Why Move to Opheim?
Opheim is a small town of 86 people in Valley County County, sitting at 3,268 feet in elevation. Known as "Montana's Last Frontier," 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. Opheim specifically offers 43 recreation and attraction sites nearby, a growing community, and four distinct seasons.
Cost of Living in Opheim
The typical home value in Opheim is $185,594.
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.
Opheim Housing Market
Opheim. The community has 56 total housing units with a 26.8% 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 Opheim profile.
Opheim Weather & Climate
Opheim experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are mild with July highs averaging 79°F. Winters are cool with January lows around 12°F. Expect about 15" of snow annually.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Precip | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 26°F | 12°F | 0.5" | 1.4" |
| Feb | 20°F | 4°F | 0.8" | 2.3" |
| Mar | 34°F | 17°F | 0.6" | 1.5" |
| Apr | 46°F | 27°F | 1.4" | 2.8" |
| May | 61°F | 40°F | 2" | 0.8" |
| Jun | 73°F | 53°F | 2.7" | 0" |
| Jul | 79°F | 58°F | 1.4" | 0" |
| Aug | 78°F | 57°F | 1.4" | 0" |
| Sep | 69°F | 49°F | 1.3" | 0.6" |
| Oct | 49°F | 33°F | 1.2" | 1.8" |
| Nov | 35°F | 21°F | 1.1" | 2.5" |
| Dec | 26°F | 12°F | 0.6" | 1.6" |
Outdoor Recreation Near Opheim
Opheim has access to 43 recreation and attraction sites spanning 6 categories.
Top Nearby Attractions
- Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 40 miles
Lakes
Nearby lakes include Killenbeck Reservoir, Mahan and Hoyt Reservoir, Aitken Reservoir, Badger Reservoir, Hump Reservoir.
Hot Springs
Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs (40 mi) — perfect for soaking after a day on the trails.
Explore all 43 recreation sites on the full Opheim profile.
Jobs & Economy in Opheim
Opheim 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 63.4%.
The top industries by employment are Education & Healthcare (36.5%), Agriculture & Mining (28.8%), Wholesale (26.9%). Approximately 52 residents are employed locally.
Employment by Industry
| Industry | Share of Employment |
|---|---|
| Education & Healthcare | 36.5% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 28.8% |
| Wholesale | 26.9% |
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
Opheim is served by the Opheim 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 Opheim
The nearest hospital is Daniels Memorial Healthcare Center in Scobey, 45 miles away. The nearest major trauma center is Billings Clinic in Billings, 233.9 miles away — plan accordingly for emergencies.
Note: Healthcare access in Opheim 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 Opheim
Opheim is accessible via the following airports:
- Bozeman Yellowstone Intl — 369 miles (384 min drive)
- Billings Logan Intl — 280 miles (295 min drive)
- Missoula Intl — 456 miles (471 min drive)
- Glacier Park Intl (Kalispell) — 433 miles (448 min drive)
- Great Falls Intl — 297 miles (312 min drive)
Pros & Cons of Living in Opheim
Pros
- No state sales tax
- Strong outdoor recreation access
- Low unemployment (0%)
- Milder winters than eastern Montana
- Authentic small-town community
- No state income tax on retirement
Cons
- Cold winters
- Limited healthcare access (nearest hospital: 45 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 Opheim, Montana?
The typical home value is $185,594. Montana has no state sales tax, which helps offset costs.
What are winters like in Opheim?
January lows average 12°F with about 15" of annual snowfall. Compared to eastern Montana, winters here are relatively mild.
Is Opheim a good place to live?
Opheim offers 43 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 Opheim?
Housing availability varies. The community has 56 total housing units with a 26.8% vacancy rate (Census ACS 2019–2023). Check Zillow or local MLS for the most current listings.
What is the job market like in Opheim?
Opheim has a 0% unemployment rate, which is at or below the state average. Labor force participation is 63.4%. About 52 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 Opheim?
The nearest hospital is Daniels Memorial Healthcare Center in Scobey (45 miles). The nearest major trauma center is Billings Clinic in Billings, 233.9 miles away. There are 2 hospitals within 60 miles.