Moving to Red Lodge, Montana: Everything You Need to Know

Red Lodge is a small town of 2,399 people in Carbon County County, sitting at 5,568 feet in elevation. Known as "Montana's Beartooth City," 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. Red Lodge specifically offers 361 recreation and attraction sites nearby, a housing affordability ratio of 11.2x, and four distinct seasons.

The typical home value in Red Lodge is $490,019, with homes currently listing at a median of $673,250. Renters can expect to pay around $805 per month. The median household income is $43,857.

The affordability ratio (home price ÷ income) is 11.2x, 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.

There are currently 53 homes for sale in Red Lodge — down 13.1% from last year, indicating tightening supply. The community has 1,944 total housing units with a 27.3% 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.

Red Lodge experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are mild with July highs averaging 80°F. Winters are cool with January lows around 17°F. Expect about 18" of snow annually.

Red Lodge has access to 361 recreation and attraction sites spanning 18 categories. Yellowstone National Park (North Entrance) is just 72 miles away. For skiing, Red Lodge Mountain is 4 miles from town.

Top Nearby Attractions

• Red Lodge Mountain (Ski Area) — 4 miles
• Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness (Wilderness) — 15 miles
• Beartooth Highway (Scenic Drive) — 15 miles
• Custer-Gallatin NF (National Forest) — 25 miles
• Yellowstone National Park (North Entrance) (National Park) — 72 miles
• Yellowstone National Park (West Entrance) (National Park) — 97 miles

Rivers

Yellowstone River (Columbus), Stillwater River, Boulder River are all within reach for fishing, floating, and kayaking.

Lakes

Nearby lakes include Wild Bill Lake, Lower Basin Creek Lake, Basin Creek Lake, Greenough Lake, Silver Run Lakes.

Red Lodge has an unemployment rate of 4.1%, which is moderate. The labor force participation rate is 62.8%.

The top industries by employment are Education & Healthcare (19%), Retail (15%), Tourism & Hospitality (11.9%). Approximately 1,255 residents are employed locally.

Employment by Industry

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.

Red Lodge is served by the Red Lodge Public Schools school district with approximately 400 students enrolled. The high school graduation rate is 94%, which is above the Montana state average of ~87%. Per-pupil spending is approximately $13,200.

Graduation rates from OPI/NCES 2022–23. Per-pupil spending from Montana OPI fiscal data.

Red Lodge has its own hospital — Beartooth Hospital (10 beds). For advanced or emergency care, Laurel Health Center in Laurel (Level 0 Trauma Center) is 40.7 miles away.

Hospital data from MT DPHHS 2024. Verify services directly with facilities.

Red Lodge is accessible via the following airports:

• Bozeman Yellowstone Intl — 121 miles (136 min drive)
• Billings Logan Intl — 66 miles (81 min drive)
• Missoula Intl — 313 miles (328 min drive)
• Glacier Park Intl (Kalispell) — 385 miles (400 min drive)
• Great Falls Intl — 226 miles (241 min drive)

What is the cost of living in Red Lodge, Montana?

The typical home value is $490,019 and rent averages $805/month. The median household income is $43,857. Montana has no state sales tax, which helps offset costs.

What are winters like in Red Lodge?

January lows average 17°F with about 18" of annual snowfall. Compared to eastern Montana, winters here are relatively mild.

Is Red Lodge a good place to live?

Red Lodge offers 361 nearby recreation sites, a higher affordability ratio of 11.2x, and four distinct seasons. It's 72 miles from Yellowstone National Park (North Entrance). Montana's lack of sales tax and retirement income tax are significant benefits.

How many homes are for sale in Red Lodge?

As of early 2026, there were 53 homes for sale in Red Lodge, down 13.1% from the prior year. The community has 1,944 total housing units with a 27.3% vacancy rate (Census ACS 2019–2023). Check Zillow or local MLS for the most current listings.

What is the job market like in Red Lodge?

Red Lodge has a 4.1% unemployment rate. Labor force participation is 62.8%. About 1,255 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 Red Lodge?

The Red Lodge Public Schools school district has a graduation rate of 94%, above the Montana state average of ~87%. Approximately 400 students are enrolled. Per-pupil spending is approximately $13,200.

What healthcare is available in Red Lodge?

Red Lodge has a local hospital, Beartooth Hospital. The nearest major trauma center is Laurel Health Center in Laurel, 40.7 miles away. There are 6 hospitals within 60 miles.

Where is the nearest skiing to Red Lodge?

Red Lodge Mountain is 4 miles from Red Lodge. The area receives about 18" of snow annually.