Why Move to Melstone?
Melstone is a small town of 80 people in Musselshell County County, sitting at 2,927 feet in elevation. Known as "The Musselshell Crossroads," 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. Melstone specifically offers 22 recreation and attraction sites nearby, a growing community, and four distinct seasons.
Cost of Living in Melstone
Housing data for Melstone.
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.
Melstone Housing Market
Melstone. The community has 37 total housing units with a 2.7% vacancy rate — a tight market where buyers should be prepared to act quickly.
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 Melstone profile.
Melstone Weather & Climate
Melstone 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 13" of snow annually.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Precip | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 38°F | 21°F | 0.6" | 1.4" |
| Feb | 30°F | 12°F | 1" | 2.6" |
| Mar | 44°F | 23°F | 0.5" | 0.9" |
| Apr | 54°F | 33°F | 2" | 2.4" |
| May | 66°F | 45°F | 2.3" | 0.4" |
| Jun | 79°F | 56°F | 2.5" | 0" |
| Jul | 88°F | 63°F | 0.9" | 0" |
| Aug | 87°F | 62°F | 0.7" | 0" |
| Sep | 77°F | 53°F | 1.6" | 0" |
| Oct | 56°F | 36°F | 1.5" | 1.8" |
| Nov | 45°F | 27°F | 0.8" | 1.4" |
| Dec | 37°F | 20°F | 0.7" | 1.8" |
Outdoor Recreation Near Melstone
Melstone has access to 22 recreation and attraction sites spanning 7 categories.
Rivers
Musselshell River, Bighorn River are all within reach for fishing, floating, and kayaking.
Lakes
Nearby lakes include Shaw Reservoir, Black Sea Reservoir, War Horse Lake.
Explore all 22 recreation sites on the full Melstone profile.
Jobs & Economy in Melstone
Melstone has an unemployment rate of 4.2%, which is moderate. The labor force participation rate is 85.7%, reflecting an active and engaged workforce.
The top industries by employment are Construction (37%), Education & Healthcare (23.9%), Professional Services (17.4%). Approximately 46 residents are employed locally.
Employment by Industry
| Industry | Share of Employment |
|---|---|
| Construction | 37% |
| Education & Healthcare | 23.9% |
| Professional Services | 17.4% |
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
Melstone is served by the Melstone Public Schools school district with approximately 40 students enrolled.
Graduation rates from OPI/NCES 2022–23. Per-pupil spending from Montana OPI fiscal data.
Healthcare in Melstone
The nearest hospital is Roundup Memorial Healthcare in Roundup, 33.7 miles away. For advanced or emergency care, Billings Clinic in Billings (Level 1 Trauma Center) is 63.9 miles away.
Note: Healthcare access in Melstone 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 Melstone
Melstone is accessible via the following airports:
- Bozeman Yellowstone Intl — 200 miles (215 min drive)
- Billings Logan Intl — 76 miles (91 min drive)
- Missoula Intl — 354 miles (369 min drive)
- Glacier Park Intl (Kalispell) — 385 miles (400 min drive)
- Great Falls Intl — 211 miles (226 min drive)
Pros & Cons of Living in Melstone
Pros
- No state sales tax
- Montana outdoor lifestyle
- Milder winters than eastern Montana
- Authentic small-town community
- No state income tax on retirement
Cons
- Cold winters
- Limited healthcare access (nearest hospital: 33.7 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 Melstone, Montana?
Housing costs vary. Montana has no state sales tax, which helps offset costs.
What are winters like in Melstone?
January lows average 21°F with about 13" of annual snowfall. Compared to eastern Montana, winters here are relatively mild.
Is Melstone a good place to live?
Melstone offers 22 nearby recreation sites, Montana quality of life, and four distinct seasons. Montana's lack of sales tax and retirement income tax are significant benefits.
How many homes are for sale in Melstone?
Housing availability varies. The community has 37 total housing units with a 2.7% vacancy rate (Census ACS 2019–2023). Check Zillow or local MLS for the most current listings.
What is the job market like in Melstone?
Melstone has a 4.2% unemployment rate. Labor force participation is 85.7%. About 46 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 Melstone?
The nearest hospital is Roundup Memorial Healthcare in Roundup (33.7 miles). The nearest major trauma center is Billings Clinic in Billings, 63.9 miles away. There are 1 hospitals within 60 miles.