Why Move to Hot Springs?
Hot Springs is a small town of 557 people in Sanders County County, sitting at 2,835 feet in elevation. Known as "Montana's Natural Spa," 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. Hot Springs specifically offers 288 recreation and attraction sites nearby, a housing affordability ratio of 11.3x, and four distinct seasons.
Cost of Living in Hot Springs
The typical home value in Hot Springs is $240,837. Renters can expect to pay around $683 per month. The median household income is $21,319.
The affordability ratio (home price ÷ income) is 11.3x, which is on the expensive side, reflecting strong demand.
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.
Hot Springs Housing Market
There are currently 17 homes for sale in Hot Springs — up 112.5% from last year, indicating a loosening market. The community has 357 total housing units with a 23.5% vacancy rate, suggesting more options and negotiating room for buyers.
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 Hot Springs profile.
Hot Springs Weather & Climate
Hot Springs experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are warm with July highs averaging 86°F. Winters are relatively mild with January lows around 22°F. Expect about 18" of snow annually.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Precip | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 35°F | 22°F | 1.6" | 3.5" |
| Feb | 33°F | 17°F | 1.8" | 4" |
| Mar | 44°F | 27°F | 0.9" | 1.4" |
| Apr | 54°F | 33°F | 1.6" | 1.6" |
| May | 65°F | 44°F | 2.5" | 0.2" |
| Jun | 74°F | 52°F | 1.9" | 0" |
| Jul | 86°F | 59°F | 0.5" | 0" |
| Aug | 84°F | 59°F | 1.1" | 0" |
| Sep | 73°F | 50°F | 1.1" | 0.1" |
| Oct | 57°F | 37°F | 1.6" | 1.3" |
| Nov | 42°F | 27°F | 1.9" | 2" |
| Dec | 36°F | 23°F | 1.7" | 3.6" |
Outdoor Recreation Near Hot Springs
Hot Springs has access to 288 recreation and attraction sites spanning 19 categories. Glacier National Park (West Glacier) is just 69 miles away. For skiing, Blacktail Mountain is 33 miles from town.
Top Nearby Attractions
- Alameda Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 4 miles
- Symes Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 5 miles
- Wild Horse Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 6 miles
- Quinn's Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 29 miles
- Blacktail Mountain (Ski Area) — 33 miles
- Mission Mountains Wilderness (Wilderness) — 43 miles
- Snowbowl (Ski Area) — 48 miles
- Cabinet Mountains Wilderness (Wilderness) — 50 miles
Rivers
Flathead River, Swan River, Clark Fork River are all within reach for fishing, floating, and kayaking.
Lakes
Nearby lakes include Upper Dry Fork Reservoir, Smiley Slough, Lower Crow Reservoir, Lake Mary Ronan, Pablo Reservoir.
Hot Springs
Alameda Hot Springs (4 mi), Symes Hot Springs (5 mi), Wild Horse Hot Springs (6 mi) — perfect for soaking after a day on the trails.
Explore all 288 recreation sites on the full Hot Springs profile.
Jobs & Economy in Hot Springs
Hot Springs has an unemployment rate of 10.5%, which is above the state average and may present challenges for job seekers. 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 (41.7%), Tourism & Hospitality (16%), Construction (8%). Approximately 187 residents are employed locally.
Employment by Industry
| Industry | Share of Employment |
|---|---|
| Education & Healthcare | 41.7% |
| Tourism & Hospitality | 16% |
| Construction | 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
Hot Springs is served by the Hot Springs Public Schools school district with approximately 150 students enrolled. The high school graduation rate is 78%, which is below the state average of ~87%.
Graduation rates from OPI/NCES 2022–23. Per-pupil spending from Montana OPI fiscal data.
Healthcare in Hot Springs
The nearest hospital is Clark Fork Valley Hospital in Plains, 14.4 miles away. For advanced or emergency care, Logan Health Medical Center in Kalispell (Level 3 Trauma Center) is 44.3 miles away.
Hospital data from MT DPHHS 2024. Verify services directly with facilities.
Getting to Hot Springs
Hot Springs is accessible via the following airports:
- Bozeman Yellowstone Intl — 251 miles (266 min drive)
- Billings Logan Intl — 379 miles (394 min drive)
- Missoula Intl — 66 miles (81 min drive)
- Glacier Park Intl (Kalispell) — 63 miles (78 min drive)
- Great Falls Intl — 185 miles (200 min drive)
Pros & Cons of Living in Hot Springs
Pros
- No state sales tax
- 288+ recreation sites nearby
- Milder winters than eastern Montana
- Skiing at Blacktail Mountain (33 mi)
- Near Glacier National Park (West Glacier)
- Strong healthcare access
- Authentic small-town community
- No state income tax on retirement
Cons
- Cold winters
- Housing costs above national average
- Limited housing inventory
- Higher unemployment (10.5%)
- 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 Hot Springs, Montana?
The typical home value is $240,837 and rent averages $683/month. The median household income is $21,319. Montana has no state sales tax, which helps offset costs.
What are winters like in Hot Springs?
January lows average 22°F with about 18" of annual snowfall. Compared to eastern Montana, winters here are relatively mild.
Is Hot Springs a good place to live?
Hot Springs offers 288 nearby recreation sites, a higher affordability ratio of 11.3x, and four distinct seasons. It's 69 miles from Glacier National Park (West Glacier). Montana's lack of sales tax and retirement income tax are significant benefits.
How many homes are for sale in Hot Springs?
As of early 2026, there were 17 homes for sale in Hot Springs, up 112.5% from the prior year. The community has 357 total housing units with a 23.5% vacancy rate (Census ACS 2019–2023). Check Zillow or local MLS for the most current listings.
What is the job market like in Hot Springs?
Hot Springs has a 10.5% unemployment rate, which is above the state average. Labor force participation is 41.5%. About 187 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 Hot Springs?
The Hot Springs Public Schools school district has a graduation rate of 78%, below the state average of ~87%. Approximately 150 students are enrolled.
What healthcare is available in Hot Springs?
The nearest hospital is Clark Fork Valley Hospital in Plains (14.4 miles). The nearest major trauma center is Logan Health Medical Center in Kalispell, 44.3 miles away. There are 7 hospitals within 60 miles.
Where is the nearest skiing to Hot Springs?
Blacktail Mountain is 33 miles from Hot Springs. The area receives about 18" of snow annually.