Why Move to Lincoln?
Lincoln is a small town of — people in Lewis and Clark County, sitting at 4,537 feet in elevation. Known as "The Blackfoot Valley Gem," 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 does not tax Social Security benefits or most pension income, making it financially attractive for both working professionals and retirees. Lincoln specifically offers 68 recreation and attraction sites nearby, a growing community, and four distinct seasons.
Cost of Living in Lincoln
The typical home value in Lincoln is $286,200. Renters can expect to pay around $764 per month. The median household income is $45,912.
Montana has no state sales tax, which saves residents money on everyday purchases. The state also has no tax on Social Security benefits or most pension income. Property taxes are moderate, based on assessed value.
Lincoln Weather & Climate
Lincoln experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are mild with July highs averaging 80°F. Winters are cool with January lows around 16°F. Expect about 32" of snow annually.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Precip | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 30°F | 16°F | 1.7" | 4.6" |
| Feb | 26°F | 10°F | 2.2" | 5.9" |
| Mar | 38°F | 19°F | 1.4" | 3.4" |
| Apr | 45°F | 26°F | 2" | 3.7" |
| May | 58°F | 35°F | 2.4" | 1.8" |
| Jun | 68°F | 45°F | 2.7" | 0.6" |
| Jul | 80°F | 52°F | 0.5" | 0" |
| Aug | 79°F | 52°F | 0.9" | 0" |
| Sep | 69°F | 44°F | 1.7" | 0.2" |
| Oct | 51°F | 29°F | 2.7" | 3.7" |
| Nov | 36°F | 19°F | 1.5" | 2.7" |
| Dec | 31°F | 15°F | 1.9" | 4.9" |
Outdoor Recreation Near Lincoln
Lincoln has access to 68 recreation and attraction sites spanning 10 categories.
Top Nearby Attractions
- Scapegoat Wilderness (Wilderness): 9 miles
Lakes
Nearby lakes include Silver King Lake, Nevada Lake, Braziel Lake, Bighorn Lake, Gravelly Range Lake.
Explore all 68 recreation sites on the full Lincoln profile.
Jobs & Economy in Lincoln
Lincoln has an unemployment rate of 1.1%, which is at or below the state average: indicating a healthy local job market. The labor force participation rate is 57.8%, which is below average: common in retirement and college communities.
The top industries by employment are Tourism & Hospitality (44.4%), Construction (15.7%), Agriculture & Mining (11.4%). Approximately 466 residents are employed locally.
Employment by Industry
| Industry | Share of Employment |
|---|---|
| Tourism & Hospitality | 44.4% |
| Construction | 15.7% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 11.4% |
Montana has no state sales tax and no tax on Social Security benefits or most pension 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.
Healthcare in Lincoln
The nearest hospital is Powell County Medical Center in Deer Lodge, 38.5 miles away. For advanced or emergency care, Providence St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula (Level 2 Trauma Center) is 63.2 miles away.
Note: Healthcare access in Lincoln is limited. If you have ongoing medical needs, consider proximity to Providence St. Patrick Hospital when making your decision.
Hospital data from MT DPHHS 2024. Verify services directly with facilities.
Getting to Lincoln
Lincoln is accessible via the following airports:
- Bozeman Yellowstone Intl: 131 miles (146 min drive)
- Billings Logan Intl: 255 miles (270 min drive)
- Missoula Intl: 80 miles (95 min drive)
- Glacier Park Intl (Kalispell): 143 miles (158 min drive)
- Great Falls Intl: 86 miles (101 min drive)
Pros & Cons of Living in Lincoln
Pros
- No state sales tax
- Strong outdoor recreation access
- Low unemployment (1.1%)
- Milder winters than eastern Montana
- Authentic small-town community
- No state tax on Social Security or most pensions
Cons
- Cold winters
- Limited healthcare access (nearest hospital: 38.5 mi)
- Distance from major metro areas
- Airport is a significant drive
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Lincoln, Montana?
The typical home value is $286,200 and rent averages $764/month. The median household income is $45,912. Montana has no state sales tax, which helps offset costs.
What are winters like in Lincoln?
January lows average 16°F with about 32" of annual snowfall. Compared to eastern Montana, winters here are relatively mild.
Is Lincoln a good place to live?
Lincoln offers 68 nearby recreation sites, Montana quality of life, and four distinct seasons. Montana's lack of sales tax can help offset some day-to-day costs.
How many homes are for sale in Lincoln?
Housing availability varies. Check Zillow or local MLS for the most current listings.
What is the job market like in Lincoln?
Lincoln has a 1.1% unemployment rate, which is at or below the state average. Labor force participation is 57.8%. About 466 residents are employed locally. The leading industry is tourism & hospitality. Montana has no state sales tax, which benefits both businesses and consumers.
How are the schools in Lincoln?
The Lincoln school district has a graduation rate of 87%, near the state average.
What healthcare is available in Lincoln?
The nearest hospital is Powell County Medical Center in Deer Lodge (38.5 miles). The nearest major trauma center is Providence St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula, 63.2 miles away. There are 4 hospitals within 60 miles.