Why Move to Moore?
Moore is a small town of 224 people in Fergus County County, sitting at 4,154 feet in elevation. Known as "The Judith Gap 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. Moore specifically offers 62 recreation and attraction sites nearby, a housing affordability ratio of 6.4x, and four distinct seasons.
Cost of Living in Moore
The typical home value in Moore is $293,638. Renters can expect to pay around $805 per month. The median household income is $45,972.
The affordability ratio (home price ÷ income) is 6.4x, which is above average — plan your budget carefully.
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.
Moore Housing Market
Moore. The community has 105 total housing units with a 11.4% vacancy rate.
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 Moore profile.
Moore Weather & Climate
Moore experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are warm with July highs averaging 83°F. Winters are relatively mild with January lows around 22°F. Expect about 21" of snow annually.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Precip | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 39°F | 22°F | 1" | 2.4" |
| Feb | 29°F | 11°F | 1.5" | 4" |
| Mar | 43°F | 23°F | 0.8" | 1.9" |
| Apr | 50°F | 30°F | 2.4" | 3.5" |
| May | 62°F | 41°F | 2.9" | 0.8" |
| Jun | 73°F | 51°F | 3.1" | 0" |
| Jul | 83°F | 59°F | 0.8" | 0" |
| Aug | 82°F | 58°F | 1.2" | 0" |
| Sep | 73°F | 50°F | 1.7" | 0.3" |
| Oct | 54°F | 35°F | 2" | 2.8" |
| Nov | 44°F | 26°F | 1.1" | 2.2" |
| Dec | 37°F | 20°F | 1" | 2.6" |
Outdoor Recreation Near Moore
Moore has access to 62 recreation and attraction sites spanning 10 categories. For skiing, Showdown Montana is 49 miles from town.
Top Nearby Attractions
- Showdown Montana (Ski Area) — 49 miles
- Kings Hill Scenic Byway (Scenic Drive) — 49 miles
- Bear Paw Ski Bowl (Ski Area) — 73 miles
Lakes
Nearby lakes include Spring Creek Trout Hatchery, Upper Carters Pond, Taylor Lake, Rhoda Lake, Stafford Reservoir.
Explore all 62 recreation sites on the full Moore profile.
Jobs & Economy in Moore
Moore 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 50%, which is below average — common in retirement and college communities.
The top industries by employment are Education & Healthcare (18.3%), Construction (17.1%), Tourism & Hospitality (12.2%). Approximately 82 residents are employed locally.
Employment by Industry
| Industry | Share of Employment |
|---|---|
| Education & Healthcare | 18.3% |
| Construction | 17.1% |
| Tourism & Hospitality | 12.2% |
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
Moore is served by the Moore Public Schools school district with approximately 60 students enrolled.
Graduation rates from OPI/NCES 2022–23. Per-pupil spending from Montana OPI fiscal data.
Healthcare in Moore
The nearest hospital is Central Montana Medical Center in Lewistown, 14 miles away. For advanced or emergency care, Benefis Health System in Great Falls (Level 2 Trauma Center) is 83.3 miles away.
Hospital data from MT DPHHS 2024. Verify services directly with facilities.
Getting to Moore
Moore is accessible via the following airports:
- Bozeman Yellowstone Intl — 130 miles (145 min drive)
- Billings Logan Intl — 117 miles (132 min drive)
- Missoula Intl — 249 miles (264 min drive)
- Glacier Park Intl (Kalispell) — 278 miles (293 min drive)
- Great Falls Intl — 103 miles (118 min drive)
Pros & Cons of Living in Moore
Pros
- No state sales tax
- Strong outdoor recreation access
- Low unemployment (0%)
- Milder winters than eastern Montana
- Skiing at Showdown Montana (49 mi)
- Authentic small-town community
- No state income tax on retirement
Cons
- Cold winters
- Housing costs above national average
- 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 Moore, Montana?
The typical home value is $293,638 and rent averages $805/month. The median household income is $45,972. Montana has no state sales tax, which helps offset costs.
What are winters like in Moore?
January lows average 22°F with about 21" of annual snowfall. Compared to eastern Montana, winters here are relatively mild.
Is Moore a good place to live?
Moore offers 62 nearby recreation sites, a higher affordability ratio of 6.4x, and four distinct seasons. Montana's lack of sales tax and retirement income tax are significant benefits.
How many homes are for sale in Moore?
Housing availability varies. The community has 105 total housing units with a 11.4% vacancy rate (Census ACS 2019–2023). Check Zillow or local MLS for the most current listings.
What is the job market like in Moore?
Moore has a 0% unemployment rate, which is at or below the state average. Labor force participation is 50%. About 82 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 Moore?
The nearest hospital is Central Montana Medical Center in Lewistown (14 miles). The nearest major trauma center is Benefis Health System in Great Falls, 83.3 miles away. There are 2 hospitals within 60 miles.
Where is the nearest skiing to Moore?
Showdown Montana is 49 miles from Moore. The area receives about 21" of snow annually.