Why Move to Ronan?
Ronan is a small town of 1,955 people in Lake County County, sitting at 3,051 feet in elevation. Known as "The Heart of the Mission Valley," 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. Ronan specifically offers 390 recreation and attraction sites nearby, a housing affordability ratio of 9.8x, and four distinct seasons.
Cost of Living in Ronan
The typical home value in Ronan is $407,960, with homes currently listing at a median of $508,000. Renters can expect to pay around $798 per month. The median household income is $41,429.
The affordability ratio (home price ÷ income) is 9.8x, 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.
Ronan Housing Market
There are currently 33 homes for sale in Ronan — flat compared to last year. The community has 875 total housing units with a 13.8% vacancy rate.
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 Ronan profile.
Ronan Weather & Climate
Ronan experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are warm with July highs averaging 84°F. Winters are relatively mild with January lows around 21°F. Expect about 18" of snow annually.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Precip | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 35°F | 21°F | 1.7" | 3.3" |
| Feb | 33°F | 16°F | 2" | 4.3" |
| Mar | 44°F | 25°F | 1.4" | 1.8" |
| Apr | 53°F | 32°F | 2" | 1.7" |
| May | 64°F | 42°F | 2.5" | 0.2" |
| Jun | 73°F | 50°F | 2" | 0" |
| Jul | 84°F | 57°F | 0.3" | 0" |
| Aug | 83°F | 57°F | 1.2" | 0" |
| Sep | 72°F | 48°F | 1.5" | 0.1" |
| Oct | 56°F | 36°F | 1.8" | 1.3" |
| Nov | 42°F | 26°F | 2" | 1.7" |
| Dec | 36°F | 23°F | 2" | 3.6" |
Outdoor Recreation Near Ronan
Ronan has access to 390 recreation and attraction sites spanning 20 categories. Glacier National Park (West Glacier) is just 67 miles away. For skiing, Snowbowl is 35 miles from town.
Top Nearby Attractions
- Mission Mountains Wilderness (Wilderness) — 19 miles
- Seeley-Swan Scenic Drive (Scenic Drive) — 28 miles
- Alameda Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 31 miles
- Symes Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 32 miles
- Wild Horse Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 33 miles
- Snowbowl (Ski Area) — 35 miles
- Blacktail Mountain (Ski Area) — 38 miles
- Lolo National Forest (National Forest) — 40 miles
Rivers
Swan River, Flathead River, Clark Fork River, Blackfoot River are all within reach for fishing, floating, and kayaking.
Lakes
Nearby lakes include Lower Crow Reservoir, Pablo Reservoir, McDonald Lake, Hellroaring Reservoir, Peck Lake.
Hot Springs
Alameda Hot Springs (31 mi), Symes Hot Springs (32 mi), Wild Horse Hot Springs (33 mi) — perfect for soaking after a day on the trails.
Explore all 390 recreation sites on the full Ronan profile.
Jobs & Economy in Ronan
Ronan has an unemployment rate of 9%, which is above the state average and may present challenges for job seekers. The labor force participation rate is 53.9%, which is below average — common in retirement and college communities.
The top industries by employment are Education & Healthcare (24.7%), Retail (15.3%), Manufacturing (11.1%). Approximately 746 residents are employed locally.
Employment by Industry
| Industry | Share of Employment |
|---|---|
| Education & Healthcare | 24.7% |
| Retail | 15.3% |
| Manufacturing | 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
Ronan is served by the Ronan Public Schools school district with approximately 900 students enrolled. The high school graduation rate is 75%, which is below the state average of ~87%.
Graduation rates from OPI/NCES 2022–23. Per-pupil spending from Montana OPI fiscal data.
Healthcare in Ronan
Ronan has its own hospital — St. Luke Community Hospital (25 beds). For advanced or emergency care, Providence St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula (Level 2 Trauma Center) is 45.6 miles away.
Hospital data from MT DPHHS 2024. Verify services directly with facilities.
Getting to Ronan
Ronan is accessible via the following airports:
- Bozeman Yellowstone Intl — 222 miles (237 min drive)
- Billings Logan Intl — 347 miles (362 min drive)
- Missoula Intl — 51 miles (66 min drive)
- Glacier Park Intl (Kalispell) — 65 miles (80 min drive)
- Great Falls Intl — 153 miles (168 min drive)
Pros & Cons of Living in Ronan
Pros
- No state sales tax
- 390+ recreation sites nearby
- Milder winters than eastern Montana
- Skiing at Snowbowl (35 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
- Limited housing inventory
- Higher unemployment (9%)
- 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 Ronan, Montana?
The typical home value is $407,960 and rent averages $798/month. The median household income is $41,429. Montana has no state sales tax, which helps offset costs.
What are winters like in Ronan?
January lows average 21°F with about 18" of annual snowfall. Compared to eastern Montana, winters here are relatively mild.
Is Ronan a good place to live?
Ronan offers 390 nearby recreation sites, a higher affordability ratio of 9.8x, and four distinct seasons. It's 67 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 Ronan?
As of early 2026, there were 33 homes for sale in Ronan, down 0% from the prior year. The community has 875 total housing units with a 13.8% vacancy rate (Census ACS 2019–2023). Check Zillow or local MLS for the most current listings.
What is the job market like in Ronan?
Ronan has a 9% unemployment rate, which is above the state average. Labor force participation is 53.9%. About 746 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 Ronan?
The Ronan Public Schools school district has a graduation rate of 75%, below the state average of ~87%. Approximately 900 students are enrolled.
What healthcare is available in Ronan?
Ronan has a local hospital, St. Luke Community Hospital. The nearest major trauma center is Providence St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula, 45.6 miles away. There are 7 hospitals within 60 miles.
Where is the nearest skiing to Ronan?
Snowbowl is 35 miles from Ronan. The area receives about 18" of snow annually.