Why Move to Seeley Lake?
Seeley Lake is a small town of 1,682 people in Missoula County County, sitting at 4,088 feet in elevation. Known as "The Heart of the Clearwater," 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. Seeley Lake specifically offers 385 recreation and attraction sites nearby, a housing affordability ratio of 11.3x, and four distinct seasons.
Cost of Living in Seeley Lake
The typical home value in Seeley Lake is $520,520. Renters can expect to pay around $1,028 per month. The median household income is $46,031.
The affordability ratio (home price ÷ income) is 11.3x, 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.
Seeley Lake Housing Market
There are currently 17 homes for sale in Seeley Lake — down 10.5% from last year, indicating tightening supply. The community has 1,197 total housing units with a 40.3% 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.
See detailed housing data and percentile rankings on the full Seeley Lake profile.
Seeley Lake Weather & Climate
Seeley Lake experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are warm with July highs averaging 82°F. Winters are cool with January lows around 18°F. Expect about 24" of snow annually.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Precip | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 34°F | 18°F | 1.6" | 4.1" |
| Feb | 31°F | 11°F | 2.1" | 5.4" |
| Mar | 42°F | 21°F | 1.2" | 2.5" |
| Apr | 50°F | 28°F | 1.7" | 2.2" |
| May | 61°F | 36°F | 2.1" | 1" |
| Jun | 71°F | 45°F | 2.3" | 0" |
| Jul | 82°F | 52°F | 0.7" | 0" |
| Aug | 80°F | 53°F | 1.4" | 0" |
| Sep | 71°F | 46°F | 1.5" | 0.2" |
| Oct | 54°F | 33°F | 1.8" | 2" |
| Nov | 40°F | 23°F | 1.7" | 2.4" |
| Dec | 34°F | 20°F | 1.9" | 4.5" |
Outdoor Recreation Near Seeley Lake
Seeley Lake has access to 385 recreation and attraction sites spanning 20 categories. Glacier National Park (East Glacier) is just 90 miles away. For skiing, Snowbowl is 34 miles from town.
Top Nearby Attractions
- Bob Marshall Wilderness (Wilderness) — 22 miles
- Mission Mountains Wilderness (Wilderness) — 22 miles
- Seeley-Swan Scenic Drive (Scenic Drive) — 24 miles
- Rattlesnake Wilderness (Wilderness) — 28 miles
- Scapegoat Wilderness (Wilderness) — 31 miles
- Welcome Creek Wilderness (Wilderness) — 33 miles
- Lolo National Forest (National Forest) — 34 miles
- Snowbowl (Ski Area) — 34 miles
Rivers
Blackfoot River, Clark Fork River, Swan River, Rock Creek, Bitterroot River are all within reach for fishing, floating, and kayaking.
Lakes
Nearby lakes include Seeley Lake, Clearwater Lake, Lake Inez, Placid Lake, Tote Road Lake.
Hot Springs
Medicine (Sun River) Springs (43 mi) — perfect for soaking after a day on the trails.
Explore all 385 recreation sites on the full Seeley Lake profile.
Jobs & Economy in Seeley Lake
Seeley Lake has an unemployment rate of 0%, which is at or below the state average — indicating a healthy local job market. The labor force participation rate is 38.2%, which is below average — common in retirement and college communities.
The top industries by employment are Retail (18.3%), Construction (16.2%), Professional Services (13.1%). Approximately 464 residents are employed locally.
Employment by Industry
| Industry | Share of Employment |
|---|---|
| Retail | 18.3% |
| Construction | 16.2% |
| Professional Services | 13.1% |
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
Seeley Lake is served by the Seeley Lake Public Schools school district with approximately 200 students enrolled. The high school graduation rate is 89%, which is near the Montana state average of ~87%.
Graduation rates from OPI/NCES 2022–23. Per-pupil spending from Montana OPI fiscal data.
Healthcare in Seeley Lake
The nearest hospital is Providence St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula, 33.1 miles away. For advanced or emergency care, Providence St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula (Level 2 Trauma Center) is 33.1 miles away.
Hospital data from MT DPHHS 2024. Verify services directly with facilities.
Getting to Seeley Lake
Seeley Lake is accessible via the following airports:
- Bozeman Yellowstone Intl — 174 miles (189 min drive)
- Billings Logan Intl — 301 miles (316 min drive)
- Missoula Intl — 41 miles (56 min drive)
- Glacier Park Intl (Kalispell) — 106 miles (121 min drive)
- Great Falls Intl — 120 miles (135 min drive)
Pros & Cons of Living in Seeley Lake
Pros
- No state sales tax
- 385+ recreation sites nearby
- Low unemployment (0%)
- Milder winters than eastern Montana
- Skiing at Snowbowl (34 mi)
- Near Glacier National Park (East Glacier)
- Authentic small-town community
- No state income tax on retirement
Cons
- Cold winters
- Housing costs above national average
- Limited housing inventory
- 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 Seeley Lake, Montana?
The typical home value is $520,520 and rent averages $1,028/month. The median household income is $46,031. Montana has no state sales tax, which helps offset costs.
What are winters like in Seeley Lake?
January lows average 18°F with about 24" of annual snowfall. Compared to eastern Montana, winters here are relatively mild.
Is Seeley Lake a good place to live?
Seeley Lake offers 385 nearby recreation sites, a higher affordability ratio of 11.3x, and four distinct seasons. It's 90 miles from Glacier National Park (East Glacier). Montana's lack of sales tax and retirement income tax are significant benefits.
How many homes are for sale in Seeley Lake?
As of early 2026, there were 17 homes for sale in Seeley Lake, down 10.5% from the prior year. The community has 1,197 total housing units with a 40.3% vacancy rate (Census ACS 2019–2023). Check Zillow or local MLS for the most current listings.
What is the job market like in Seeley Lake?
Seeley Lake has a 0% unemployment rate, which is at or below the state average. Labor force participation is 38.2%. About 464 residents are employed locally. The leading industry is retail. Montana has no state sales tax, which benefits both businesses and consumers.
How are the schools in Seeley Lake?
The Seeley Lake Public Schools school district has a graduation rate of 89%, near the state average. Approximately 200 students are enrolled.
What healthcare is available in Seeley Lake?
The nearest hospital is Providence St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula (33.1 miles). The nearest major trauma center is Providence St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula, 33.1 miles away. There are 5 hospitals within 60 miles.
Where is the nearest skiing to Seeley Lake?
Snowbowl is 34 miles from Seeley Lake. The area receives about 24" of snow annually.