Why Move to Philipsburg?
Philipsburg is a small town of 841 people in Granite County County, sitting at 5,249 feet in elevation. Known as "Montana's Silver Town," 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. Philipsburg specifically offers 452 recreation and attraction sites nearby, a housing affordability ratio of 10.4x, and four distinct seasons.
Cost of Living in Philipsburg
The typical home value in Philipsburg is $418,912, with homes currently listing at a median of $659,667. Renters can expect to pay around $871 per month. The median household income is $40,096.
The affordability ratio (home price ÷ income) is 10.4x, which is on the expensive side, reflecting strong demand.
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.
Philipsburg Housing Market
There are currently 27 homes for sale in Philipsburg — up 35% from last year, indicating a loosening market. The community has 567 total housing units with a 25% vacancy rate, suggesting more options and negotiating room for buyers.
Inventory data from Zillow Research (Jan 2026). 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 Philipsburg profile.
Philipsburg Weather & Climate
Philipsburg experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are mild with July highs averaging 78°F. Winters are cool with January lows around 15°F. Expect about 33" of snow annually.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Precip | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 30°F | 15°F | 1.6" | 4.4" |
| Feb | 28°F | 12°F | 2.2" | 5.9" |
| Mar | 37°F | 17°F | 1.4" | 3.8" |
| Apr | 43°F | 23°F | 2" | 4.5" |
| May | 56°F | 32°F | 2.5" | 2.6" |
| Jun | 66°F | 42°F | 2.9" | 0.6" |
| Jul | 78°F | 50°F | 0.8" | 0" |
| Aug | 77°F | 50°F | 1.2" | 0" |
| Sep | 68°F | 42°F | 1.8" | 0.4" |
| Oct | 50°F | 28°F | 2" | 3.3" |
| Nov | 37°F | 19°F | 1.5" | 3.1" |
| Dec | 31°F | 15°F | 1.8" | 4.6" |
Outdoor Recreation Near Philipsburg
Philipsburg has access to 452 recreation and attraction sites spanning 19 categories. For skiing, Discovery Ski Area is 6 miles from town.
Top Nearby Attractions
- Discovery Ski Area (Ski Area) — 6 miles
- Pintler Veterans Memorial Scenic Route (Scenic Drive) — 11 miles
- Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness (Wilderness) — 21 miles
- Welcome Creek Wilderness (Wilderness) — 27 miles
- Fairmont Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 28 miles
- Bitterroot National Forest (National Forest) — 39 miles
- Beaverhead-Deerlodge NF (National Forest) — 39 miles
- Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness (Wilderness) — 46 miles
Rivers
Rock Creek, Bitterroot River, Blackfoot River, Big Hole River, Clark Fork River are all within reach for fishing, floating, and kayaking.
Lakes
Nearby lakes include Stewart Lake, Little Fred Burr Lake, Dora Thorn LAke, Sidney Lake, Georgetown Lake.
Hot Springs
Fairmont Hot Springs (28 mi), Boulder Hot Springs (57 mi), Elkhorn Hot Springs (60 mi) — perfect for soaking after a day on the trails.
Explore all 452 recreation sites on the full Philipsburg profile.
Jobs & Economy in Philipsburg
Philipsburg has an unemployment rate of 13.5%, which is above the state average and may present challenges for job seekers. The labor force participation rate is 55.1%, which is below average — common in retirement and college communities.
The top industries by employment are Agriculture & Mining (27.5%), Manufacturing (14.2%), Tourism & Hospitality (13.3%). Approximately 443 residents are employed locally.
Employment by Industry
| Industry | Share of Employment |
|---|---|
| Agriculture & Mining | 27.5% |
| Manufacturing | 14.2% |
| Tourism & Hospitality | 13.3% |
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
Philipsburg is served by the Philipsburg K-12 Schools school district with approximately 200 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 Philipsburg
Philipsburg has its own hospital — Granite County Medical Center (10 beds). For advanced or emergency care, Providence St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula (Level 2 Trauma Center) is 50.6 miles away.
Hospital data from MT DPHHS 2024. Verify services directly with facilities.
Getting to Philipsburg
Philipsburg is accessible via the following airports:
- Bozeman Yellowstone Intl — 132 miles (147 min drive)
- Billings Logan Intl — 277 miles (292 min drive)
- Missoula Intl — 66 miles (81 min drive)
- Glacier Park Intl (Kalispell) — 173 miles (188 min drive)
- Great Falls Intl — 145 miles (160 min drive)
Pros & Cons of Living in Philipsburg
Pros
- No state sales tax
- 452+ recreation sites nearby
- Strong schools (90% grad rate)
- Milder winters than eastern Montana
- Skiing at Discovery Ski Area (6 mi)
- Has a local hospital
- Strong healthcare access
- Authentic small-town community
- No state income tax on retirement
Cons
- Cold winters
- Housing costs above national average
- Limited housing inventory
- Higher unemployment (13.5%)
- 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 Philipsburg, Montana?
The typical home value is $418,912 and rent averages $871/month. The median household income is $40,096. Montana has no state sales tax, which helps offset costs.
What are winters like in Philipsburg?
January lows average 15°F with about 33" of annual snowfall. Compared to eastern Montana, winters here are relatively mild.
Is Philipsburg a good place to live?
Philipsburg offers 452 nearby recreation sites, a higher affordability ratio of 10.4x, and four distinct seasons. Montana's lack of sales tax and retirement income tax are significant benefits.
How many homes are for sale in Philipsburg?
As of early 2026, there were 27 homes for sale in Philipsburg, up 35% from the prior year. The community has 567 total housing units with a 25% vacancy rate (Census ACS 2019–2023). Check Zillow or local MLS for the most current listings.
What is the job market like in Philipsburg?
Philipsburg has a 13.5% unemployment rate, which is above the state average. Labor force participation is 55.1%. About 443 residents are employed locally. The leading industry is agriculture & mining. Montana has no state sales tax, which benefits both businesses and consumers.
How are the schools in Philipsburg?
The Philipsburg K-12 Schools school district has a graduation rate of 90%, above the Montana state average of ~87%. Approximately 200 students are enrolled.
What healthcare is available in Philipsburg?
Philipsburg has a local hospital, Granite County Medical Center. The nearest major trauma center is Providence St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula, 50.6 miles away. There are 7 hospitals within 60 miles.
Where is the nearest skiing to Philipsburg?
Discovery Ski Area is 6 miles from Philipsburg. The area receives about 33" of snow annually.