Why Move to Superior?
Superior is a small town of 896 people in Mineral County County, sitting at 2,759 feet in elevation. Known as "The Mineral County Seat," 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. Superior specifically offers 231 recreation and attraction sites nearby, a housing affordability ratio of 8.3x, and four distinct seasons.
Cost of Living in Superior
The typical home value in Superior is $363,467. Renters can expect to pay around $682 per month. The median household income is $43,750.
The affordability ratio (home price ÷ income) is 8.3x, 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.
Superior Housing Market
There are currently 8 homes for sale in Superior — down 66.7% from last year, indicating tightening supply. The community has 521 total housing units with a 12.3% 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 Superior profile.
Superior Weather & Climate
Superior experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are warm with July highs averaging 87°F. Winters are relatively mild with January lows around 23°F. Expect about 27" of snow annually.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Precip | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 39°F | 23°F | 2.4" | 5.3" |
| Feb | 36°F | 18°F | 2.5" | 5.9" |
| Mar | 46°F | 25°F | 1.6" | 3.1" |
| Apr | 54°F | 32°F | 2" | 2.7" |
| May | 66°F | 41°F | 2.6" | 0.3" |
| Jun | 74°F | 49°F | 2.2" | 0" |
| Jul | 87°F | 56°F | 0.4" | 0" |
| Aug | 85°F | 57°F | 1.1" | 0" |
| Sep | 74°F | 49°F | 1.5" | 0.2" |
| Oct | 59°F | 37°F | 2" | 1.8" |
| Nov | 45°F | 29°F | 2.6" | 2.7" |
| Dec | 39°F | 24°F | 2.5" | 5.3" |
Outdoor Recreation Near Superior
Superior has access to 231 recreation and attraction sites spanning 20 categories. Glacier National Park (West Glacier) is just 100 miles away. For skiing, Snowbowl is 37 miles from town.
Top Nearby Attractions
- Quinn's Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 10 miles
- Symes Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 30 miles
- Alameda Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 30 miles
- Wild Horse Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 31 miles
- Lolo Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 35 miles
- Snowbowl (Ski Area) — 37 miles
- Lolo National Forest (National Forest) — 41 miles
- Rattlesnake Wilderness (Wilderness) — 48 miles
Rivers
Clark Fork River is within reach for fishing, floating, and kayaking.
Lakes
Nearby lakes include Deep Creek Lake, Windfall Lake, Moore Lake, Smiley Slough, Hazel Lake.
Hot Springs
Quinn's Hot Springs (10 mi), Symes Hot Springs (30 mi), Alameda Hot Springs (30 mi) — perfect for soaking after a day on the trails.
Explore all 231 recreation sites on the full Superior profile.
Jobs & Economy in Superior
Superior has an unemployment rate of 6.9%, which is above the state average and may present challenges for job seekers. The labor force participation rate is 41.7%, which is below average — common in retirement and college communities.
The top industries by employment are Education & Healthcare (28.4%), Professional Services (15.4%), Retail (9.9%). Approximately 324 residents are employed locally.
Employment by Industry
| Industry | Share of Employment |
|---|---|
| Education & Healthcare | 28.4% |
| Professional Services | 15.4% |
| Retail | 9.9% |
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
Superior is served by the Superior Public Schools school district with approximately 250 students enrolled. The high school graduation rate is 86%, 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 Superior
Superior has its own hospital — Mineral Community Hospital (15 beds). For advanced or emergency care, Providence St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula (Level 2 Trauma Center) is 46.8 miles away.
Hospital data from MT DPHHS 2024. Verify services directly with facilities.
Getting to Superior
Superior is accessible via the following airports:
- Bozeman Yellowstone Intl — 244 miles (259 min drive)
- Billings Logan Intl — 380 miles (395 min drive)
- Missoula Intl — 51 miles (66 min drive)
- Glacier Park Intl (Kalispell) — 99 miles (114 min drive)
- Great Falls Intl — 199 miles (214 min drive)
Pros & Cons of Living in Superior
Pros
- No state sales tax
- 231+ recreation sites nearby
- Milder winters than eastern Montana
- Skiing at Snowbowl (37 mi)
- Near Glacier National Park (West Glacier)
- Has a local hospital
- Strong healthcare access
- Authentic small-town community
- No state income tax on retirement
Cons
- Cold winters
- Housing costs above national average
- Limited housing inventory
- Higher unemployment (6.9%)
- 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 Superior, Montana?
The typical home value is $363,467 and rent averages $682/month. The median household income is $43,750. Montana has no state sales tax, which helps offset costs.
What are winters like in Superior?
January lows average 23°F with about 27" of annual snowfall. Compared to eastern Montana, winters here are relatively mild.
Is Superior a good place to live?
Superior offers 231 nearby recreation sites, a higher affordability ratio of 8.3x, and four distinct seasons. It's 100 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 Superior?
As of early 2026, there were 8 homes for sale in Superior, down 66.7% from the prior year. The community has 521 total housing units with a 12.3% vacancy rate (Census ACS 2019–2023). Check Zillow or local MLS for the most current listings.
What is the job market like in Superior?
Superior has a 6.9% unemployment rate, which is above the state average. Labor force participation is 41.7%. About 324 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 Superior?
The Superior Public Schools school district has a graduation rate of 86%, near the state average. Approximately 250 students are enrolled.
What healthcare is available in Superior?
Superior has a local hospital, Mineral Community Hospital. The nearest major trauma center is Providence St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula, 46.8 miles away. There are 6 hospitals within 60 miles.
Where is the nearest skiing to Superior?
Snowbowl is 37 miles from Superior. The area receives about 27" of snow annually.