Why Move to Livingston?
Livingston is a town of 8,040 people in Park County County, sitting at 4,501 feet in elevation. Known as "The Windiest City in Montana," it combines the best of Montana living — stunning natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and a strong community — with small-city conveniences.
Montana has no state sales tax and no tax on retirement income, making it financially attractive for both working professionals and retirees. Livingston specifically offers 423 recreation and attraction sites nearby, a housing affordability ratio of 7.8x, and four distinct seasons.
Cost of Living in Livingston
The typical home value in Livingston is $510,282, with homes currently listing at a median of $524,967. Renters can expect to pay around $1,839 per month. The median household income is $65,187.
The affordability ratio (home price ÷ income) is 7.8x, 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.
Livingston Housing Market
There are currently 55 homes for sale in Livingston — down 8.3% from last year, indicating tightening supply. The community has 4,220 total housing units with a 3.2% vacancy rate — a tight market where buyers should be prepared to act quickly.
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 Livingston profile.
Livingston Weather & Climate
Livingston experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are warm with July highs averaging 82°F. Winters are cool with January lows around 17°F. Expect about 26" of snow annually.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Precip | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 35°F | 17°F | 1.1" | 2.9" |
| Feb | 28°F | 10°F | 2" | 5.5" |
| Mar | 39°F | 18°F | 1.4" | 3.5" |
| Apr | 47°F | 26°F | 2.2" | 3.9" |
| May | 60°F | 38°F | 3.2" | 1.4" |
| Jun | 72°F | 48°F | 2.6" | 0" |
| Jul | 82°F | 55°F | 0.7" | 0" |
| Aug | 81°F | 55°F | 0.9" | 0" |
| Sep | 72°F | 47°F | 1.8" | 0.4" |
| Oct | 53°F | 33°F | 2.6" | 3.1" |
| Nov | 42°F | 24°F | 1.2" | 2.4" |
| Dec | 36°F | 19°F | 1" | 2.6" |
Outdoor Recreation Near Livingston
Livingston has access to 423 recreation and attraction sites spanning 20 categories. Yellowstone National Park (North Entrance) is just 44 miles away. For skiing, Bridger Bowl is 19 miles from town.
Top Nearby Attractions
- Bridger Bowl (Ski Area) — 19 miles
- Chico Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 21 miles
- Gallatin National Forest (National Forest) — 25 miles
- Bozeman Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 27 miles
- Yellowstone Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 39 miles
- Lee Metcalf Wilderness (Spanish Peaks) (Wilderness) — 42 miles
- Yellowstone National Park (North Entrance) (National Park) — 44 miles
- Big Sky Resort (Ski Area) — 48 miles
Rivers
Yellowstone River (Livingston), Boulder River, Gallatin River, Stillwater River are all within reach for fishing, floating, and kayaking.
Lakes
Nearby lakes include Fitzpatrick Lake, Blacktail Lake, Jewel Lake, Pine Creek Lake, George Lake.
Hot Springs
Chico Hot Springs (21 mi), Bozeman Hot Springs (27 mi), Yellowstone Hot Springs (39 mi) — perfect for soaking after a day on the trails.
Explore all 423 recreation sites on the full Livingston profile.
Jobs & Economy in Livingston
Livingston has an unemployment rate of 3.4%, which is at or below the state average — indicating a healthy local job market. The labor force participation rate is 70.6%, reflecting an active and engaged workforce.
The top industries by employment are Education & Healthcare (18%), Professional Services (17.3%), Tourism & Hospitality (13.2%). Approximately 4,929 residents are employed locally.
Employment by Industry
| Industry | Share of Employment |
|---|---|
| Education & Healthcare | 18% |
| Professional Services | 17.3% |
| Tourism & Hospitality | 13.2% |
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
Livingston is served by the Livingston Public Schools school district with approximately 1,400 students enrolled. The high school graduation rate is 88%, which is near the Montana state average of ~87%. Per-pupil spending is approximately $11,200.
Graduation rates from OPI/NCES 2022–23. Per-pupil spending from Montana OPI fiscal data.
Healthcare in Livingston
Livingston has its own hospital — Livingston Healthcare (25 beds). For advanced or emergency care, Bozeman Health Deaconess in Bozeman (Level 3 Trauma Center) is 22.9 miles away.
Hospital data from MT DPHHS 2024. Verify services directly with facilities.
Getting to Livingston
Livingston is accessible via the following airports:
- Bozeman Yellowstone Intl — 35 miles (50 min drive)
- Billings Logan Intl — 117 miles (132 min drive)
- Missoula Intl — 227 miles (242 min drive)
- Glacier Park Intl (Kalispell) — 303 miles (318 min drive)
- Great Falls Intl — 158 miles (173 min drive)
Pros & Cons of Living in Livingston
Pros
- No state sales tax
- 423+ recreation sites nearby
- Low unemployment (3.4%)
- Milder winters than eastern Montana
- Skiing at Bridger Bowl (19 mi)
- Near Yellowstone National Park (North Entrance)
- 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
- Distance from major metro areas
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Livingston, Montana?
The typical home value is $510,282 and rent averages $1,839/month. The median household income is $65,187. Montana has no state sales tax, which helps offset costs.
What are winters like in Livingston?
January lows average 17°F with about 26" of annual snowfall. Compared to eastern Montana, winters here are relatively mild.
Is Livingston a good place to live?
Livingston offers 423 nearby recreation sites, a higher affordability ratio of 7.8x, and four distinct seasons. It's 44 miles from Yellowstone National Park (North Entrance). Montana's lack of sales tax and retirement income tax are significant benefits.
How many homes are for sale in Livingston?
As of early 2026, there were 55 homes for sale in Livingston, down 8.3% from the prior year. The community has 4,220 total housing units with a 3.2% vacancy rate (Census ACS 2019–2023). Check Zillow or local MLS for the most current listings.
What is the job market like in Livingston?
Livingston has a 3.4% unemployment rate, which is at or below the state average. Labor force participation is 70.6%. About 4,929 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 Livingston?
The Livingston Public Schools school district has a graduation rate of 88%, near the state average. Approximately 1,400 students are enrolled. Per-pupil spending is approximately $11,200.
What healthcare is available in Livingston?
Livingston has a local hospital, Livingston Healthcare. The nearest major trauma center is Bozeman Health Deaconess in Bozeman, 22.9 miles away. There are 4 hospitals within 60 miles.
Where is the nearest skiing to Livingston?
Bridger Bowl is 19 miles from Livingston. The area receives about 26" of snow annually.