Why Move to Thompson Falls?
Thompson Falls is a small town of 1,336 people in Sanders County County, sitting at 2,562 feet in elevation. Known as "The Heart of the Clark Fork," 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. Thompson Falls specifically offers 115 recreation and attraction sites nearby, a housing affordability ratio of 7x, and four distinct seasons.
Cost of Living in Thompson Falls
The typical home value in Thompson Falls is $373,766, with homes currently listing at a median of $609,000. Renters can expect to pay around $575 per month. The median household income is $53,203.
The affordability ratio (home price ÷ income) is 7x, which is above average — plan your budget carefully.
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.
Thompson Falls Housing Market
There are currently 27 homes for sale in Thompson Falls — up 58.8% from last year, indicating a loosening market. The community has 746 total housing units with a 15.8% 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 Thompson Falls profile.
Thompson Falls Weather & Climate
Thompson Falls experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are warm with July highs averaging 85°F. Winters are relatively mild with January lows around 21°F. Expect about 37" of snow annually.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Precip | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 37°F | 21°F | 3.2" | 7.7" |
| Feb | 35°F | 17°F | 3.3" | 7.9" |
| Mar | 46°F | 24°F | 1.8" | 3.2" |
| Apr | 54°F | 31°F | 2.6" | 3.4" |
| May | 65°F | 41°F | 3" | 0.5" |
| Jun | 73°F | 49°F | 2.1" | 0" |
| Jul | 85°F | 56°F | 0.5" | 0" |
| Aug | 83°F | 56°F | 1.1" | 0" |
| Sep | 73°F | 48°F | 1.7" | 0.1" |
| Oct | 58°F | 37°F | 2.9" | 1.9" |
| Nov | 44°F | 28°F | 3.6" | 4.3" |
| Dec | 37°F | 24°F | 3.7" | 8" |
Outdoor Recreation Near Thompson Falls
Thompson Falls has access to 115 recreation and attraction sites spanning 19 categories. Glacier National Park (West Glacier) is just 88 miles away. For skiing, Turner Mountain is 49 miles from town.
Top Nearby Attractions
- Quinn's Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 25 miles
- Wild Horse Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 26 miles
- Symes Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 27 miles
- Cabinet Mountains Wilderness (Wilderness) — 28 miles
- Alameda Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 28 miles
- Kootenai National Forest (National Forest) — 44 miles
- Turner Mountain (Ski Area) — 49 miles
- Blacktail Mountain (Ski Area) — 55 miles
Rivers
Kootenai River, Flathead River are all within reach for fishing, floating, and kayaking.
Lakes
Nearby lakes include Upper Blossom Lake, Copper Lake, Hazel Lake, Hub Lake, Mary Lake.
Hot Springs
Quinn's Hot Springs (25 mi), Wild Horse Hot Springs (26 mi), Symes Hot Springs (27 mi) — perfect for soaking after a day on the trails.
Explore all 115 recreation sites on the full Thompson Falls profile.
Jobs & Economy in Thompson Falls
Thompson Falls 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 57.5%, which is below average — common in retirement and college communities.
The top industries by employment are Education & Healthcare (18.5%), Transportation (16.6%), Retail (13.9%). Approximately 693 residents are employed locally.
Employment by Industry
| Industry | Share of Employment |
|---|---|
| Education & Healthcare | 18.5% |
| Transportation | 16.6% |
| Retail | 13.9% |
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
Thompson Falls is served by the Thompson Falls Public Schools school district with approximately 450 students enrolled. The high school graduation rate is 89%, 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 Thompson Falls
The nearest hospital is Clark Fork Valley Hospital in Plains, 23.5 miles away. For advanced or emergency care, Logan Health Medical Center in Kalispell (Level 3 Trauma Center) is 63.5 miles away.
Hospital data from MT DPHHS 2024. Verify services directly with facilities.
Getting to Thompson Falls
Thompson Falls is accessible via the following airports:
- Bozeman Yellowstone Intl — 282 miles (297 min drive)
- Billings Logan Intl — 414 miles (429 min drive)
- Missoula Intl — 90 miles (105 min drive)
- Glacier Park Intl (Kalispell) — 85 miles (100 min drive)
- Great Falls Intl — 223 miles (238 min drive)
Pros & Cons of Living in Thompson Falls
Pros
- No state sales tax
- 115+ recreation sites nearby
- Low unemployment (0%)
- Milder winters than eastern Montana
- Skiing at Turner Mountain (49 mi)
- Near Glacier National Park (West Glacier)
- Authentic small-town community
- No state income tax on retirement
Cons
- Cold winters
- Housing costs above national average
- 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 Thompson Falls, Montana?
The typical home value is $373,766 and rent averages $575/month. The median household income is $53,203. Montana has no state sales tax, which helps offset costs.
What are winters like in Thompson Falls?
January lows average 21°F with about 37" of annual snowfall. Compared to eastern Montana, winters here are relatively mild.
Is Thompson Falls a good place to live?
Thompson Falls offers 115 nearby recreation sites, a higher affordability ratio of 7x, and four distinct seasons. It's 88 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 Thompson Falls?
As of early 2026, there were 27 homes for sale in Thompson Falls, up 58.8% from the prior year. The community has 746 total housing units with a 15.8% vacancy rate (Census ACS 2019–2023). Check Zillow or local MLS for the most current listings.
What is the job market like in Thompson Falls?
Thompson Falls has a 0% unemployment rate, which is at or below the state average. Labor force participation is 57.5%. About 693 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 Thompson Falls?
The Thompson Falls Public Schools school district has a graduation rate of 89%, near the state average. Approximately 450 students are enrolled.
What healthcare is available in Thompson Falls?
The nearest hospital is Clark Fork Valley Hospital in Plains (23.5 miles). The nearest major trauma center is Logan Health Medical Center in Kalispell, 63.5 miles away. There are 5 hospitals within 60 miles.
Where is the nearest skiing to Thompson Falls?
Turner Mountain is 49 miles from Thompson Falls. The area receives about 37" of snow annually.