Why Move to Lavina?
Lavina is a small town of 134 people in Golden Valley County County, sitting at 3,442 feet in elevation. Known as "The Golden Valley 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. Lavina specifically offers 69 recreation and attraction sites nearby, a housing affordability ratio of 3.5x, and four distinct seasons.
Cost of Living in Lavina
The typical home value in Lavina is $231,330. Renters can expect to pay around $725 per month. The median household income is $66,875.
The affordability ratio (home price ÷ income) is 3.5x, 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.
Lavina Housing Market
Lavina. The community has 68 total housing units with a 13.2% vacancy rate.
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 Lavina profile.
Lavina Weather & Climate
Lavina experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are warm with July highs averaging 87°F. Winters are relatively mild with January lows around 21°F. Expect about 13" of snow annually.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Precip | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 39°F | 21°F | 0.6" | 1.4" |
| Feb | 30°F | 10°F | 1.2" | 3" |
| Mar | 44°F | 22°F | 0.8" | 1.7" |
| Apr | 53°F | 31°F | 1.9" | 2" |
| May | 65°F | 43°F | 2.4" | 0.3" |
| Jun | 77°F | 53°F | 2.3" | 0" |
| Jul | 87°F | 60°F | 0.7" | 0" |
| Aug | 86°F | 60°F | 0.8" | 0" |
| Sep | 76°F | 50°F | 1.3" | 0.1" |
| Oct | 56°F | 35°F | 1.5" | 1.8" |
| Nov | 46°F | 26°F | 0.7" | 1.2" |
| Dec | 38°F | 19°F | 0.6" | 1.5" |
Outdoor Recreation Near Lavina
Lavina has access to 69 recreation and attraction sites spanning 12 categories.
Top Nearby Attractions
- Custer-Gallatin NF (National Forest) — 61 miles
- Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness (Wilderness) — 83 miles
Rivers
Musselshell River, Yellowstone River (Columbus), Stillwater River are all within reach for fishing, floating, and kayaking.
Lakes
Nearby lakes include Deadmans Basin Reservoir, Dry Lake, Dallmann Lake, Hunter Lake, South Pond.
Explore all 69 recreation sites on the full Lavina profile.
Jobs & Economy in Lavina
Lavina 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 68.4%.
The top industries by employment are Education & Healthcare (38.5%), Transportation (17.9%), Manufacturing (12.8%). Approximately 78 residents are employed locally.
Employment by Industry
| Industry | Share of Employment |
|---|---|
| Education & Healthcare | 38.5% |
| Transportation | 17.9% |
| Manufacturing | 12.8% |
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
Lavina is served by the Lavina 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 Lavina
The nearest hospital is Roundup Memorial Healthcare in Roundup, 21.5 miles away. For advanced or emergency care, St. Vincent Healthcare in Billings (Level 1 Trauma Center) is 41 miles away.
Hospital data from MT DPHHS 2024. Verify services directly with facilities.
Getting to Lavina
Lavina is accessible via the following airports:
- Bozeman Yellowstone Intl — 134 miles (149 min drive)
- Billings Logan Intl — 46 miles (61 min drive)
- Missoula Intl — 298 miles (313 min drive)
- Glacier Park Intl (Kalispell) — 342 miles (357 min drive)
- Great Falls Intl — 169 miles (184 min drive)
Pros & Cons of Living in Lavina
Pros
- No state sales tax
- Strong outdoor recreation access
- Low unemployment (0%)
- Milder winters than eastern Montana
- Affordable cost of living
- Strong healthcare access
- 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 Lavina, Montana?
The typical home value is $231,330 and rent averages $725/month. The median household income is $66,875. Montana has no state sales tax, which helps offset costs.
What are winters like in Lavina?
January lows average 21°F with about 13" of annual snowfall. Compared to eastern Montana, winters here are relatively mild.
Is Lavina a good place to live?
Lavina offers 69 nearby recreation sites, a favorable affordability ratio of 3.5x, and four distinct seasons. Montana's lack of sales tax and retirement income tax are significant benefits.
How many homes are for sale in Lavina?
Housing availability varies. The community has 68 total housing units with a 13.2% vacancy rate (Census ACS 2019–2023). Check Zillow or local MLS for the most current listings.
What is the job market like in Lavina?
Lavina has a 0% unemployment rate, which is at or below the state average. Labor force participation is 68.4%. About 78 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 Lavina?
The nearest hospital is Roundup Memorial Healthcare in Roundup (21.5 miles). The nearest major trauma center is St. Vincent Healthcare in Billings, 41 miles away. There are 8 hospitals within 60 miles.