Why Move to Fort Peck?
Fort Peck is a small town of 239 people in Valley County County, sitting at 2,162 feet in elevation. Known as "The Dam Town," 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. Fort Peck specifically offers 106 recreation and attraction sites nearby, a housing affordability ratio of 3.6x, and four distinct seasons.
Cost of Living in Fort Peck
The typical home value in Fort Peck is $314,826. The median household income is $88,333.
The affordability ratio (home price ÷ income) is 3.6x, 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.
Fort Peck Housing Market
Fort Peck. The community has 136 total housing units with a 29.4% 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 Fort Peck profile.
Fort Peck Weather & Climate
Fort Peck experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are warm with July highs averaging 86°F. Winters are cool with January lows around 14°F. Expect about 10" of snow annually.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Precip | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 31°F | 14°F | 0.4" | 0.8" |
| Feb | 26°F | 8°F | 0.8" | 2.1" |
| Mar | 39°F | 20°F | 0.6" | 1.2" |
| Apr | 52°F | 32°F | 1" | 1.4" |
| May | 66°F | 45°F | 1.7" | 0.3" |
| Jun | 78°F | 58°F | 2.2" | 0" |
| Jul | 86°F | 64°F | 0.9" | 0" |
| Aug | 85°F | 63°F | 0.9" | 0" |
| Sep | 74°F | 53°F | 1.8" | 0" |
| Oct | 54°F | 37°F | 1.3" | 1.1" |
| Nov | 41°F | 25°F | 0.9" | 1.8" |
| Dec | 30°F | 14°F | 0.6" | 1.5" |
Outdoor Recreation Near Fort Peck
Fort Peck has access to 106 recreation and attraction sites spanning 7 categories.
Top Nearby Attractions
- Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 45 miles
Lakes
Nearby lakes include Mud Run Reservoir, Five Point Reservoir, Paul Resevoir, Blanchard Reservoir, Berger Reservoir.
Hot Springs
Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs (45 mi) — perfect for soaking after a day on the trails.
Explore all 106 recreation sites on the full Fort Peck profile.
Jobs & Economy in Fort Peck
Fort Peck has an unemployment rate of 0%, which is at or below the state average — indicating a healthy local job market. The labor force participation rate is 64.4%.
The top industries by employment are Construction (22.4%), Government (21.6%), Transportation (14.7%). Approximately 116 residents are employed locally.
Employment by Industry
| Industry | Share of Employment |
|---|---|
| Construction | 22.4% |
| Government | 21.6% |
| Transportation | 14.7% |
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
Fort Peck is served by the Fort Peck Public Schools school district with approximately 50 students enrolled.
Graduation rates from OPI/NCES 2022–23. Per-pupil spending from Montana OPI fiscal data.
Healthcare in Fort Peck
The nearest hospital is Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital in Glasgow, 15.6 miles away. The nearest major trauma center is Billings Clinic in Billings, 181.8 miles away — plan accordingly for emergencies.
Note: Healthcare access in Fort Peck is limited. If you have ongoing medical needs, consider proximity to Billings Clinic when making your decision.
Hospital data from MT DPHHS 2024. Verify services directly with facilities.
Getting to Fort Peck
Fort Peck is accessible via the following airports:
- Bozeman Yellowstone Intl — 324 miles (339 min drive)
- Billings Logan Intl — 218 miles (233 min drive)
- Missoula Intl — 438 miles (453 min drive)
- Glacier Park Intl (Kalispell) — 432 miles (447 min drive)
- Great Falls Intl — 278 miles (293 min drive)
Pros & Cons of Living in Fort Peck
Pros
- No state sales tax
- 106+ recreation sites nearby
- Low unemployment (0%)
- Milder winters than eastern Montana
- Affordable cost of living
- Authentic small-town community
- No state income tax on retirement
Cons
- Cold winters
- Limited healthcare access (nearest hospital: 15.6 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 Fort Peck, Montana?
The typical home value is $314,826. The median household income is $88,333. Montana has no state sales tax, which helps offset costs.
What are winters like in Fort Peck?
January lows average 14°F with about 10" of annual snowfall. Compared to eastern Montana, winters here are relatively mild.
Is Fort Peck a good place to live?
Fort Peck offers 106 nearby recreation sites, a favorable affordability ratio of 3.6x, and four distinct seasons. Montana's lack of sales tax and retirement income tax are significant benefits.
How many homes are for sale in Fort Peck?
Housing availability varies. The community has 136 total housing units with a 29.4% vacancy rate (Census ACS 2019–2023). Check Zillow or local MLS for the most current listings.
What is the job market like in Fort Peck?
Fort Peck has a 0% unemployment rate, which is at or below the state average. Labor force participation is 64.4%. About 116 residents are employed locally. The leading industry is construction. Montana has no state sales tax, which benefits both businesses and consumers.
What healthcare is available in Fort Peck?
The nearest hospital is Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital in Glasgow (15.6 miles). The nearest major trauma center is Billings Clinic in Billings, 181.8 miles away. There are 4 hospitals within 60 miles.