Why Move to Stevensville?
Stevensville is a small town of 1,337 people in Ravalli County County, sitting at 3,317 feet in elevation. Known as "Montana's First Settlement," 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. Stevensville specifically offers 454 recreation and attraction sites nearby, a housing affordability ratio of 11.2x, and four distinct seasons.
Cost of Living in Stevensville
The typical home value in Stevensville is $590,029, with homes currently listing at a median of $722,867. Renters can expect to pay around $1,013 per month. The median household income is $52,745.
The affordability ratio (home price ÷ income) is 11.2x, 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.
Stevensville Housing Market
There are currently 73 homes for sale in Stevensville — up 17.7% from last year, indicating a loosening market. The community has 997 total housing units with a 10.8% 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 Stevensville profile.
Stevensville Weather & Climate
Stevensville experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are warm with July highs averaging 85°F. Winters are relatively mild with January lows around 25°F. Expect about 24" of snow annually.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Precip | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 40°F | 25°F | 1.9" | 3.6" |
| Feb | 38°F | 21°F | 2.7" | 5.5" |
| Mar | 47°F | 27°F | 1.8" | 3.3" |
| Apr | 54°F | 32°F | 2.9" | 2.4" |
| May | 65°F | 42°F | 3.5" | 0.4" |
| Jun | 74°F | 50°F | 2.4" | 0" |
| Jul | 85°F | 57°F | 0.9" | 0" |
| Aug | 83°F | 57°F | 1.3" | 0" |
| Sep | 73°F | 49°F | 2.1" | 0.2" |
| Oct | 58°F | 38°F | 2.8" | 1.9" |
| Nov | 46°F | 28°F | 2.5" | 2.6" |
| Dec | 41°F | 26°F | 2.1" | 3.9" |
Outdoor Recreation Near Stevensville
Stevensville has access to 454 recreation and attraction sites spanning 19 categories. For skiing, Snowbowl is 35 miles from town.
Top Nearby Attractions
- Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness (Wilderness) — 12 miles
- Bitterroot National Forest (National Forest) — 18 miles
- Lolo Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 27 miles
- Welcome Creek Wilderness (Wilderness) — 28 miles
- Lolo National Forest (National Forest) — 30 miles
- Rattlesnake Wilderness (Wilderness) — 30 miles
- Snowbowl (Ski Area) — 35 miles
- Discovery Ski Area (Ski Area) — 44 miles
Rivers
Bitterroot River, Clark Fork River, Rock Creek, Blackfoot River are all within reach for fishing, floating, and kayaking.
Lakes
Nearby lakes include Stevensville Reservoir, McCalla Lake, Saint Mary Lake, Middle Fork Lakes, North Kootenai Lake.
Hot Springs
Lolo Hot Springs (27 mi), Blue Joint Hot Springs (58 mi) — perfect for soaking after a day on the trails.
Explore all 454 recreation sites on the full Stevensville profile.
Jobs & Economy in Stevensville
Stevensville has an unemployment rate of 6.2%, which is above the state average and may present challenges for job seekers. The labor force participation rate is 57.8%, which is below average — common in retirement and college communities.
The top industries by employment are Education & Healthcare (23.5%), Retail (23.3%), Construction (11.9%). Approximately 923 residents are employed locally.
Employment by Industry
| Industry | Share of Employment |
|---|---|
| Education & Healthcare | 23.5% |
| Retail | 23.3% |
| Construction | 11.9% |
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
Stevensville is served by the Stevensville Public Schools school district with approximately 900 students enrolled. The high school graduation rate is 91%, 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 Stevensville
The nearest hospital is Bitterroot Health - Daly Hospital in Hamilton, 18.5 miles away. For advanced or emergency care, Providence St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula (Level 2 Trauma Center) is 25.3 miles away.
Hospital data from MT DPHHS 2024. Verify services directly with facilities.
Getting to Stevensville
Stevensville is accessible via the following airports:
- Bozeman Yellowstone Intl — 180 miles (195 min drive)
- Billings Logan Intl — 324 miles (339 min drive)
- Missoula Intl — 34 miles (49 min drive)
- Glacier Park Intl (Kalispell) — 150 miles (165 min drive)
- Great Falls Intl — 174 miles (189 min drive)
Pros & Cons of Living in Stevensville
Pros
- No state sales tax
- 454+ recreation sites nearby
- Strong schools (91% grad rate)
- Milder winters than eastern Montana
- Skiing at Snowbowl (35 mi)
- Strong healthcare access
- Authentic small-town community
- No state income tax on retirement
Cons
- Cold winters
- Housing costs above national average
- Higher unemployment (6.2%)
- 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 Stevensville, Montana?
The typical home value is $590,029 and rent averages $1,013/month. The median household income is $52,745. Montana has no state sales tax, which helps offset costs.
What are winters like in Stevensville?
January lows average 25°F with about 24" of annual snowfall. Compared to eastern Montana, winters here are relatively mild.
Is Stevensville a good place to live?
Stevensville offers 454 nearby recreation sites, a higher affordability ratio of 11.2x, and four distinct seasons. Montana's lack of sales tax and retirement income tax are significant benefits.
How many homes are for sale in Stevensville?
As of early 2026, there were 73 homes for sale in Stevensville, up 17.7% from the prior year. The community has 997 total housing units with a 10.8% vacancy rate (Census ACS 2019–2023). Check Zillow or local MLS for the most current listings.
What is the job market like in Stevensville?
Stevensville has a 6.2% unemployment rate, which is above the state average. Labor force participation is 57.8%. About 923 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 Stevensville?
The Stevensville Public Schools school district has a graduation rate of 91%, above the Montana state average of ~87%. Approximately 900 students are enrolled.
What healthcare is available in Stevensville?
The nearest hospital is Bitterroot Health - Daly Hospital in Hamilton (18.5 miles). The nearest major trauma center is Providence St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula, 25.3 miles away. There are 4 hospitals within 60 miles.
Where is the nearest skiing to Stevensville?
Snowbowl is 35 miles from Stevensville. The area receives about 24" of snow annually.