Why Move to Froid?
Froid is a small town of 180 people in Roosevelt County County, sitting at 2,024 feet in elevation. Known as "The Gem of the Prairie," 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. Froid specifically offers 25 recreation and attraction sites nearby, a housing affordability ratio of 1.2x, and four distinct seasons.
Cost of Living in Froid
The typical home value in Froid is $85,000. The median household income is $70,750.
The affordability ratio (home price ÷ income) is 1.2x, which is very affordable by national standards.
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.
Froid Housing Market
Froid. The community has 126 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 Froid profile.
Froid Weather & Climate
Froid experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are warm with July highs averaging 83°F. Winters are cool with January lows around 11°F. Expect about 12" of snow annually.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Precip | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 27°F | 11°F | 0.5" | 1.2" |
| Feb | 24°F | 4°F | 0.6" | 1.6" |
| Mar | 38°F | 18°F | 0.5" | 1.2" |
| Apr | 50°F | 29°F | 1.5" | 2.8" |
| May | 65°F | 43°F | 2.2" | 0.2" |
| Jun | 77°F | 56°F | 2.7" | 0" |
| Jul | 83°F | 61°F | 1.5" | 0" |
| Aug | 82°F | 60°F | 0.9" | 0" |
| Sep | 73°F | 51°F | 1.8" | 0" |
| Oct | 52°F | 35°F | 1.3" | 1.5" |
| Nov | 38°F | 22°F | 0.8" | 1.5" |
| Dec | 28°F | 12°F | 0.7" | 1.9" |
Outdoor Recreation Near Froid
Froid has access to 25 recreation and attraction sites spanning 5 categories.
Lakes
Nearby lakes include Homestead Lake, Shotgun Reservoir, McIlwain Lake, Burgess Reservoir, Flecher Reservoir.
Explore all 25 recreation sites on the full Froid profile.
Jobs & Economy in Froid
Froid has an unemployment rate of 1.7%, which is at or below the state average — indicating a healthy local job market. The labor force participation rate is 77%, reflecting an active and engaged workforce.
The top industries by employment are Transportation (29.6%), Education & Healthcare (29.6%), Agriculture & Mining (13%). Approximately 115 residents are employed locally.
Employment by Industry
| Industry | Share of Employment |
|---|---|
| Transportation | 29.6% |
| Education & Healthcare | 29.6% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 13% |
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
Froid is served by the Froid Public Schools school district with approximately 70 students enrolled.
Graduation rates from OPI/NCES 2022–23. Per-pupil spending from Montana OPI fiscal data.
Healthcare in Froid
The nearest hospital is Roosevelt Memorial Medical Center in Culbertson, 13 miles away. The nearest major trauma center is Billings Clinic in Billings, 258.1 miles away — plan accordingly for emergencies.
Hospital data from MT DPHHS 2024. Verify services directly with facilities.
Getting to Froid
Froid is accessible via the following airports:
- Bozeman Yellowstone Intl — 432 miles (447 min drive)
- Billings Logan Intl — 310 miles (325 min drive)
- Missoula Intl — 549 miles (564 min drive)
- Glacier Park Intl (Kalispell) — 538 miles (553 min drive)
- Great Falls Intl — 389 miles (404 min drive)
Pros & Cons of Living in Froid
Pros
- No state sales tax
- Montana outdoor lifestyle
- Low unemployment (1.7%)
- Milder winters than eastern Montana
- Affordable cost of living
- 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 Froid, Montana?
The typical home value is $85,000. The median household income is $70,750. Montana has no state sales tax, which helps offset costs.
What are winters like in Froid?
January lows average 11°F with about 12" of annual snowfall. Compared to eastern Montana, winters here are relatively mild.
Is Froid a good place to live?
Froid offers 25 nearby recreation sites, a favorable affordability ratio of 1.2x, and four distinct seasons. Montana's lack of sales tax and retirement income tax are significant benefits.
How many homes are for sale in Froid?
Housing availability varies. The community has 126 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 Froid?
Froid has a 1.7% unemployment rate, which is at or below the state average. Labor force participation is 77%. About 115 residents are employed locally. The leading industry is transportation. Montana has no state sales tax, which benefits both businesses and consumers.
What healthcare is available in Froid?
The nearest hospital is Roosevelt Memorial Medical Center in Culbertson (13 miles). The nearest major trauma center is Billings Clinic in Billings, 258.1 miles away. There are 6 hospitals within 60 miles.