Why Move to Terry?
Terry is a small town of 537 people in Prairie County County, sitting at 2,251 feet in elevation. Known as "The Prairie County Gem," 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. Terry specifically offers 33 recreation and attraction sites nearby, a housing affordability ratio of 3.2x, and four distinct seasons.
Cost of Living in Terry
The typical home value in Terry is $115,524. The median household income is $36,154.
The affordability ratio (home price ÷ income) is 3.2x, 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.
Terry Housing Market
Terry. The community has 360 total housing units with a 35% 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 Terry profile.
Terry Weather & Climate
Terry experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are warm with July highs averaging 88°F. Winters are cool with January lows around 17°F. Expect about 10" of snow annually.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Precip | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 34°F | 17°F | 0.4" | 0.9" |
| Feb | 29°F | 9°F | 0.8" | 2" |
| Mar | 43°F | 21°F | 0.5" | 1.1" |
| Apr | 53°F | 31°F | 1.5" | 1.8" |
| May | 66°F | 44°F | 2.3" | 0.1" |
| Jun | 80°F | 57°F | 1.9" | 0" |
| Jul | 88°F | 63°F | 0.8" | 0" |
| Aug | 86°F | 62°F | 1" | 0" |
| Sep | 76°F | 52°F | 2" | 0" |
| Oct | 55°F | 36°F | 1.7" | 1.5" |
| Nov | 43°F | 25°F | 0.6" | 1.1" |
| Dec | 33°F | 16°F | 0.7" | 1.6" |
Outdoor Recreation Near Terry
Terry has access to 33 recreation and attraction sites spanning 8 categories.
Lakes
Nearby lakes include Lindsay Reservoir, Crisafulli Lake, Lisk Creek Reservoir, Hollecker Lake, Kreger Reservoir.
Explore all 33 recreation sites on the full Terry profile.
Jobs & Economy in Terry
Terry has an unemployment rate of 3.6%, which is moderate. The labor force participation rate is 42.1%, which is below average — common in retirement and college communities.
The top industries by employment are Education & Healthcare (25.6%), Transportation (15%), Professional Services (13.1%). Approximately 160 residents are employed locally.
Employment by Industry
| Industry | Share of Employment |
|---|---|
| Education & Healthcare | 25.6% |
| Transportation | 15% |
| Professional Services | 13.1% |
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
Terry is served by the Terry Public Schools school district with approximately 120 students enrolled.
Graduation rates from OPI/NCES 2022–23. Per-pupil spending from Montana OPI fiscal data.
Healthcare in Terry
The nearest hospital is Glendive Medical Center in Glendive, 35.6 miles away. The nearest major trauma center is Billings Clinic in Billings, 167.4 miles away — plan accordingly for emergencies.
Note: Healthcare access in Terry is limited. If you have ongoing medical needs, consider proximity to Billings Clinic when making your decision.
Hospital data from MT DPHHS 2024. Verify services directly with facilities.
Getting to Terry
Terry is accessible via the following airports:
- Bozeman Yellowstone Intl — 345 miles (360 min drive)
- Billings Logan Intl — 202 miles (217 min drive)
- Missoula Intl — 498 miles (513 min drive)
- Glacier Park Intl (Kalispell) — 516 miles (531 min drive)
- Great Falls Intl — 346 miles (361 min drive)
Pros & Cons of Living in Terry
Pros
- No state sales tax
- Strong outdoor recreation access
- Milder winters than eastern Montana
- Affordable cost of living
- Authentic small-town community
- No state income tax on retirement
Cons
- Cold winters
- Limited healthcare access (nearest hospital: 35.6 mi)
- 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 Terry, Montana?
The typical home value is $115,524. The median household income is $36,154. Montana has no state sales tax, which helps offset costs.
What are winters like in Terry?
January lows average 17°F with about 10" of annual snowfall. Compared to eastern Montana, winters here are relatively mild.
Is Terry a good place to live?
Terry offers 33 nearby recreation sites, a favorable affordability ratio of 3.2x, and four distinct seasons. Montana's lack of sales tax and retirement income tax are significant benefits.
How many homes are for sale in Terry?
Housing availability varies. The community has 360 total housing units with a 35% vacancy rate (Census ACS 2019–2023). Check Zillow or local MLS for the most current listings.
What is the job market like in Terry?
Terry has a 3.6% unemployment rate. Labor force participation is 42.1%. About 160 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 Terry?
The nearest hospital is Glendive Medical Center in Glendive (35.6 miles). The nearest major trauma center is Billings Clinic in Billings, 167.4 miles away. There are 4 hospitals within 60 miles.