Why Move to Fairfield?
Fairfield is a small town of 805 people in Teton County County, sitting at 3,986 feet in elevation. Known as "The Freeze Out Lake Gateway," 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. Fairfield specifically offers 107 recreation and attraction sites nearby, a housing affordability ratio of 5.5x, and four distinct seasons.
Cost of Living in Fairfield
The typical home value in Fairfield is $365,999. Renters can expect to pay around $683 per month. The median household income is $66,544.
The affordability ratio (home price ÷ income) is 5.5x, 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.
Fairfield Housing Market
There are currently 10 homes for sale in Fairfield — down 9.1% from last year, indicating tightening supply. The community has 355 total housing units with a 9.6% vacancy rate.
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 Fairfield profile.
Fairfield Weather & Climate
Fairfield experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are warm with July highs averaging 84°F. Winters are relatively mild with January lows around 22°F. Expect about 16" of snow annually.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Precip | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 37°F | 22°F | 0.6" | 1.5" |
| Feb | 29°F | 11°F | 1" | 2.5" |
| Mar | 42°F | 21°F | 0.7" | 1.7" |
| Apr | 51°F | 30°F | 1.7" | 2.7" |
| May | 63°F | 41°F | 2.7" | 1" |
| Jun | 73°F | 50°F | 2.2" | 0" |
| Jul | 84°F | 56°F | 0.3" | 0" |
| Aug | 82°F | 56°F | 0.7" | 0" |
| Sep | 72°F | 48°F | 1.5" | 0.8" |
| Oct | 54°F | 35°F | 1.3" | 2.2" |
| Nov | 42°F | 26°F | 0.8" | 1.6" |
| Dec | 35°F | 21°F | 0.7" | 1.8" |
Outdoor Recreation Near Fairfield
Fairfield has access to 107 recreation and attraction sites spanning 19 categories. Glacier National Park (East Glacier) is just 81 miles away. For skiing, Teton Pass Ski Area is 29 miles from town.
Top Nearby Attractions
- Teton Pass Ski Area (Ski Area) — 29 miles
- Medicine (Sun River) Springs (Hot Spring) — 41 miles
- Gates of the Mountains Wilderness (Wilderness) — 53 miles
- Scapegoat Wilderness (Wilderness) — 54 miles
- Bob Marshall Wilderness (Wilderness) — 55 miles
- Helena-Lewis & Clark NF (National Forest) — 63 miles
- Great Bear Wilderness (Wilderness) — 63 miles
- Seeley-Swan Scenic Drive (Scenic Drive) — 71 miles
Rivers
Sun River, Missouri River (Great Falls), Missouri River (Craig), Smith River are all within reach for fishing, floating, and kayaking.
Lakes
Nearby lakes include Dry Creek-Krezelok Reservoir, Dougcliff Reservoir, Soap Creek Dam, Arod Lakes, Nilan Reservoir.
Hot Springs
Medicine (Sun River) Springs (41 mi) — perfect for soaking after a day on the trails.
Explore all 107 recreation sites on the full Fairfield profile.
Jobs & Economy in Fairfield
Fairfield has an unemployment rate of 4.7%, which is moderate. The labor force participation rate is 72.5%, reflecting an active and engaged workforce.
The top industries by employment are Education & Healthcare (26.7%), Retail (14.1%), Construction (11.1%). Approximately 404 residents are employed locally.
Employment by Industry
| Industry | Share of Employment |
|---|---|
| Education & Healthcare | 26.7% |
| Retail | 14.1% |
| Construction | 11.1% |
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
Fairfield is served by the Fairfield Public Schools school district with approximately 250 students enrolled. The high school graduation rate is 93%, which is above the Montana state average of ~87%.
Graduation rates from OPI/NCES 2022–23. Per-pupil spending from Montana OPI fiscal data.
Healthcare in Fairfield
The nearest hospital is Teton Medical Center in Choteau, 16.6 miles away. For advanced or emergency care, Benefis Health System in Great Falls (Level 2 Trauma Center) is 33.2 miles away.
Hospital data from MT DPHHS 2024. Verify services directly with facilities.
Getting to Fairfield
Fairfield is accessible via the following airports:
- Bozeman Yellowstone Intl — 159 miles (174 min drive)
- Billings Logan Intl — 246 miles (261 min drive)
- Missoula Intl — 132 miles (147 min drive)
- Glacier Park Intl (Kalispell) — 139 miles (154 min drive)
- Great Falls Intl — 36 miles (51 min drive)
Pros & Cons of Living in Fairfield
Pros
- No state sales tax
- 107+ recreation sites nearby
- Strong schools (93% grad rate)
- Milder winters than eastern Montana
- Skiing at Teton Pass Ski Area (29 mi)
- Near Glacier National Park (East Glacier)
- Authentic small-town community
- No state income tax on retirement
Cons
- Cold winters
- Limited housing inventory
- 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 Fairfield, Montana?
The typical home value is $365,999 and rent averages $683/month. The median household income is $66,544. Montana has no state sales tax, which helps offset costs.
What are winters like in Fairfield?
January lows average 22°F with about 16" of annual snowfall. Compared to eastern Montana, winters here are relatively mild.
Is Fairfield a good place to live?
Fairfield offers 107 nearby recreation sites, a moderate affordability ratio of 5.5x, 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 Fairfield?
As of early 2026, there were 10 homes for sale in Fairfield, down 9.1% from the prior year. The community has 355 total housing units with a 9.6% vacancy rate (Census ACS 2019–2023). Check Zillow or local MLS for the most current listings.
What is the job market like in Fairfield?
Fairfield has a 4.7% unemployment rate. Labor force participation is 72.5%. About 404 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 Fairfield?
The Fairfield Public Schools school district has a graduation rate of 93%, above the Montana state average of ~87%. Approximately 250 students are enrolled.
What healthcare is available in Fairfield?
The nearest hospital is Teton Medical Center in Choteau (16.6 miles). The nearest major trauma center is Benefis Health System in Great Falls, 33.2 miles away. There are 3 hospitals within 60 miles.
Where is the nearest skiing to Fairfield?
Teton Pass Ski Area is 29 miles from Fairfield. The area receives about 16" of snow annually.