Why Move to Hysham?
Hysham is a small town of 251 people in Treasure County County, sitting at 2,661 feet in elevation. Known as "The Treasure County Jewel," 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. Hysham specifically offers 23 recreation and attraction sites nearby, a housing affordability ratio of 4.1x, and four distinct seasons.
Cost of Living in Hysham
The typical home value in Hysham is $187,920. Renters can expect to pay around $594 per month. The median household income is $46,000.
The affordability ratio (home price ÷ income) is 4.1x, 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.
Hysham Housing Market
Hysham. The community has 179 total housing units with a 17.3% 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 Hysham profile.
Hysham Weather & Climate
Hysham experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are warm with July highs averaging 90°F. Winters are relatively mild with January lows around 21°F. Expect about 12" of snow annually.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Precip | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 38°F | 21°F | 0.6" | 1.2" |
| Feb | 30°F | 11°F | 1" | 2.5" |
| Mar | 45°F | 24°F | 0.7" | 1.3" |
| Apr | 55°F | 33°F | 2.1" | 2.5" |
| May | 67°F | 46°F | 1.8" | 0.1" |
| Jun | 80°F | 57°F | 2.6" | 0" |
| Jul | 90°F | 64°F | 0.6" | 0" |
| Aug | 88°F | 63°F | 1" | 0" |
| Sep | 78°F | 54°F | 1.6" | 0" |
| Oct | 57°F | 37°F | 1.4" | 1.6" |
| Nov | 46°F | 28°F | 0.6" | 1.1" |
| Dec | 37°F | 20°F | 0.6" | 1.4" |
Outdoor Recreation Near Hysham
Hysham has access to 23 recreation and attraction sites spanning 8 categories.
Rivers
Bighorn River, Tongue River are all within reach for fishing, floating, and kayaking.
Lakes
Nearby lakes include Black Sea Reservoir, Castle Rock Lake, Little Hawk Lake, Shaw Reservoir.
Explore all 23 recreation sites on the full Hysham profile.
Jobs & Economy in Hysham
Hysham has an unemployment rate of 3.2%, which is at or below the state average — indicating a healthy local job market. The labor force participation rate is 61%.
The top industries by employment are Agriculture & Mining (26%), Education & Healthcare (23.3%), Transportation (17.3%). Approximately 150 residents are employed locally.
Employment by Industry
| Industry | Share of Employment |
|---|---|
| Agriculture & Mining | 26% |
| Education & Healthcare | 23.3% |
| Transportation | 17.3% |
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
Hysham is served by the Hysham 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 Hysham
The nearest hospital is Rosebud Health Care Center in Forsyth, 26.5 miles away. For advanced or emergency care, Billings Clinic in Billings (Level 1 Trauma Center) is 70.3 miles away.
Note: Healthcare access in Hysham 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 Hysham
Hysham is accessible via the following airports:
- Bozeman Yellowstone Intl — 230 miles (245 min drive)
- Billings Logan Intl — 85 miles (100 min drive)
- Missoula Intl — 394 miles (409 min drive)
- Glacier Park Intl (Kalispell) — 429 miles (444 min drive)
- Great Falls Intl — 254 miles (269 min drive)
Pros & Cons of Living in Hysham
Pros
- No state sales tax
- Montana outdoor lifestyle
- Low unemployment (3.2%)
- Milder winters than eastern Montana
- Authentic small-town community
- No state income tax on retirement
Cons
- Cold winters
- Limited healthcare access (nearest hospital: 26.5 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 Hysham, Montana?
The typical home value is $187,920 and rent averages $594/month. The median household income is $46,000. Montana has no state sales tax, which helps offset costs.
What are winters like in Hysham?
January lows average 21°F with about 12" of annual snowfall. Compared to eastern Montana, winters here are relatively mild.
Is Hysham a good place to live?
Hysham offers 23 nearby recreation sites, a moderate affordability ratio of 4.1x, and four distinct seasons. Montana's lack of sales tax and retirement income tax are significant benefits.
How many homes are for sale in Hysham?
Housing availability varies. The community has 179 total housing units with a 17.3% vacancy rate (Census ACS 2019–2023). Check Zillow or local MLS for the most current listings.
What is the job market like in Hysham?
Hysham has a 3.2% unemployment rate, which is at or below the state average. Labor force participation is 61%. About 150 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 Hysham?
The nearest hospital is Rosebud Health Care Center in Forsyth (26.5 miles). The nearest major trauma center is Billings Clinic in Billings, 70.3 miles away. There are 2 hospitals within 60 miles.