Why Move to Sunburst?
Sunburst is a small town of 301 people in Toole County County, sitting at 3,363 feet in elevation. Known as "The Top of the Golden Triangle," 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. Sunburst specifically offers 35 recreation and attraction sites nearby, a housing affordability ratio of 1.7x, and four distinct seasons.
Cost of Living in Sunburst
The typical home value in Sunburst is $135,600. Renters can expect to pay around $1,042 per month. The median household income is $80,938.
The affordability ratio (home price ÷ income) is 1.7x, 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.
Sunburst Housing Market
Sunburst. The community has 176 total housing units with a 25% 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 Sunburst profile.
Sunburst Weather & Climate
Sunburst experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are mild with July highs averaging 79°F. Winters are cool with January lows around 16°F. Expect about 16" of snow annually.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Precip | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32°F | 16°F | 0.6" | 1.3" |
| Feb | 25°F | 8°F | 1" | 2.7" |
| Mar | 37°F | 18°F | 0.7" | 1.9" |
| Apr | 50°F | 28°F | 0.7" | 1.3" |
| May | 61°F | 40°F | 2.4" | 1.1" |
| Jun | 71°F | 50°F | 2.5" | 0" |
| Jul | 79°F | 56°F | 0.5" | 0" |
| Aug | 79°F | 55°F | 1.1" | 0" |
| Sep | 69°F | 47°F | 1.1" | 0.8" |
| Oct | 51°F | 32°F | 1.3" | 2" |
| Nov | 38°F | 22°F | 1.3" | 2.7" |
| Dec | 30°F | 15°F | 0.8" | 1.9" |
Outdoor Recreation Near Sunburst
Sunburst has access to 35 recreation and attraction sites spanning 8 categories. Glacier National Park (East Glacier) is just 67 miles away.
Top Nearby Attractions
- Glacier National Park (East Glacier) (National Park) — 67 miles
- Great Bear Wilderness (Wilderness) — 96 miles
- Glacier National Park (West Glacier) (National Park) — 98 miles
Lakes
Nearby lakes include Eyraud Lakes, Goeddertz Reservoir, Goedertz Lake, Verden Lake, Virden Lake.
Explore all 35 recreation sites on the full Sunburst profile.
Jobs & Economy in Sunburst
Sunburst has an unemployment rate of 7.7%, which is above the state average and may present challenges for job seekers. The labor force participation rate is 74%, reflecting an active and engaged workforce.
The top industries by employment are Education & Healthcare (21.4%), Government (18.2%), Retail (16.7%). Approximately 192 residents are employed locally.
Employment by Industry
| Industry | Share of Employment |
|---|---|
| Education & Healthcare | 21.4% |
| Government | 18.2% |
| Retail | 16.7% |
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
Sunburst is served by the Sunburst Public Schools school district with approximately 60 students enrolled.
Graduation rates from OPI/NCES 2022–23. Per-pupil spending from Montana OPI fiscal data.
Healthcare in Sunburst
The nearest hospital is Northern Rockies Medical Center in Cut Bank, 25.6 miles away. For advanced or emergency care, Benefis Health System in Great Falls (Level 2 Trauma Center) is 98.5 miles away.
Hospital data from MT DPHHS 2024. Verify services directly with facilities.
Getting to Sunburst
Sunburst is accessible via the following airports:
- Bozeman Yellowstone Intl — 261 miles (276 min drive)
- Billings Logan Intl — 317 miles (332 min drive)
- Missoula Intl — 203 miles (218 min drive)
- Glacier Park Intl (Kalispell) — 137 miles (152 min drive)
- Great Falls Intl — 120 miles (135 min drive)
Pros & Cons of Living in Sunburst
Pros
- No state sales tax
- Strong outdoor recreation access
- Milder winters than eastern Montana
- Affordable cost of living
- Near Glacier National Park (East Glacier)
- Authentic small-town community
- No state income tax on retirement
Cons
- Cold winters
- Higher unemployment (7.7%)
- 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 Sunburst, Montana?
The typical home value is $135,600 and rent averages $1,042/month. The median household income is $80,938. Montana has no state sales tax, which helps offset costs.
What are winters like in Sunburst?
January lows average 16°F with about 16" of annual snowfall. Compared to eastern Montana, winters here are relatively mild.
Is Sunburst a good place to live?
Sunburst offers 35 nearby recreation sites, a favorable affordability ratio of 1.7x, and four distinct seasons. It's 67 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 Sunburst?
Housing availability varies. The community has 176 total housing units with a 25% vacancy rate (Census ACS 2019–2023). Check Zillow or local MLS for the most current listings.
What is the job market like in Sunburst?
Sunburst has a 7.7% unemployment rate, which is above the state average. Labor force participation is 74%. About 192 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 Sunburst?
The nearest hospital is Northern Rockies Medical Center in Cut Bank (25.6 miles). The nearest major trauma center is Benefis Health System in Great Falls, 98.5 miles away. There are 4 hospitals within 60 miles.