Why Move to Grass Range?
Grass Range is a small town of 125 people in Fergus County County, sitting at 3,484 feet in elevation. Known as "The Little Town with a Big Heart," 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. Grass Range specifically offers 53 recreation and attraction sites nearby, a growing community, and four distinct seasons.
Cost of Living in Grass Range
The typical home value in Grass Range is $310,165. Renters can expect to pay around $900 per month.
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.
Grass Range Housing Market
Grass Range. The community has 89 total housing units with a 18% 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 Grass Range profile.
Grass Range Weather & Climate
Grass Range experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are warm with July highs averaging 85°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 | 39°F | 22°F | 0.7" | 1.5" |
| Feb | 29°F | 12°F | 1.1" | 2.9" |
| Mar | 43°F | 23°F | 0.8" | 1.4" |
| Apr | 51°F | 32°F | 2.2" | 2.9" |
| May | 63°F | 43°F | 2.6" | 1" |
| Jun | 75°F | 54°F | 2.9" | 0" |
| Jul | 85°F | 62°F | 0.8" | 0" |
| Aug | 84°F | 61°F | 1" | 0" |
| Sep | 74°F | 52°F | 2.1" | 0.5" |
| Oct | 55°F | 37°F | 1.7" | 1.9" |
| Nov | 45°F | 27°F | 0.9" | 1.8" |
| Dec | 37°F | 21°F | 0.8" | 2.1" |
Outdoor Recreation Near Grass Range
Grass Range has access to 53 recreation and attraction sites spanning 9 categories.
Rivers
Musselshell River is within reach for fishing, floating, and kayaking.
Lakes
Nearby lakes include War Horse Lake, Spring Creek Trout Hatchery, Upper Carters Pond, Taylor Lake, Shaw Reservoir.
Explore all 53 recreation sites on the full Grass Range profile.
Jobs & Economy in Grass Range
Grass Range 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 50.6%, which is below average — common in retirement and college communities.
The top industries by employment are Agriculture & Mining (24.4%), Education & Healthcare (24.4%), Other Services (17.8%). Approximately 45 residents are employed locally.
Employment by Industry
| Industry | Share of Employment |
|---|---|
| Agriculture & Mining | 24.4% |
| Education & Healthcare | 24.4% |
| Other Services | 17.8% |
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
Grass Range is served by the Grass Range 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 Grass Range
The nearest hospital is Central Montana Medical Center in Lewistown, 29.5 miles away. For advanced or emergency care, Billings Clinic in Billings (Level 1 Trauma Center) is 87.1 miles away.
Hospital data from MT DPHHS 2024. Verify services directly with facilities.
Getting to Grass Range
Grass Range is accessible via the following airports:
- Bozeman Yellowstone Intl — 170 miles (185 min drive)
- Billings Logan Intl — 102 miles (117 min drive)
- Missoula Intl — 299 miles (314 min drive)
- Glacier Park Intl (Kalispell) — 322 miles (337 min drive)
- Great Falls Intl — 149 miles (164 min drive)
Pros & Cons of Living in Grass Range
Pros
- No state sales tax
- Strong outdoor recreation access
- Low unemployment (0%)
- Milder winters than eastern Montana
- 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 Grass Range, Montana?
The typical home value is $310,165 and rent averages $900/month. Montana has no state sales tax, which helps offset costs.
What are winters like in Grass Range?
January lows average 22°F with about 16" of annual snowfall. Compared to eastern Montana, winters here are relatively mild.
Is Grass Range a good place to live?
Grass Range offers 53 nearby recreation sites, Montana quality of life, and four distinct seasons. Montana's lack of sales tax and retirement income tax are significant benefits.
How many homes are for sale in Grass Range?
Housing availability varies. The community has 89 total housing units with a 18% vacancy rate (Census ACS 2019–2023). Check Zillow or local MLS for the most current listings.
What is the job market like in Grass Range?
Grass Range has a 0% unemployment rate, which is at or below the state average. Labor force participation is 50.6%. About 45 residents are employed locally. The leading industry is agriculture & mining. Montana has no state sales tax, which benefits both businesses and consumers.
What healthcare is available in Grass Range?
The nearest hospital is Central Montana Medical Center in Lewistown (29.5 miles). The nearest major trauma center is Billings Clinic in Billings, 87.1 miles away. There are 2 hospitals within 60 miles.