Why Move to Judith Gap?
Judith Gap is a small town of 140 people in Wheatland County County, sitting at 4,623 feet in elevation. Known as "Where the Wind Blows Free," 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. Judith Gap specifically offers 85 recreation and attraction sites nearby, a growing community, and four distinct seasons.
Cost of Living in Judith Gap
The typical home value in Judith Gap is $220,497. Renters can expect to pay around $525 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.
Judith Gap Housing Market
Judith Gap. The community has 74 total housing units with a 0% vacancy rate — a tight market where buyers should be prepared to act quickly.
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 Judith Gap profile.
Judith Gap Weather & Climate
Judith Gap experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are warm with July highs averaging 81°F. Winters are relatively mild with January lows around 20°F. Expect about 19" of snow annually.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Precip | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 36°F | 20°F | 0.9" | 2.1" |
| Feb | 27°F | 9°F | 1.3" | 3.6" |
| Mar | 40°F | 20°F | 0.8" | 2" |
| Apr | 48°F | 27°F | 2.3" | 3.3" |
| May | 60°F | 39°F | 2.9" | 0.8" |
| Jun | 71°F | 48°F | 3" | 0" |
| Jul | 81°F | 56°F | 1" | 0" |
| Aug | 80°F | 56°F | 1.1" | 0" |
| Sep | 71°F | 47°F | 1.8" | 0.3" |
| Oct | 52°F | 32°F | 1.9" | 2.5" |
| Nov | 42°F | 24°F | 1" | 1.8" |
| Dec | 35°F | 18°F | 0.8" | 2.2" |
Outdoor Recreation Near Judith Gap
Judith Gap has access to 85 recreation and attraction sites spanning 12 categories. For skiing, Showdown Montana is 47 miles from town.
Top Nearby Attractions
- Showdown Montana (Ski Area) — 47 miles
- Kings Hill Scenic Byway (Scenic Drive) — 49 miles
- Spa Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 55 miles
- Gates of the Mountains Wilderness (Wilderness) — 100 miles
Lakes
Nearby lakes include Deadmans Basin Reservoir, Spring Creek Trout Hatchery, Upper Carters Pond, Voldseth Reservoir, Taylor Lake.
Hot Springs
Spa Hot Springs (55 mi) — perfect for soaking after a day on the trails.
Explore all 85 recreation sites on the full Judith Gap profile.
Jobs & Economy in Judith Gap
Judith Gap has an unemployment rate of 1.8%, which is at or below the state average — indicating a healthy local job market. The labor force participation rate is 52.3%, which is below average — common in retirement and college communities.
The top industries by employment are Transportation (21.8%), Education & Healthcare (18.2%), Retail (14.5%). Approximately 55 residents are employed locally.
Employment by Industry
| Industry | Share of Employment |
|---|---|
| Transportation | 21.8% |
| Education & Healthcare | 18.2% |
| Retail | 14.5% |
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
Judith Gap is served by the Judith Gap Public Schools school district with approximately 40 students enrolled.
Graduation rates from OPI/NCES 2022–23. Per-pupil spending from Montana OPI fiscal data.
Healthcare in Judith Gap
The nearest hospital is Wheatland Memorial Hospital in Harlowton, 17.2 miles away. For advanced or emergency care, Laurel Health Center in Laurel (Level 0 Trauma Center) is 83.8 miles away.
Hospital data from MT DPHHS 2024. Verify services directly with facilities.
Getting to Judith Gap
Judith Gap is accessible via the following airports:
- Bozeman Yellowstone Intl — 110 miles (125 min drive)
- Billings Logan Intl — 100 miles (115 min drive)
- Missoula Intl — 247 miles (262 min drive)
- Glacier Park Intl (Kalispell) — 286 miles (301 min drive)
- Great Falls Intl — 113 miles (128 min drive)
Pros & Cons of Living in Judith Gap
Pros
- No state sales tax
- Strong outdoor recreation access
- Low unemployment (1.8%)
- Milder winters than eastern Montana
- Skiing at Showdown Montana (47 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 Judith Gap, Montana?
The typical home value is $220,497 and rent averages $525/month. Montana has no state sales tax, which helps offset costs.
What are winters like in Judith Gap?
January lows average 20°F with about 19" of annual snowfall. Compared to eastern Montana, winters here are relatively mild.
Is Judith Gap a good place to live?
Judith Gap offers 85 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 Judith Gap?
Housing availability varies. The community has 74 total housing units with a 0% vacancy rate (Census ACS 2019–2023). Check Zillow or local MLS for the most current listings.
What is the job market like in Judith Gap?
Judith Gap has a 1.8% unemployment rate, which is at or below the state average. Labor force participation is 52.3%. About 55 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 Judith Gap?
The nearest hospital is Wheatland Memorial Hospital in Harlowton (17.2 miles). The nearest major trauma center is Laurel Health Center in Laurel, 83.8 miles away. There are 5 hospitals within 60 miles.
Where is the nearest skiing to Judith Gap?
Showdown Montana is 47 miles from Judith Gap. The area receives about 19" of snow annually.