Why Move to Libby?
Libby is a small town of 2,775 people in Lincoln County County, sitting at 2,096 feet in elevation. Known as "The City of Eagles," 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. Libby specifically offers 137 recreation and attraction sites nearby, a housing affordability ratio of 8.5x, and four distinct seasons.
Cost of Living in Libby
The typical home value in Libby is $333,880, with homes currently listing at a median of $375,500. Renters can expect to pay around $679 per month. The median household income is $39,261.
The affordability ratio (home price ÷ income) is 8.5x, 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.
Libby Housing Market
There are currently 72 homes for sale in Libby — down 10% from last year, indicating tightening supply. The community has 1,535 total housing units with a 7% vacancy rate.
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 Libby profile.
Libby Weather & Climate
Libby experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are warm with July highs averaging 86°F. Winters are relatively mild with January lows around 21°F. Expect about 26" of snow annually.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Precip | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 36°F | 21°F | 2.7" | 6" |
| Feb | 35°F | 16°F | 2" | 4.4" |
| Mar | 47°F | 25°F | 1.4" | 2.1" |
| Apr | 56°F | 32°F | 1.9" | 1.8" |
| May | 67°F | 42°F | 2.5" | 0.1" |
| Jun | 75°F | 50°F | 1.9" | 0" |
| Jul | 86°F | 56°F | 0.7" | 0" |
| Aug | 84°F | 56°F | 1.2" | 0" |
| Sep | 74°F | 48°F | 1.4" | 0.1" |
| Oct | 58°F | 36°F | 2.3" | 1.2" |
| Nov | 42°F | 26°F | 3.3" | 4.4" |
| Dec | 36°F | 23°F | 3.3" | 6.2" |
Outdoor Recreation Near Libby
Libby has access to 137 recreation and attraction sites spanning 17 categories. Glacier National Park (West Glacier) is just 73 miles away. For skiing, Turner Mountain is 12 miles from town.
Top Nearby Attractions
- Kootenai National Forest (National Forest) — 12 miles
- Turner Mountain (Ski Area) — 12 miles
- Lake Koocanusa Scenic Byway (Scenic Drive) — 23 miles
- Cabinet Mountains Wilderness (Wilderness) — 29 miles
- Knox Landing (Ski Area) — 55 miles
- Chair 3 Tenderfoot (Ski Area) — 55 miles
- Heratage T-Bar (Intermittent) (Ski Area) — 55 miles
- Whitefish Mountain Resort (Ski Area) — 56 miles
Rivers
Kootenai River is within reach for fishing, floating, and kayaking.
Lakes
Nearby lakes include Lake Koocanusa, Noxon Reservoir, Okaga Lake, Pearson Reservoir, Jumbo Lake.
Explore all 137 recreation sites on the full Libby profile.
Jobs & Economy in Libby
Libby has an unemployment rate of 1.9%, which is at or below the state average — indicating a healthy local job market. The labor force participation rate is 46.2%, which is below average — common in retirement and college communities.
The top industries by employment are Education & Healthcare (26.5%), Retail (13.6%), Construction (13.4%). Approximately 1,153 residents are employed locally.
Employment by Industry
| Industry | Share of Employment |
|---|---|
| Education & Healthcare | 26.5% |
| Retail | 13.6% |
| Construction | 13.4% |
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
Libby is served by the Libby Public Schools school district with approximately 1,100 students enrolled. The high school graduation rate is 83%, 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 Libby
Libby has its own hospital — Cabinet Peaks Medical Center (25 beds). For advanced or emergency care, Logan Health Medical Center in Kalispell (Level 3 Trauma Center) is 58.4 miles away.
Hospital data from MT DPHHS 2024. Verify services directly with facilities.
Getting to Libby
Libby is accessible via the following airports:
- Bozeman Yellowstone Intl — 330 miles (345 min drive)
- Billings Logan Intl — 450 miles (465 min drive)
- Missoula Intl — 147 miles (162 min drive)
- Glacier Park Intl (Kalispell) — 72 miles (87 min drive)
- Great Falls Intl — 244 miles (259 min drive)
Pros & Cons of Living in Libby
Pros
- No state sales tax
- 137+ recreation sites nearby
- Low unemployment (1.9%)
- Milder winters than eastern Montana
- Skiing at Turner Mountain (12 mi)
- Near Glacier National Park (West Glacier)
- Has a local hospital
- Strong healthcare access
- Authentic small-town community
- No state income tax on retirement
Cons
- Cold winters
- Housing costs above national average
- 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 Libby, Montana?
The typical home value is $333,880 and rent averages $679/month. The median household income is $39,261. Montana has no state sales tax, which helps offset costs.
What are winters like in Libby?
January lows average 21°F with about 26" of annual snowfall. Compared to eastern Montana, winters here are relatively mild.
Is Libby a good place to live?
Libby offers 137 nearby recreation sites, a higher affordability ratio of 8.5x, and four distinct seasons. It's 73 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 Libby?
As of early 2026, there were 72 homes for sale in Libby, down 10% from the prior year. The community has 1,535 total housing units with a 7% vacancy rate (Census ACS 2019–2023). Check Zillow or local MLS for the most current listings.
What is the job market like in Libby?
Libby has a 1.9% unemployment rate, which is at or below the state average. Labor force participation is 46.2%. About 1,153 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 Libby?
The Libby Public Schools school district has a graduation rate of 83%, below the state average of ~87%. Approximately 1,100 students are enrolled.
What healthcare is available in Libby?
Libby has a local hospital, Cabinet Peaks Medical Center. The nearest major trauma center is Logan Health Medical Center in Kalispell, 58.4 miles away. There are 3 hospitals within 60 miles.
Where is the nearest skiing to Libby?
Turner Mountain is 12 miles from Libby. The area receives about 26" of snow annually.