Why Move to Nashua?
Nashua is a small town of 279 people in Valley County County, sitting at 2,064 feet in elevation. Known as "The Fort Peck 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. Nashua specifically offers 104 recreation and attraction sites nearby, a housing affordability ratio of 1.6x, and four distinct seasons.
Cost of Living in Nashua
The typical home value in Nashua is $113,471. Renters can expect to pay around $675 per month. The median household income is $72,500.
The affordability ratio (home price ÷ income) is 1.6x, 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.
Nashua Housing Market
Nashua. The community has 178 total housing units with a 28.1% 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 Nashua profile.
Nashua Weather & Climate
Nashua experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are warm with July highs averaging 87°F. Winters are cool with January lows around 13°F. Expect about 10" of snow annually.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Precip | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 30°F | 13°F | 0.4" | 0.8" |
| Feb | 27°F | 7°F | 0.8" | 2.1" |
| Mar | 40°F | 19°F | 0.6" | 1.1" |
| Apr | 53°F | 31°F | 1" | 1.4" |
| May | 67°F | 44°F | 1.7" | 0.2" |
| Jun | 79°F | 57°F | 2.2" | 0" |
| Jul | 87°F | 62°F | 0.9" | 0" |
| Aug | 85°F | 61°F | 0.9" | 0" |
| Sep | 74°F | 51°F | 1.8" | 0" |
| Oct | 54°F | 35°F | 1.2" | 1.2" |
| Nov | 40°F | 22°F | 0.9" | 1.7" |
| Dec | 30°F | 12°F | 0.6" | 1.5" |
Outdoor Recreation Near Nashua
Nashua has access to 104 recreation and attraction sites spanning 7 categories.
Top Nearby Attractions
- Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 43 miles
Lakes
Nearby lakes include Mud Run Reservoir, Aitken Reservoir, Blanchard Reservoir, Mahan and Hoyt Reservoir, January Reservoir.
Hot Springs
Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs (43 mi) — perfect for soaking after a day on the trails.
Explore all 104 recreation sites on the full Nashua profile.
Jobs & Economy in Nashua
Nashua has an unemployment rate of 8.5%, which is above the state average and may present challenges for job seekers. The labor force participation rate is 46.8%, which is below average — common in retirement and college communities.
The top industries by employment are Government (25.2%), Construction (12.1%), Retail (12.1%). Approximately 107 residents are employed locally.
Employment by Industry
| Industry | Share of Employment |
|---|---|
| Government | 25.2% |
| Construction | 12.1% |
| Retail | 12.1% |
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
Nashua is served by the Nashua Public Schools school district with approximately 80 students enrolled.
Graduation rates from OPI/NCES 2022–23. Per-pupil spending from Montana OPI fiscal data.
Healthcare in Nashua
The nearest hospital is Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital in Glasgow, 13.7 miles away. The nearest major trauma center is Billings Clinic in Billings, 191.2 miles away — plan accordingly for emergencies.
Hospital data from MT DPHHS 2024. Verify services directly with facilities.
Getting to Nashua
Nashua is accessible via the following airports:
- Bozeman Yellowstone Intl — 334 miles (349 min drive)
- Billings Logan Intl — 229 miles (244 min drive)
- Missoula Intl — 444 miles (459 min drive)
- Glacier Park Intl (Kalispell) — 436 miles (451 min drive)
- Great Falls Intl — 284 miles (299 min drive)
Pros & Cons of Living in Nashua
Pros
- No state sales tax
- 104+ recreation sites nearby
- Milder winters than eastern Montana
- Affordable cost of living
- Authentic small-town community
- No state income tax on retirement
Cons
- Cold winters
- Higher unemployment (8.5%)
- 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 Nashua, Montana?
The typical home value is $113,471 and rent averages $675/month. The median household income is $72,500. Montana has no state sales tax, which helps offset costs.
What are winters like in Nashua?
January lows average 13°F with about 10" of annual snowfall. Compared to eastern Montana, winters here are relatively mild.
Is Nashua a good place to live?
Nashua offers 104 nearby recreation sites, a favorable affordability ratio of 1.6x, and four distinct seasons. Montana's lack of sales tax and retirement income tax are significant benefits.
How many homes are for sale in Nashua?
Housing availability varies. The community has 178 total housing units with a 28.1% vacancy rate (Census ACS 2019–2023). Check Zillow or local MLS for the most current listings.
What is the job market like in Nashua?
Nashua has a 8.5% unemployment rate, which is above the state average. Labor force participation is 46.8%. About 107 residents are employed locally. The leading industry is government. Montana has no state sales tax, which benefits both businesses and consumers.
What healthcare is available in Nashua?
The nearest hospital is Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital in Glasgow (13.7 miles). The nearest major trauma center is Billings Clinic in Billings, 191.2 miles away. There are 3 hospitals within 60 miles.