Why Move to Saco?
Saco is a small town of 140 people in Phillips County County, sitting at 2,182 feet in elevation. Known as "The Sleeping Buffalo 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. Saco specifically offers 109 recreation and attraction sites nearby, a housing affordability ratio of 2.5x, and four distinct seasons.
Cost of Living in Saco
The typical home value in Saco is $126,629. Renters can expect to pay around $900 per month. The median household income is $51,250.
The affordability ratio (home price ÷ income) is 2.5x, 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.
Saco Housing Market
Saco. The community has 109 total housing units with a 27.5% vacancy rate, suggesting more options and negotiating room for buyers.
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 Saco profile.
Saco Weather & Climate
Saco experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are warm with July highs averaging 85°F. Winters are cool with January lows around 15°F. Expect about 12" of snow annually.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Precip | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 31°F | 15°F | 0.4" | 1" |
| Feb | 26°F | 8°F | 0.8" | 2.1" |
| Mar | 39°F | 20°F | 0.6" | 1.3" |
| Apr | 52°F | 31°F | 1.1" | 1.8" |
| May | 66°F | 44°F | 1.8" | 0.5" |
| Jun | 78°F | 56°F | 2.4" | 0" |
| Jul | 85°F | 61°F | 1" | 0" |
| Aug | 84°F | 61°F | 1" | 0" |
| Sep | 74°F | 51°F | 1.5" | 0.3" |
| Oct | 54°F | 36°F | 1.2" | 1.3" |
| Nov | 40°F | 23°F | 1" | 2" |
| Dec | 30°F | 14°F | 0.6" | 1.6" |
Outdoor Recreation Near Saco
Saco has access to 109 recreation and attraction sites spanning 7 categories.
Top Nearby Attractions
- Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 12 miles
Lakes
Nearby lakes include Nelson Reservoir, Hewitt Lake, Adair Reservoir, Plum Reservoir, Trailerhouse Reservoir.
Hot Springs
Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs (12 mi) — perfect for soaking after a day on the trails.
Explore all 109 recreation sites on the full Saco profile.
Jobs & Economy in Saco
Saco has an unemployment rate of 1.1%, which is at or below the state average — indicating a healthy local job market. The labor force participation rate is 67.9%.
The top industries by employment are Education & Healthcare (20%), Tourism & Hospitality (20%), Agriculture & Mining (17.8%). Approximately 90 residents are employed locally.
Employment by Industry
| Industry | Share of Employment |
|---|---|
| Education & Healthcare | 20% |
| Tourism & Hospitality | 20% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 17.8% |
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
Saco is served by the Saco Public Schools school district with approximately 50 students enrolled.
Graduation rates from OPI/NCES 2022–23. Per-pupil spending from Montana OPI fiscal data.
Healthcare in Saco
The nearest hospital is Phillips County Hospital in Malta, 25.1 miles away. The nearest major trauma center is Billings Clinic in Billings, 192.5 miles away — plan accordingly for emergencies.
Note: Healthcare access in Saco is limited. If you have ongoing medical needs, consider proximity to Billings Clinic when making your decision.
Hospital data from MT DPHHS 2024. Verify services directly with facilities.
Getting to Saco
Saco is accessible via the following airports:
- Bozeman Yellowstone Intl — 309 miles (324 min drive)
- Billings Logan Intl — 230 miles (245 min drive)
- Missoula Intl — 397 miles (412 min drive)
- Glacier Park Intl (Kalispell) — 381 miles (396 min drive)
- Great Falls Intl — 238 miles (253 min drive)
Pros & Cons of Living in Saco
Pros
- No state sales tax
- 109+ recreation sites nearby
- Low unemployment (1.1%)
- Milder winters than eastern Montana
- Affordable cost of living
- Authentic small-town community
- No state income tax on retirement
Cons
- Cold winters
- Limited healthcare access (nearest hospital: 25.1 mi)
- 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 Saco, Montana?
The typical home value is $126,629 and rent averages $900/month. The median household income is $51,250. Montana has no state sales tax, which helps offset costs.
What are winters like in Saco?
January lows average 15°F with about 12" of annual snowfall. Compared to eastern Montana, winters here are relatively mild.
Is Saco a good place to live?
Saco offers 109 nearby recreation sites, a favorable affordability ratio of 2.5x, and four distinct seasons. Montana's lack of sales tax and retirement income tax are significant benefits.
How many homes are for sale in Saco?
Housing availability varies. The community has 109 total housing units with a 27.5% vacancy rate (Census ACS 2019–2023). Check Zillow or local MLS for the most current listings.
What is the job market like in Saco?
Saco has a 1.1% unemployment rate, which is at or below the state average. Labor force participation is 67.9%. About 90 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 Saco?
The nearest hospital is Phillips County Hospital in Malta (25.1 miles). The nearest major trauma center is Billings Clinic in Billings, 192.5 miles away. There are 2 hospitals within 60 miles.