Why Move to White Sulphur Springs?
White Sulphur Springs is a small town of 1,046 people in Meagher County County, sitting at 5,039 feet in elevation. Known as "The Castle Mountain Town," 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. White Sulphur Springs specifically offers 123 recreation and attraction sites nearby, a housing affordability ratio of 5.4x, and four distinct seasons.
Cost of Living in White Sulphur Springs
The typical home value in White Sulphur Springs is $305,085. Renters can expect to pay around $940 per month. The median household income is $56,424.
The affordability ratio (home price ÷ income) is 5.4x, 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.
White Sulphur Springs Housing Market
There are currently 20 homes for sale in White Sulphur Springs — up 100% from last year, indicating a loosening market. The community has 572 total housing units with a 21.5% 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 White Sulphur Springs profile.
White Sulphur Springs Weather & Climate
White Sulphur Springs experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are mild with July highs averaging 78°F. Winters are cool with January lows around 13°F. Expect about 22" of snow annually.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Precip | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 30°F | 13°F | 1.1" | 3.1" |
| Feb | 24°F | 7°F | 1.6" | 4.4" |
| Mar | 35°F | 16°F | 0.9" | 2.4" |
| Apr | 43°F | 23°F | 1.8" | 3.2" |
| May | 56°F | 34°F | 2.5" | 1.2" |
| Jun | 67°F | 44°F | 2.7" | 0.1" |
| Jul | 78°F | 51°F | 0.7" | 0" |
| Aug | 76°F | 51°F | 1.1" | 0" |
| Sep | 67°F | 43°F | 1.8" | 0.2" |
| Oct | 49°F | 29°F | 1.8" | 2.7" |
| Nov | 37°F | 20°F | 1.1" | 2.2" |
| Dec | 31°F | 14°F | 0.9" | 2.5" |
Outdoor Recreation Near White Sulphur Springs
White Sulphur Springs has access to 123 recreation and attraction sites spanning 15 categories. For skiing, Showdown Montana is 22 miles from town.
Top Nearby Attractions
- Spa Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 0 miles
- Showdown Montana (Ski Area) — 22 miles
- Kings Hill Scenic Byway (Scenic Drive) — 25 miles
- Gates of the Mountains Wilderness (Wilderness) — 49 miles
- Bridger Bowl (Ski Area) — 51 miles
- Helena-Lewis & Clark NF (National Forest) — 53 miles
- Broadwater Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 53 miles
- Alhambra Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 55 miles
Rivers
Smith River is within reach for fishing, floating, and kayaking.
Lakes
Nearby lakes include Hanson Reservoir, Buckingham Reservoir, Gipsy Lake, Edith Lake, Upper Baldy Lake.
Hot Springs
Spa Hot Springs (0 mi), Broadwater Hot Springs (53 mi), Alhambra Hot Springs (55 mi) — perfect for soaking after a day on the trails.
Explore all 123 recreation sites on the full White Sulphur Springs profile.
Jobs & Economy in White Sulphur Springs
White Sulphur Springs 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 52.6%, which is below average — common in retirement and college communities.
The top industries by employment are Education & Healthcare (23.6%), Agriculture & Mining (20.7%), Government (13.4%). Approximately 521 residents are employed locally.
Employment by Industry
| Industry | Share of Employment |
|---|---|
| Education & Healthcare | 23.6% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 20.7% |
| Government | 13.4% |
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
White Sulphur Springs is served by the White Sulphur Springs Schools school district with approximately 250 students enrolled. The high school graduation rate is 90%, which is above the Montana state average of ~87%.
Graduation rates from OPI/NCES 2022–23. Per-pupil spending from Montana OPI fiscal data.
Healthcare in White Sulphur Springs
White Sulphur Springs has its own hospital — Mountainview Medical Center (15 beds). For advanced or emergency care, Bozeman Health Deaconess in Bozeman (Level 3 Trauma Center) is 60.1 miles away.
Hospital data from MT DPHHS 2024. Verify services directly with facilities.
Getting to White Sulphur Springs
White Sulphur Springs is accessible via the following airports:
- Bozeman Yellowstone Intl — 65 miles (80 min drive)
- Billings Logan Intl — 149 miles (164 min drive)
- Missoula Intl — 184 miles (199 min drive)
- Glacier Park Intl (Kalispell) — 238 miles (253 min drive)
- Great Falls Intl — 82 miles (97 min drive)
Pros & Cons of Living in White Sulphur Springs
Pros
- No state sales tax
- 123+ recreation sites nearby
- Low unemployment (0%)
- Strong schools (90% grad rate)
- Milder winters than eastern Montana
- Skiing at Showdown Montana (22 mi)
- Has a local hospital
- Authentic small-town community
- No state income tax on retirement
Cons
- Cold winters
- 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 White Sulphur Springs, Montana?
The typical home value is $305,085 and rent averages $940/month. The median household income is $56,424. Montana has no state sales tax, which helps offset costs.
What are winters like in White Sulphur Springs?
January lows average 13°F with about 22" of annual snowfall. Compared to eastern Montana, winters here are relatively mild.
Is White Sulphur Springs a good place to live?
White Sulphur Springs offers 123 nearby recreation sites, a moderate affordability ratio of 5.4x, and four distinct seasons. Montana's lack of sales tax and retirement income tax are significant benefits.
How many homes are for sale in White Sulphur Springs?
As of early 2026, there were 20 homes for sale in White Sulphur Springs, up 100% from the prior year. The community has 572 total housing units with a 21.5% vacancy rate (Census ACS 2019–2023). Check Zillow or local MLS for the most current listings.
What is the job market like in White Sulphur Springs?
White Sulphur Springs has a 0% unemployment rate, which is at or below the state average. Labor force participation is 52.6%. About 521 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 White Sulphur Springs?
The White Sulphur Springs Schools school district has a graduation rate of 90%, above the Montana state average of ~87%. Approximately 250 students are enrolled.
What healthcare is available in White Sulphur Springs?
White Sulphur Springs has a local hospital, Mountainview Medical Center. The nearest major trauma center is Bozeman Health Deaconess in Bozeman, 60.1 miles away. There are 4 hospitals within 60 miles.
Where is the nearest skiing to White Sulphur Springs?
Showdown Montana is 22 miles from White Sulphur Springs. The area receives about 22" of snow annually.