Why Move to Lodge Grass?
Lodge Grass is a small town of 441 people in Big Horn County County, sitting at 3,366 feet in elevation. Known as "The Heart of the Crow Nation," 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. Lodge Grass specifically offers 34 recreation and attraction sites nearby, a housing affordability ratio of 2.6x, and four distinct seasons.
Cost of Living in Lodge Grass
The typical home value in Lodge Grass is $131,049. Renters can expect to pay around $635 per month. The median household income is $50,000.
The affordability ratio (home price ÷ income) is 2.6x, which is very affordable by national standards.
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.
Lodge Grass Housing Market
Lodge Grass. The community has 130 total housing units with a 24.6% vacancy rate, suggesting more options and negotiating room for buyers.
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 Lodge Grass profile.
Lodge Grass Weather & Climate
Lodge Grass experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are warm with July highs averaging 88°F. Winters are relatively mild with January lows around 21°F. Expect about 20" of snow annually.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Precip | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 39°F | 21°F | 1" | 2.4" |
| Feb | 31°F | 11°F | 1.5" | 3.9" |
| Mar | 44°F | 24°F | 1.2" | 2.7" |
| Apr | 53°F | 32°F | 2.4" | 3.4" |
| May | 65°F | 44°F | 2.4" | 0.4" |
| Jun | 78°F | 56°F | 2.3" | 0" |
| Jul | 88°F | 63°F | 0.7" | 0" |
| Aug | 86°F | 62°F | 1" | 0" |
| Sep | 77°F | 53°F | 1.6" | 0" |
| Oct | 57°F | 37°F | 2.1" | 2.7" |
| Nov | 48°F | 28°F | 1" | 2" |
| Dec | 39°F | 20°F | 1" | 2.5" |
Outdoor Recreation Near Lodge Grass
Lodge Grass has access to 34 recreation and attraction sites spanning 9 categories.
Rivers
Bighorn River, Tongue River are all within reach for fishing, floating, and kayaking.
Lakes
Nearby lakes include Lodge Grass Storage Reservoir, Little Hawk Lake, Terrace Reservoir, Corner Reservoir, Castle Rock Lake.
Explore all 34 recreation sites on the full Lodge Grass profile.
Jobs & Economy in Lodge Grass
Lodge Grass has an unemployment rate of 12.1%, which is above the state average and may present challenges for job seekers. The labor force participation rate is 52.7%, which is below average — common in retirement and college communities.
The top industries by employment are Education & Healthcare (30.1%), Retail (25.5%), Government (20.9%). Approximately 153 residents are employed locally.
Employment by Industry
| Industry | Share of Employment |
|---|---|
| Education & Healthcare | 30.1% |
| Retail | 25.5% |
| Government | 20.9% |
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
Lodge Grass is served by the Lodge Grass Public Schools school district with approximately 300 students enrolled.
Graduation rates from OPI/NCES 2022–23. Per-pupil spending from Montana OPI fiscal data.
Healthcare in Lodge Grass
The nearest hospital is Big Horn County Memorial Hospital in Hardin, 31.2 miles away. For advanced or emergency care, Billings Clinic in Billings (Level 1 Trauma Center) is 63.8 miles away.
Note: Healthcare access in Lodge Grass is limited. If you have ongoing medical needs, consider proximity to Billings Clinic when making your decision.
Hospital data from MT DPHHS 2024. Verify services directly with facilities.
Getting to Lodge Grass
Lodge Grass is accessible via the following airports:
- Bozeman Yellowstone Intl — 223 miles (238 min drive)
- Billings Logan Intl — 80 miles (95 min drive)
- Missoula Intl — 409 miles (424 min drive)
- Glacier Park Intl (Kalispell) — 463 miles (478 min drive)
- Great Falls Intl — 291 miles (306 min drive)
Pros & Cons of Living in Lodge Grass
Pros
- No state sales tax
- Strong outdoor recreation access
- Milder winters than eastern Montana
- Affordable cost of living
- Authentic small-town community
- No state income tax on retirement
Cons
- Cold winters
- Higher unemployment (12.1%)
- Limited healthcare access (nearest hospital: 31.2 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 Lodge Grass, Montana?
The typical home value is $131,049 and rent averages $635/month. The median household income is $50,000. Montana has no state sales tax, which helps offset costs.
What are winters like in Lodge Grass?
January lows average 21°F with about 20" of annual snowfall. Compared to eastern Montana, winters here are relatively mild.
Is Lodge Grass a good place to live?
Lodge Grass offers 34 nearby recreation sites, a favorable affordability ratio of 2.6x, and four distinct seasons. Montana's lack of sales tax and retirement income tax are significant benefits.
How many homes are for sale in Lodge Grass?
Housing availability varies. The community has 130 total housing units with a 24.6% vacancy rate (Census ACS 2019–2023). Check Zillow or local MLS for the most current listings.
What is the job market like in Lodge Grass?
Lodge Grass has a 12.1% unemployment rate, which is above the state average. Labor force participation is 52.7%. About 153 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 Lodge Grass?
The nearest hospital is Big Horn County Memorial Hospital in Hardin (31.2 miles). The nearest major trauma center is Billings Clinic in Billings, 63.8 miles away. There are 1 hospitals within 60 miles.