Why Move to Neihart?
Neihart is a small town of 39 people in Cascade County County, sitting at 5,705 feet in elevation. Known as "The Silver Queen of the Little Belts," 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. Neihart specifically offers 94 recreation and attraction sites nearby, a growing community, and four distinct seasons.
Cost of Living in Neihart
The typical home value in Neihart is $247,657.
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.
Neihart Housing Market
Neihart. The community has 135 total housing units with a 85.2% 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 Neihart profile.
Neihart Weather & Climate
Neihart experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are mild with July highs averaging 75°F. Winters are cool with January lows around 17°F. Expect about 50" of snow annually.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Precip | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 30°F | 17°F | 2.3" | 6.2" |
| Feb | 25°F | 10°F | 2.7" | 7.3" |
| Mar | 35°F | 18°F | 1.6" | 4.3" |
| Apr | 40°F | 24°F | 3.6" | 9.2" |
| May | 52°F | 34°F | 3.3" | 4.7" |
| Jun | 65°F | 44°F | 4.3" | 1" |
| Jul | 75°F | 52°F | 1.8" | 0" |
| Aug | 74°F | 52°F | 1.6" | 0" |
| Sep | 65°F | 44°F | 2.4" | 1.1" |
| Oct | 47°F | 29°F | 3.1" | 6.1" |
| Nov | 36°F | 21°F | 1.9" | 4.8" |
| Dec | 30°F | 17°F | 1.8" | 4.8" |
Outdoor Recreation Near Neihart
Neihart has access to 94 recreation and attraction sites spanning 16 categories. For skiing, Showdown Montana is 7 miles from town.
Top Nearby Attractions
- Kings Hill Scenic Byway (Scenic Drive) — 3 miles
- Showdown Montana (Ski Area) — 7 miles
- Spa Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 28 miles
- Gates of the Mountains Wilderness (Wilderness) — 53 miles
- Helena-Lewis & Clark NF (National Forest) — 62 miles
- Scapegoat Wilderness (Wilderness) — 98 miles
Rivers
Smith River, Missouri River (Great Falls) are all within reach for fishing, floating, and kayaking.
Lakes
Nearby lakes include Rhoda Lake, Buckingham Reservoir, Hanson Reservoir, Gipsy Lake, Voldseth Reservoir.
Hot Springs
Spa Hot Springs (28 mi) — perfect for soaking after a day on the trails.
Explore all 94 recreation sites on the full Neihart profile.
Jobs & Economy in Neihart
Neihart 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 48.1%, which is below average — common in retirement and college communities.
The top industries by employment are Construction (38.5%), Education & Healthcare (23.1%), Transportation (15.4%). Approximately 13 residents are employed locally.
Employment by Industry
| Industry | Share of Employment |
|---|---|
| Construction | 38.5% |
| Education & Healthcare | 23.1% |
| Transportation | 15.4% |
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
Neihart is served by the Neihart Public Schools school district with approximately 10 students enrolled. The high school graduation rate is 90%, which is above the Montana state average of ~87%.
Graduation rates from OPI/NCES 2022–23. Per-pupil spending from Montana OPI fiscal data.
Healthcare in Neihart
The nearest hospital is Mountainview Medical Center in White Sulphur Springs, 28.1 miles away. For advanced or emergency care, Benefis Health System in Great Falls (Level 2 Trauma Center) is 47.7 miles away.
Hospital data from MT DPHHS 2024. Verify services directly with facilities.
Getting to Neihart
Neihart is accessible via the following airports:
- Bozeman Yellowstone Intl — 99 miles (114 min drive)
- Billings Logan Intl — 157 miles (172 min drive)
- Missoula Intl — 190 miles (205 min drive)
- Glacier Park Intl (Kalispell) — 227 miles (242 min drive)
- Great Falls Intl — 58 miles (73 min drive)
Pros & Cons of Living in Neihart
Pros
- No state sales tax
- Strong outdoor recreation access
- Low unemployment (0%)
- Strong schools (90% grad rate)
- Milder winters than eastern Montana
- Skiing at Showdown Montana (7 mi)
- Authentic small-town community
- No state income tax on retirement
Cons
- Cold winters
- 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 Neihart, Montana?
The typical home value is $247,657. Montana has no state sales tax, which helps offset costs.
What are winters like in Neihart?
January lows average 17°F with about 50" of annual snowfall. Compared to eastern Montana, winters here are relatively mild.
Is Neihart a good place to live?
Neihart offers 94 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 Neihart?
Housing availability varies. The community has 135 total housing units with a 85.2% vacancy rate (Census ACS 2019–2023). Check Zillow or local MLS for the most current listings.
What is the job market like in Neihart?
Neihart has a 0% unemployment rate, which is at or below the state average. Labor force participation is 48.1%. About 13 residents are employed locally. The leading industry is construction. Montana has no state sales tax, which benefits both businesses and consumers.
How are the schools in Neihart?
The Neihart Public Schools school district has a graduation rate of 90%, above the Montana state average of ~87%. Approximately 10 students are enrolled.
What healthcare is available in Neihart?
The nearest hospital is Mountainview Medical Center in White Sulphur Springs (28.1 miles). The nearest major trauma center is Benefis Health System in Great Falls, 47.7 miles away. There are 4 hospitals within 60 miles.
Where is the nearest skiing to Neihart?
Showdown Montana is 7 miles from Neihart. The area receives about 50" of snow annually.