Why Move to Polson?
Polson is a town of 5,148 people in Lake County County, sitting at 2,930 feet in elevation. Known as "The Jewel of Flathead Lake," it combines the best of Montana living — stunning natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and a strong community — with small-city conveniences.
Montana has no state sales tax and no tax on retirement income, making it financially attractive for both working professionals and retirees. Polson specifically offers 322 recreation and attraction sites nearby, a housing affordability ratio of 10.5x, and four distinct seasons.
Cost of Living in Polson
The typical home value in Polson is $541,265, with homes currently listing at a median of $576,333. Renters can expect to pay around $921 per month. The median household income is $51,463.
The affordability ratio (home price ÷ income) is 10.5x, 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.
Polson Housing Market
There are currently 77 homes for sale in Polson — down 17.2% from last year, indicating tightening supply. The community has 2,743 total housing units with a 16.9% 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 Polson profile.
Polson Weather & Climate
Polson experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are warm with July highs averaging 83°F. Winters are relatively mild with January lows around 23°F. Expect about 17" of snow annually.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Precip | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 35°F | 23°F | 1.6" | 3.1" |
| Feb | 33°F | 17°F | 1.9" | 4" |
| Mar | 44°F | 26°F | 1.3" | 1.6" |
| Apr | 53°F | 32°F | 2" | 1.6" |
| May | 64°F | 43°F | 2.5" | 0.2" |
| Jun | 72°F | 51°F | 2.2" | 0" |
| Jul | 83°F | 58°F | 0.4" | 0" |
| Aug | 82°F | 58°F | 1.3" | 0" |
| Sep | 71°F | 50°F | 1.7" | 0.1" |
| Oct | 56°F | 37°F | 1.9" | 1.2" |
| Nov | 42°F | 28°F | 2.1" | 1.8" |
| Dec | 36°F | 24°F | 2" | 3.4" |
Outdoor Recreation Near Polson
Polson has access to 322 recreation and attraction sites spanning 19 categories. Glacier National Park (West Glacier) is just 56 miles away. For skiing, Blacktail Mountain is 27 miles from town.
Top Nearby Attractions
- Blacktail Mountain (Ski Area) — 27 miles
- Alameda Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 28 miles
- Mission Mountains Wilderness (Wilderness) — 29 miles
- Symes Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 29 miles
- Wild Horse Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 29 miles
- Seeley-Swan Scenic Drive (Scenic Drive) — 34 miles
- Flathead National Forest (National Forest) — 38 miles
- Great Bear Wilderness (Wilderness) — 42 miles
Rivers
Swan River, Flathead River, Clark Fork River are all within reach for fishing, floating, and kayaking.
Lakes
Nearby lakes include Pablo Reservoir, Hellroaring Reservoir, Flathead Lake, Lower Crow Reservoir, Mikes Pond.
Hot Springs
Alameda Hot Springs (28 mi), Symes Hot Springs (29 mi), Wild Horse Hot Springs (29 mi) — perfect for soaking after a day on the trails.
Explore all 322 recreation sites on the full Polson profile.
Jobs & Economy in Polson
Polson has an unemployment rate of 6.9%, which is above the state average and may present challenges for job seekers. The labor force participation rate is 56.2%, which is below average — common in retirement and college communities.
The top industries by employment are Education & Healthcare (30.3%), Retail (21.5%), Professional Services (10.4%). Approximately 2,274 residents are employed locally.
Employment by Industry
| Industry | Share of Employment |
|---|---|
| Education & Healthcare | 30.3% |
| Retail | 21.5% |
| Professional Services | 10.4% |
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
Polson is served by the Polson Public Schools school district with approximately 1,400 students enrolled. The high school graduation rate is 83%, which is below the state average of ~87%. Per-pupil spending is approximately $11,300.
Graduation rates from OPI/NCES 2022–23. Per-pupil spending from Montana OPI fiscal data.
Healthcare in Polson
Polson has its own hospital — St. Joseph Medical Center (22 beds). For advanced or emergency care, Logan Health Medical Center in Kalispell (Level 3 Trauma Center) is 36.2 miles away.
Hospital data from MT DPHHS 2024. Verify services directly with facilities.
Getting to Polson
Polson is accessible via the following airports:
- Bozeman Yellowstone Intl — 233 miles (248 min drive)
- Billings Logan Intl — 355 miles (370 min drive)
- Missoula Intl — 64 miles (79 min drive)
- Glacier Park Intl (Kalispell) — 52 miles (67 min drive)
- Great Falls Intl — 157 miles (172 min drive)
Pros & Cons of Living in Polson
Pros
- No state sales tax
- 322+ recreation sites nearby
- Milder winters than eastern Montana
- Skiing at Blacktail Mountain (27 mi)
- Near Glacier National Park (West Glacier)
- 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
- Higher unemployment (6.9%)
- Distance from major metro areas
- Airport is a significant drive
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Polson, Montana?
The typical home value is $541,265 and rent averages $921/month. The median household income is $51,463. Montana has no state sales tax, which helps offset costs.
What are winters like in Polson?
January lows average 23°F with about 17" of annual snowfall. Compared to eastern Montana, winters here are relatively mild.
Is Polson a good place to live?
Polson offers 322 nearby recreation sites, a higher affordability ratio of 10.5x, and four distinct seasons. It's 56 miles from Glacier National Park (West Glacier). Montana's lack of sales tax and retirement income tax are significant benefits.
How many homes are for sale in Polson?
As of early 2026, there were 77 homes for sale in Polson, down 17.2% from the prior year. The community has 2,743 total housing units with a 16.9% vacancy rate (Census ACS 2019–2023). Check Zillow or local MLS for the most current listings.
What is the job market like in Polson?
Polson has a 6.9% unemployment rate, which is above the state average. Labor force participation is 56.2%. About 2,274 residents are employed locally. The leading industry is education & healthcare. Montana has no state sales tax, which benefits both businesses and consumers.
How are the schools in Polson?
The Polson Public Schools school district has a graduation rate of 83%, below the state average of ~87%. Approximately 1,400 students are enrolled. Per-pupil spending is approximately $11,300.
What healthcare is available in Polson?
Polson has a local hospital, St. Joseph Medical Center. The nearest major trauma center is Logan Health Medical Center in Kalispell, 36.2 miles away. There are 8 hospitals within 60 miles.
Where is the nearest skiing to Polson?
Blacktail Mountain is 27 miles from Polson. The area receives about 17" of snow annually.