Why Move to Lima?
Lima is a small town of 218 people in Beaverhead County County, sitting at 6,253 feet in elevation. Known as "The Beaverhead 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. Lima specifically offers 63 recreation and attraction sites nearby, a housing affordability ratio of 5x, and four distinct seasons.
Cost of Living in Lima
The typical home value in Lima is $269,981. The median household income is $53,906.
The affordability ratio (home price ÷ income) is 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.
Lima Housing Market
There are currently 6 homes for sale in Lima. The community has 158 total housing units with a 31.6% 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 Lima profile.
Lima Weather & Climate
Lima experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are mild with July highs averaging 80°F. Winters are cold with January lows around 6°F. Expect about 18" of snow annually.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Precip | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 23°F | 6°F | 0.7" | 1.8" |
| Feb | 23°F | 4°F | 0.9" | 2.4" |
| Mar | 33°F | 13°F | 0.8" | 2.2" |
| Apr | 43°F | 22°F | 1.2" | 2.6" |
| May | 56°F | 33°F | 2.3" | 2.3" |
| Jun | 68°F | 42°F | 1.5" | 0.3" |
| Jul | 80°F | 51°F | 0.7" | 0" |
| Aug | 77°F | 50°F | 1.2" | 0" |
| Sep | 68°F | 41°F | 1.5" | 0.4" |
| Oct | 49°F | 27°F | 1.3" | 2.2" |
| Nov | 36°F | 16°F | 0.7" | 1.6" |
| Dec | 25°F | 7°F | 0.7" | 2" |
Outdoor Recreation Near Lima
Lima has access to 63 recreation and attraction sites spanning 14 categories. Yellowstone National Park (West Entrance) is just 74 miles away. For skiing, Maverick Mountain is 71 miles from town.
Top Nearby Attractions
- Big Sheep Creek Backcountry Byway (Scenic Drive) — 16 miles
- Biltmore Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 57 miles
- Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway (Scenic Drive) — 68 miles
- Lee Metcalf Wilderness (Madison Range) (Wilderness) — 70 miles
- Maverick Mountain (Ski Area) — 71 miles
- Big Sky Resort (Ski Area) — 73 miles
- Yellowstone National Park (West Entrance) (National Park) — 74 miles
- Lee Metcalf Wilderness (Spanish Peaks) (Wilderness) — 81 miles
Rivers
Beaverhead River is within reach for fishing, floating, and kayaking.
Lakes
Nearby lakes include Lima Reservoir, Deadman Lake, Tash Pond, Kelly Reservoir, Wade Lake.
Hot Springs
Biltmore Hot Springs (57 mi) — perfect for soaking after a day on the trails.
Explore all 63 recreation sites on the full Lima profile.
Jobs & Economy in Lima
Lima 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 47.2%, which is below average — common in retirement and college communities.
The top industries by employment are Construction (38.7%), Government (18.3%), Tourism & Hospitality (10.8%). Approximately 93 residents are employed locally.
Employment by Industry
| Industry | Share of Employment |
|---|---|
| Construction | 38.7% |
| Government | 18.3% |
| Tourism & Hospitality | 10.8% |
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
Lima is served by the Lima Public Schools school district with approximately 30 students enrolled.
Graduation rates from OPI/NCES 2022–23. Per-pupil spending from Montana OPI fiscal data.
Healthcare in Lima
The nearest hospital is Barrett Hospital & HealthCare in Dillon, 40.1 miles away. The nearest major trauma center is Bozeman Health Deaconess in Bozeman, 104.8 miles away — plan accordingly for emergencies.
Note: Healthcare access in Lima is limited. If you have ongoing medical needs, consider proximity to Bozeman Health Deaconess when making your decision.
Hospital data from MT DPHHS 2024. Verify services directly with facilities.
Getting to Lima
Lima is accessible via the following airports:
- Bozeman Yellowstone Intl — 127 miles (142 min drive)
- Billings Logan Intl — 256 miles (271 min drive)
- Missoula Intl — 208 miles (223 min drive)
- Glacier Park Intl (Kalispell) — 319 miles (334 min drive)
- Great Falls Intl — 246 miles (261 min drive)
Pros & Cons of Living in Lima
Pros
- No state sales tax
- Strong outdoor recreation access
- Low unemployment (0%)
- Skiing at Maverick Mountain (71 mi)
- Near Yellowstone National Park (West Entrance)
- Authentic small-town community
- No state income tax on retirement
Cons
- Cold winters
- Limited housing inventory
- Limited healthcare access (nearest hospital: 40.1 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 Lima, Montana?
The typical home value is $269,981. The median household income is $53,906. Montana has no state sales tax, which helps offset costs.
What are winters like in Lima?
January lows average 6°F with about 18" of annual snowfall. Winter driving skills and proper vehicle preparation are essential.
Is Lima a good place to live?
Lima offers 63 nearby recreation sites, a moderate affordability ratio of 5x, and four distinct seasons. It's 74 miles from Yellowstone National Park (West Entrance). Montana's lack of sales tax and retirement income tax are significant benefits.
How many homes are for sale in Lima?
As of early 2026, there were 6 homes for sale in Lima. The community has 158 total housing units with a 31.6% vacancy rate (Census ACS 2019–2023). Check Zillow or local MLS for the most current listings.
What is the job market like in Lima?
Lima has a 0% unemployment rate, which is at or below the state average. Labor force participation is 47.2%. About 93 residents are employed locally. The leading industry is construction. Montana has no state sales tax, which benefits both businesses and consumers.
What healthcare is available in Lima?
The nearest hospital is Barrett Hospital & HealthCare in Dillon (40.1 miles). The nearest major trauma center is Bozeman Health Deaconess in Bozeman, 104.8 miles away. There are 2 hospitals within 60 miles.
Where is the nearest skiing to Lima?
Maverick Mountain is 71 miles from Lima. The area receives about 18" of snow annually.