospital is Northern Rockies Medical Center in Cut Bank, 43.4 miles away. For advanced or emergency care, Logan Health Medical Center in Kalispell (Level 3 Trauma Center) is 52.4 miles away.
Hospital data from MT DPHHS 2024. Verify services directly with facilities.
Getting to East Glacier
East Glacier is accessible via the following airports:
- Bozeman Yellowstone Intl — 251 miles (266 min drive)
- Billings Logan Intl — 343 miles (358 min drive)
- Missoula Intl — 136 miles (151 min drive)
- Glacier Park Intl (Kalispell) — 57 miles (72 min drive)
- Great Falls Intl — 131 miles (146 min drive)
Pros & Cons of Living in East Glacier
Pros
- No state sales tax
- 352+ recreation sites nearby
- Milder winters than eastern Montana
- Skiing at Lee's Way (50 mi)
- Near Glacier National Park (East Glacier)
- Authentic small-town community
- No state income tax on retirement
Cons
- Cold winters
- Higher unemployment (8.7%)
- Below-average school graduation rate (52%)
- 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 East Glacier, Montana?
The typical home value is $170,800 and rent averages $867/month. The median household income is $37,500. Montana has no state sales tax, which helps offset costs.
What are winters like in East Glacier?
January lows average 18°F with about 38" of annual snowfall. Compared to eastern Montana, winters here are relatively mild.
Is East Glacier a good place to live?
East Glacier offers 352 nearby recreation sites, a moderate affordability ratio of 4.6x, and four distinct seasons. It's 0 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 East Glacier?
Housing availability varies. The community has 175 total housing units with a 42.9% vacancy rate (Census ACS 2019–2023). Check Zillow or local MLS for the most current listings.
What is the job market like in East Glacier?
East Glacier has a 8.7% unemployment rate, which is above the state average. Labor force participation is 53.5%. 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 East Glacier?
The East Glacier Park Schools school district has a graduation rate of 52%, below the state average of ~87%. Approximately 40 students are enrolled.
What healthcare is available in East Glacier?
The nearest hospital is Northern Rockies Medical Center in Cut Bank (43.4 miles). The nearest major trauma center is Logan Health Medical Center in Kalispell, 52.4 miles away. There are 3 hospitals within 60 miles.
Where is the nearest skiing to East Glacier?
Lee's Way is 50 miles from East Glacier. The area receives about 38" of snow annually.