Why Move to St. Ignatius?
St. Ignatius is a small town of 768 people in Lake County County, sitting at 2,936 feet in elevation. Known as "The Mission Valley Gateway," 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. St. Ignatius specifically offers 388 recreation and attraction sites nearby, a housing affordability ratio of 3.8x, and four distinct seasons.
Cost of Living in St. Ignatius
The typical home value in St. Ignatius is $194,200. Renters can expect to pay around $792 per month. The median household income is $50,781.
The affordability ratio (home price ÷ income) is 3.8x, which is moderate and comparable to the national average.
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.
St. Ignatius Housing Market
St. Ignatius. The community has 356 total housing units with a 8.7% vacancy rate.
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 St. Ignatius profile.
St. Ignatius Weather & Climate
St. Ignatius experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are warm with July highs averaging 84°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 | 36°F | 23°F | 1.7" | 2.9" |
| Feb | 33°F | 17°F | 2.1" | 4.4" |
| Mar | 44°F | 26°F | 1.7" | 2" |
| Apr | 53°F | 33°F | 2.4" | 1.7" |
| May | 64°F | 43°F | 2.5" | 0.2" |
| Jun | 72°F | 51°F | 2.2" | 0" |
| Jul | 84°F | 58°F | 0.2" | 0" |
| Aug | 82°F | 58°F | 1.3" | 0" |
| Sep | 71°F | 49°F | 1.8" | 0.1" |
| Oct | 56°F | 37°F | 2" | 1.2" |
| Nov | 42°F | 27°F | 1.9" | 1.4" |
| Dec | 36°F | 24°F | 2.1" | 3.4" |
Outdoor Recreation Near St. Ignatius
St. Ignatius has access to 388 recreation and attraction sites spanning 20 categories. Glacier National Park (West Glacier) is just 81 miles away. For skiing, Snowbowl is 21 miles from town.
Top Nearby Attractions
- Mission Mountains Wilderness (Wilderness) — 12 miles
- Snowbowl (Ski Area) — 21 miles
- Lolo National Forest (National Forest) — 26 miles
- Rattlesnake Wilderness (Wilderness) — 27 miles
- Seeley-Swan Scenic Drive (Scenic Drive) — 31 miles
- Alameda Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 37 miles
- Symes Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 38 miles
- Wild Horse Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 39 miles
Rivers
Swan River, Clark Fork River, Blackfoot River, Flathead River, Rock Creek are all within reach for fishing, floating, and kayaking.
Lakes
Nearby lakes include McDonald Lake, Saint Marys Lake, Mountaineer Lake, Lower Crow Reservoir, Black Lake.
Hot Springs
Alameda Hot Springs (37 mi), Symes Hot Springs (38 mi), Wild Horse Hot Springs (39 mi) — perfect for soaking after a day on the trails.
Explore all 388 recreation sites on the full St. Ignatius profile.
Jobs & Economy in St. Ignatius
St. Ignatius has an unemployment rate of 8.2%, which is above the state average and may present challenges for job seekers. The labor force participation rate is 52.9%, which is below average — common in retirement and college communities.
The top industries by employment are Education & Healthcare (21%), Tourism & Hospitality (15%), Professional Services (14.1%). Approximately 334 residents are employed locally.
Employment by Industry
| Industry | Share of Employment |
|---|---|
| Education & Healthcare | 21% |
| Tourism & Hospitality | 15% |
| Professional Services | 14.1% |
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
St. Ignatius is served by the St. Ignatius Public Schools school district with approximately 300 students enrolled. The high school graduation rate is 70%, which is significantly below the state average.
Graduation rates from OPI/NCES 2022–23. Per-pupil spending from Montana OPI fiscal data.
Healthcare in St. Ignatius
The nearest hospital is St. Luke Community Hospital in Ronan, 14.4 miles away. For advanced or emergency care, Providence St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula (Level 2 Trauma Center) is 31.2 miles away.
Hospital data from MT DPHHS 2024. Verify services directly with facilities.
Getting to St. Ignatius
St. Ignatius is accessible via the following airports:
- Bozeman Yellowstone Intl — 211 miles (226 min drive)
- Billings Logan Intl — 340 miles (355 min drive)
- Missoula Intl — 33 miles (48 min drive)
- Glacier Park Intl (Kalispell) — 83 miles (98 min drive)
- Great Falls Intl — 154 miles (169 min drive)
Pros & Cons of Living in St. Ignatius
Pros
- No state sales tax
- 388+ recreation sites nearby
- Milder winters than eastern Montana
- Affordable cost of living
- Skiing at Snowbowl (21 mi)
- Near Glacier National Park (West Glacier)
- Strong healthcare access
- Authentic small-town community
- No state income tax on retirement
Cons
- Cold winters
- Higher unemployment (8.2%)
- Below-average school graduation rate (70%)
- 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 St. Ignatius, Montana?
The typical home value is $194,200 and rent averages $792/month. The median household income is $50,781. Montana has no state sales tax, which helps offset costs.
What are winters like in St. Ignatius?
January lows average 23°F with about 17" of annual snowfall. Compared to eastern Montana, winters here are relatively mild.
Is St. Ignatius a good place to live?
St. Ignatius offers 388 nearby recreation sites, a favorable affordability ratio of 3.8x, and four distinct seasons. It's 81 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 St. Ignatius?
Housing availability varies. The community has 356 total housing units with a 8.7% vacancy rate (Census ACS 2019–2023). Check Zillow or local MLS for the most current listings.
What is the job market like in St. Ignatius?
St. Ignatius has a 8.2% unemployment rate, which is above the state average. Labor force participation is 52.9%. About 334 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 St. Ignatius?
The St. Ignatius Public Schools school district has a graduation rate of 70%, below the state average of ~87%. Approximately 300 students are enrolled.
What healthcare is available in St. Ignatius?
The nearest hospital is St. Luke Community Hospital in Ronan (14.4 miles). The nearest major trauma center is Providence St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula, 31.2 miles away. There are 6 hospitals within 60 miles.
Where is the nearest skiing to St. Ignatius?
Snowbowl is 21 miles from St. Ignatius. The area receives about 17" of snow annually.