Why Move to West Glacier?
West Glacier is a small town of 221 people in Flathead County County, sitting at 3,222 feet in elevation. Known as "The Door to Glacier," 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. West Glacier specifically offers 421 recreation and attraction sites nearby, a housing affordability ratio of 6.5x, and four distinct seasons.
Cost of Living in West Glacier
The typical home value in West Glacier is $565,500. Renters can expect to pay around $800 per month. The median household income is $87,344.
The affordability ratio (home price ÷ income) is 6.5x, 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.
West Glacier Housing Market
West Glacier. The community has 193 total housing units with a 44.6% 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 West Glacier profile.
West Glacier Weather & Climate
West Glacier experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are mild with July highs averaging 80°F. Winters are cool with January lows around 19°F. Expect about 32" of snow annually.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Precip | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 33°F | 19°F | 2.2" | 5.3" |
| Feb | 29°F | 12°F | 2.4" | 6.2" |
| Mar | 41°F | 20°F | 1.4" | 2.7" |
| Apr | 50°F | 27°F | 2.1" | 2.7" |
| May | 62°F | 37°F | 2.8" | 1" |
| Jun | 70°F | 46°F | 3.1" | 0.5" |
| Jul | 80°F | 52°F | 0.6" | 0" |
| Aug | 79°F | 53°F | 1.6" | 0" |
| Sep | 68°F | 46°F | 1.7" | 0.3" |
| Oct | 53°F | 34°F | 2.4" | 2" |
| Nov | 39°F | 26°F | 2.8" | 4.7" |
| Dec | 33°F | 21°F | 2.7" | 6.2" |
Outdoor Recreation Near West Glacier
West Glacier has access to 421 recreation and attraction sites spanning 18 categories. Glacier National Park (West Glacier) is just 0 miles away. For skiing, Lee's Way is 16 miles from town.
Top Nearby Attractions
- Glacier National Park (West Glacier) (National Park) — 0 miles
- Lee's Way (Ski Area) — 16 miles
- Fault 2 (Ski Area) — 16 miles
- Whitey's (Ski Area) — 16 miles
- Don's Descent (Ski Area) — 16 miles
- Chair 7 Big Creek Express (Ski Area) — 16 miles
- Bigfoot T-Bar (T-bar 2) (Ski Area) — 16 miles
- Chair 11 Flower Point (Ski Area) — 16 miles
Rivers
Flathead River, Swan River are all within reach for fishing, floating, and kayaking.
Lakes
Nearby lakes include Bailey Lake, Spoon Lake, Cedar Lake, Rogers Lake, Hungry Horse Reservoir.
Explore all 421 recreation sites on the full West Glacier profile.
Jobs & Economy in West Glacier
West Glacier has an unemployment rate of 2.5%, which is at or below the state average — indicating a healthy local job market. The labor force participation rate is 65.2%.
The top industries by employment are Tourism & Hospitality (27.7%), Education & Healthcare (15.1%), Professional Services (12.6%). Approximately 119 residents are employed locally.
Employment by Industry
| Industry | Share of Employment |
|---|---|
| Tourism & Hospitality | 27.7% |
| Education & Healthcare | 15.1% |
| Professional Services | 12.6% |
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
West Glacier is served by the West Glacier (Columbia Falls SD) school district.
Graduation rates from OPI/NCES 2022–23. Per-pupil spending from Montana OPI fiscal data.
Healthcare in West Glacier
The nearest hospital is North Valley Hospital in Whitefish, 18 miles away. For advanced or emergency care, Logan Health Medical Center in Kalispell (Level 3 Trauma Center) is 25.3 miles away.
Hospital data from MT DPHHS 2024. Verify services directly with facilities.
Getting to West Glacier
West Glacier is accessible via the following airports:
- Bozeman Yellowstone Intl — 276 miles (291 min drive)
- Billings Logan Intl — 379 miles (394 min drive)
- Missoula Intl — 131 miles (146 min drive)
- Glacier Park Intl (Kalispell) — 22 miles (37 min drive)
- Great Falls Intl — 168 miles (183 min drive)
Pros & Cons of Living in West Glacier
Pros
- No state sales tax
- 421+ recreation sites nearby
- Low unemployment (2.5%)
- Milder winters than eastern Montana
- Skiing at Lee's Way (16 mi)
- Near Glacier National Park (West Glacier)
- Strong healthcare access
- Authentic small-town community
- No state income tax on retirement
Cons
- Cold winters
- Housing costs above national average
- 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 West Glacier, Montana?
The typical home value is $565,500 and rent averages $800/month. The median household income is $87,344. Montana has no state sales tax, which helps offset costs.
What are winters like in West Glacier?
January lows average 19°F with about 32" of annual snowfall. Compared to eastern Montana, winters here are relatively mild.
Is West Glacier a good place to live?
West Glacier offers 421 nearby recreation sites, a higher affordability ratio of 6.5x, and four distinct seasons. It's 0 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 West Glacier?
Housing availability varies. The community has 193 total housing units with a 44.6% vacancy rate (Census ACS 2019–2023). Check Zillow or local MLS for the most current listings.
What is the job market like in West Glacier?
West Glacier has a 2.5% unemployment rate, which is at or below the state average. Labor force participation is 65.2%. About 119 residents are employed locally. The leading industry is tourism & hospitality. Montana has no state sales tax, which benefits both businesses and consumers.
What healthcare is available in West Glacier?
The nearest hospital is North Valley Hospital in Whitefish (18 miles). The nearest major trauma center is Logan Health Medical Center in Kalispell, 25.3 miles away. There are 3 hospitals within 60 miles.
Where is the nearest skiing to West Glacier?
Lee's Way is 16 miles from West Glacier. The area receives about 32" of snow annually.