Why Move to Stanford?
Stanford is a small town of 268 people in Judith Basin County County, sitting at 4,275 feet in elevation. Known as "The Judith Basin 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. Stanford specifically offers 87 recreation and attraction sites nearby, a housing affordability ratio of 4.3x, and four distinct seasons.
Cost of Living in Stanford
The typical home value in Stanford is $223,139. Renters can expect to pay around $425 per month. The median household income is $52,045.
The affordability ratio (home price ÷ income) is 4.3x, 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.
Stanford Housing Market
There are currently 5 homes for sale in Stanford. The community has 180 total housing units with a 17.8% 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 Stanford profile.
Stanford Weather & Climate
Stanford experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are warm with July highs averaging 81°F. Winters are relatively mild with January lows around 22°F. Expect about 25" of snow annually.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Precip | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 38°F | 22°F | 1" | 2.4" |
| Feb | 28°F | 11°F | 1.6" | 4.4" |
| Mar | 40°F | 22°F | 1" | 2.4" |
| Apr | 48°F | 30°F | 2.7" | 5.1" |
| May | 59°F | 41°F | 3.3" | 1.4" |
| Jun | 71°F | 50°F | 2.6" | 0" |
| Jul | 81°F | 59°F | 0.9" | 0" |
| Aug | 80°F | 58°F | 1.1" | 0" |
| Sep | 71°F | 50°F | 1.9" | 0.7" |
| Oct | 52°F | 35°F | 2.1" | 3.3" |
| Nov | 43°F | 26°F | 1.2" | 2.4" |
| Dec | 36°F | 21°F | 1.1" | 2.7" |
Outdoor Recreation Near Stanford
Stanford has access to 87 recreation and attraction sites spanning 16 categories. For skiing, Showdown Montana is 32 miles from town.
Top Nearby Attractions
- Kings Hill Scenic Byway (Scenic Drive) — 30 miles
- Showdown Montana (Ski Area) — 32 miles
- Spa Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 53 miles
- Bear Paw Ski Bowl (Ski Area) — 66 miles
- Gates of the Mountains Wilderness (Wilderness) — 80 miles
Rivers
Smith River, Missouri River (Great Falls) are all within reach for fishing, floating, and kayaking.
Lakes
Nearby lakes include Rhoda Lake, Little Phantom Lake, Phantom Coulee Reservoir, Lost Lake, Taylor Lake.
Hot Springs
Spa Hot Springs (53 mi) — perfect for soaking after a day on the trails.
Explore all 87 recreation sites on the full Stanford profile.
Jobs & Economy in Stanford
Stanford 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 50%, which is below average — common in retirement and college communities.
The top industries by employment are Agriculture & Mining (18.8%), Education & Healthcare (17.2%), Finance & Real Estate (15.6%). Approximately 128 residents are employed locally.
Employment by Industry
| Industry | Share of Employment |
|---|---|
| Agriculture & Mining | 18.8% |
| Education & Healthcare | 17.2% |
| Finance & Real Estate | 15.6% |
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
Stanford is served by the Stanford Public Schools school district with approximately 100 students enrolled. The high school graduation rate is 93%, which is above the Montana state average of ~87%.
Graduation rates from OPI/NCES 2022–23. Per-pupil spending from Montana OPI fiscal data.
Healthcare in Stanford
The nearest hospital is Central Montana Medical Center in Lewistown, 37.6 miles away. For advanced or emergency care, Benefis Health System in Great Falls (Level 2 Trauma Center) is 55.9 miles away.
Hospital data from MT DPHHS 2024. Verify services directly with facilities.
Getting to Stanford
Stanford is accessible via the following airports:
- Bozeman Yellowstone Intl — 126 miles (141 min drive)
- Billings Logan Intl — 147 miles (162 min drive)
- Missoula Intl — 220 miles (235 min drive)
- Glacier Park Intl (Kalispell) — 245 miles (260 min drive)
- Great Falls Intl — 70 miles (85 min drive)
Pros & Cons of Living in Stanford
Pros
- No state sales tax
- Strong outdoor recreation access
- Low unemployment (0%)
- Strong schools (93% grad rate)
- Milder winters than eastern Montana
- Skiing at Showdown Montana (32 mi)
- Authentic small-town community
- No state income tax on retirement
Cons
- Cold winters
- 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 Stanford, Montana?
The typical home value is $223,139 and rent averages $425/month. The median household income is $52,045. Montana has no state sales tax, which helps offset costs.
What are winters like in Stanford?
January lows average 22°F with about 25" of annual snowfall. Compared to eastern Montana, winters here are relatively mild.
Is Stanford a good place to live?
Stanford offers 87 nearby recreation sites, a moderate affordability ratio of 4.3x, and four distinct seasons. Montana's lack of sales tax and retirement income tax are significant benefits.
How many homes are for sale in Stanford?
As of early 2026, there were 5 homes for sale in Stanford. The community has 180 total housing units with a 17.8% vacancy rate (Census ACS 2019–2023). Check Zillow or local MLS for the most current listings.
What is the job market like in Stanford?
Stanford has a 0% unemployment rate, which is at or below the state average. Labor force participation is 50%. About 128 residents are employed locally. The leading industry is agriculture & mining. Montana has no state sales tax, which benefits both businesses and consumers.
How are the schools in Stanford?
The Stanford Public Schools school district has a graduation rate of 93%, above the Montana state average of ~87%. Approximately 100 students are enrolled.
What healthcare is available in Stanford?
The nearest hospital is Central Montana Medical Center in Lewistown (37.6 miles). The nearest major trauma center is Benefis Health System in Great Falls, 55.9 miles away. There are 5 hospitals within 60 miles.
Where is the nearest skiing to Stanford?
Showdown Montana is 32 miles from Stanford. The area receives about 25" of snow annually.