Why Move to Geraldine?
Geraldine is a small town of 317 people in Chouteau County County, sitting at 3,143 feet in elevation. Known as "The Square Butte 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. Geraldine specifically offers 107 recreation and attraction sites nearby, a housing affordability ratio of 5.8x, and four distinct seasons.
Cost of Living in Geraldine
The typical home value in Geraldine is $246,604. Renters can expect to pay around $572 per month. The median household income is $42,639.
The affordability ratio (home price ÷ income) is 5.8x, 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.
Geraldine Housing Market
Geraldine. The community has 159 total housing units with a 18.9% 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 Geraldine profile.
Geraldine Weather & Climate
Geraldine experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are warm with July highs averaging 85°F. Winters are relatively mild with January lows around 23°F. Expect about 20" of snow annually.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Precip | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 39°F | 23°F | 0.9" | 1.8" |
| Feb | 29°F | 12°F | 1.4" | 3.7" |
| Mar | 42°F | 24°F | 0.9" | 1.8" |
| Apr | 51°F | 32°F | 2.3" | 3.6" |
| May | 63°F | 44°F | 2.6" | 0.6" |
| Jun | 74°F | 54°F | 2.1" | 0" |
| Jul | 85°F | 61°F | 0.4" | 0" |
| Aug | 83°F | 60°F | 0.9" | 0" |
| Sep | 74°F | 51°F | 1.6" | 0.7" |
| Oct | 55°F | 37°F | 1.7" | 2.4" |
| Nov | 44°F | 27°F | 1.3" | 2.4" |
| Dec | 37°F | 20°F | 1" | 2.5" |
Outdoor Recreation Near Geraldine
Geraldine has access to 107 recreation and attraction sites spanning 15 categories. For skiing, Bear Paw Ski Bowl is 41 miles from town.
Top Nearby Attractions
- Bear Paw Ski Bowl (Ski Area) — 41 miles
- Kings Hill Scenic Byway (Scenic Drive) — 54 miles
- Showdown Montana (Ski Area) — 57 miles
- Gates of the Mountains Wilderness (Wilderness) — 91 miles
Rivers
Missouri River (Great Falls) is within reach for fishing, floating, and kayaking.
Lakes
Nearby lakes include Phantom Coulee Reservoir, Little Phantom Lake, Lost Lake, Hankins Reservoirs, Triple Lake Reservoir.
Explore all 107 recreation sites on the full Geraldine profile.
Jobs & Economy in Geraldine
Geraldine has an unemployment rate of 2.1%, which is at or below the state average — indicating a healthy local job market. The labor force participation rate is 41.5%, which is below average — common in retirement and college communities.
The top industries by employment are Education & Healthcare (25.3%), Finance & Real Estate (16.8%), Transportation (13.7%). Approximately 95 residents are employed locally.
Employment by Industry
| Industry | Share of Employment |
|---|---|
| Education & Healthcare | 25.3% |
| Finance & Real Estate | 16.8% |
| Transportation | 13.7% |
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
Geraldine is served by the Geraldine Public Schools school district with approximately 60 students enrolled.
Graduation rates from OPI/NCES 2022–23. Per-pupil spending from Montana OPI fiscal data.
Healthcare in Geraldine
The nearest hospital is Missouri River Medical Center in Fort Benton, 23.6 miles away. For advanced or emergency care, Benefis Health System in Great Falls (Level 2 Trauma Center) is 47.7 miles away.
Hospital data from MT DPHHS 2024. Verify services directly with facilities.
Getting to Geraldine
Geraldine is accessible via the following airports:
- Bozeman Yellowstone Intl — 160 miles (175 min drive)
- Billings Logan Intl — 178 miles (193 min drive)
- Missoula Intl — 223 miles (238 min drive)
- Glacier Park Intl (Kalispell) — 229 miles (244 min drive)
- Great Falls Intl — 63 miles (78 min drive)
Pros & Cons of Living in Geraldine
Pros
- No state sales tax
- 107+ recreation sites nearby
- Low unemployment (2.1%)
- Milder winters than eastern Montana
- Skiing at Bear Paw Ski Bowl (41 mi)
- 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 Geraldine, Montana?
The typical home value is $246,604 and rent averages $572/month. The median household income is $42,639. Montana has no state sales tax, which helps offset costs.
What are winters like in Geraldine?
January lows average 23°F with about 20" of annual snowfall. Compared to eastern Montana, winters here are relatively mild.
Is Geraldine a good place to live?
Geraldine offers 107 nearby recreation sites, a moderate affordability ratio of 5.8x, and four distinct seasons. Montana's lack of sales tax and retirement income tax are significant benefits.
How many homes are for sale in Geraldine?
Housing availability varies. The community has 159 total housing units with a 18.9% vacancy rate (Census ACS 2019–2023). Check Zillow or local MLS for the most current listings.
What is the job market like in Geraldine?
Geraldine has a 2.1% unemployment rate, which is at or below the state average. Labor force participation is 41.5%. About 95 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 Geraldine?
The nearest hospital is Missouri River Medical Center in Fort Benton (23.6 miles). The nearest major trauma center is Benefis Health System in Great Falls, 47.7 miles away. There are 3 hospitals within 60 miles.
Where is the nearest skiing to Geraldine?
Bear Paw Ski Bowl is 41 miles from Geraldine. The area receives about 20" of snow annually.