Why Move to Pinesdale?
Pinesdale is a small town of 833 people in Ravalli County County, sitting at 4,003 feet in elevation. Known as "The Bitterroot Valley Haven," 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. Pinesdale specifically offers 409 recreation and attraction sites nearby, a housing affordability ratio of 2.8x, and four distinct seasons.
Cost of Living in Pinesdale
The typical home value in Pinesdale is $198,100. Renters can expect to pay around $1,292 per month. The median household income is $70,694.
The affordability ratio (home price ÷ income) is 2.8x, 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.
Pinesdale Housing Market
Pinesdale. The community has 199 total housing units with a 3% vacancy rate — a tight market where buyers should be prepared to act quickly.
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 Pinesdale profile.
Pinesdale Weather & Climate
Pinesdale experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are warm with July highs averaging 81°F. Winters are relatively mild with January lows around 21°F. Expect about 24" of snow annually.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Precip | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 37°F | 21°F | 1.7" | 3.4" |
| Feb | 34°F | 18°F | 2.6" | 5.5" |
| Mar | 43°F | 23°F | 1.9" | 3.5" |
| Apr | 51°F | 29°F | 2.9" | 2.7" |
| May | 61°F | 38°F | 3.4" | 0.7" |
| Jun | 70°F | 47°F | 2.3" | 0" |
| Jul | 81°F | 53°F | 1.5" | 0" |
| Aug | 80°F | 53°F | 1.8" | 0" |
| Sep | 70°F | 45°F | 1.6" | 0.3" |
| Oct | 55°F | 34°F | 2.3" | 1.9" |
| Nov | 43°F | 25°F | 2.1" | 2.4" |
| Dec | 37°F | 22°F | 1.8" | 3.8" |
Outdoor Recreation Near Pinesdale
Pinesdale has access to 409 recreation and attraction sites spanning 19 categories. For skiing, Lost Trail Powder Mountain is 46 miles from town.
Top Nearby Attractions
- Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness (Wilderness) — 4 miles
- Bitterroot National Forest (National Forest) — 8 miles
- Lolo Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 32 miles
- Welcome Creek Wilderness (Wilderness) — 40 miles
- Lolo National Forest (National Forest) — 43 miles
- Rattlesnake Wilderness (Wilderness) — 44 miles
- Blue Joint Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 44 miles
- Lost Trail Powder Mountain (Ski Area) — 46 miles
Rivers
Bitterroot River, Rock Creek, Clark Fork River, Blackfoot River are all within reach for fishing, floating, and kayaking.
Lakes
Nearby lakes include Tag Alder Lake, Hauf Lake, Garrard Lake, Aichele Lake, Knaack Lake.
Hot Springs
Lolo Hot Springs (32 mi), Blue Joint Hot Springs (44 mi) — perfect for soaking after a day on the trails.
Explore all 409 recreation sites on the full Pinesdale profile.
Jobs & Economy in Pinesdale
Pinesdale has an unemployment rate of 1.7%, which is at or below the state average — indicating a healthy local job market. The labor force participation rate is 71.2%, reflecting an active and engaged workforce.
The top industries by employment are Education & Healthcare (27.1%), Construction (22.7%), Information (11.1%). Approximately 406 residents are employed locally.
Employment by Industry
| Industry | Share of Employment |
|---|---|
| Education & Healthcare | 27.1% |
| Construction | 22.7% |
| Information | 11.1% |
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
Pinesdale is served by the Pinesdale School District school district with approximately 80 students enrolled.
Graduation rates from OPI/NCES 2022–23. Per-pupil spending from Montana OPI fiscal data.
Healthcare in Pinesdale
The nearest hospital is Bitterroot Health - Daly Hospital in Hamilton, 6.3 miles away. For advanced or emergency care, Providence St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula (Level 2 Trauma Center) is 38.8 miles away.
Hospital data from MT DPHHS 2024. Verify services directly with facilities.
Getting to Pinesdale
Pinesdale is accessible via the following airports:
- Bozeman Yellowstone Intl — 182 miles (197 min drive)
- Billings Logan Intl — 329 miles (344 min drive)
- Missoula Intl — 49 miles (64 min drive)
- Glacier Park Intl (Kalispell) — 164 miles (179 min drive)
- Great Falls Intl — 188 miles (203 min drive)
Pros & Cons of Living in Pinesdale
Pros
- No state sales tax
- 409+ recreation sites nearby
- Low unemployment (1.7%)
- Milder winters than eastern Montana
- Affordable cost of living
- Skiing at Lost Trail Powder Mountain (46 mi)
- Strong healthcare access
- 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 Pinesdale, Montana?
The typical home value is $198,100 and rent averages $1,292/month. The median household income is $70,694. Montana has no state sales tax, which helps offset costs.
What are winters like in Pinesdale?
January lows average 21°F with about 24" of annual snowfall. Compared to eastern Montana, winters here are relatively mild.
Is Pinesdale a good place to live?
Pinesdale offers 409 nearby recreation sites, a favorable affordability ratio of 2.8x, and four distinct seasons. Montana's lack of sales tax and retirement income tax are significant benefits.
How many homes are for sale in Pinesdale?
Housing availability varies. The community has 199 total housing units with a 3% vacancy rate (Census ACS 2019–2023). Check Zillow or local MLS for the most current listings.
What is the job market like in Pinesdale?
Pinesdale has a 1.7% unemployment rate, which is at or below the state average. Labor force participation is 71.2%. About 406 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 Pinesdale?
The nearest hospital is Bitterroot Health - Daly Hospital in Hamilton (6.3 miles). The nearest major trauma center is Providence St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula, 38.8 miles away. There are 4 hospitals within 60 miles.
Where is the nearest skiing to Pinesdale?
Lost Trail Powder Mountain is 46 miles from Pinesdale. The area receives about 24" of snow annually.