Why Move to Whitehall?
Whitehall is a small town of 1,156 people in Jefferson County County, sitting at 4,360 feet in elevation. Known as "The Gateway to the Pipestone," 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. Whitehall specifically offers 274 recreation and attraction sites nearby, a housing affordability ratio of 11.4x, and four distinct seasons.
Cost of Living in Whitehall
The typical home value in Whitehall is $440,610. Renters can expect to pay around $689 per month. The median household income is $38,750.
The affordability ratio (home price ÷ income) is 11.4x, 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.
Whitehall Housing Market
There are currently 20 homes for sale in Whitehall — down 4.8% from last year, indicating tightening supply. The community has 538 total housing units with a 10.8% 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 Whitehall profile.
Whitehall Weather & Climate
Whitehall 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 12" of snow annually.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Precip | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 36°F | 21°F | 0.5" | 1.3" |
| Feb | 31°F | 14°F | 1" | 2.6" |
| Mar | 42°F | 23°F | 0.7" | 1.5" |
| Apr | 52°F | 30°F | 1.3" | 1.5" |
| May | 64°F | 41°F | 1.6" | 0.5" |
| Jun | 74°F | 50°F | 2" | 0" |
| Jul | 85°F | 58°F | 0.3" | 0" |
| Aug | 83°F | 58°F | 0.8" | 0" |
| Sep | 73°F | 50°F | 1" | 0.1" |
| Oct | 56°F | 36°F | 1.2" | 1.5" |
| Nov | 43°F | 25°F | 0.7" | 1.2" |
| Dec | 36°F | 22°F | 0.7" | 1.7" |
Outdoor Recreation Near Whitehall
Whitehall has access to 274 recreation and attraction sites spanning 20 categories. Yellowstone National Park (North Entrance) is just 89 miles away. For skiing, Big Sky Resort is 53 miles from town.
Top Nearby Attractions
- Renova Hotspring (Hot Spring) — 6 miles
- Potosi Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 8 miles
- Boulder Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 23 miles
- Norris Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 29 miles
- Biltmore Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 34 miles
- Fairmont Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 38 miles
- Alhambra Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 38 miles
- Beaverhead-Deerlodge NF (National Forest) — 44 miles
Rivers
Jefferson River, Madison River (Ennis), Gallatin River, Beaverhead River, Big Hole River are all within reach for fishing, floating, and kayaking.
Lakes
Nearby lakes include Bismark Reservoir, Jackson Lake, Ottertail Lake, B and B Fishpond, Bison Retriever Lake.
Hot Springs
Renova Hotspring (6 mi), Potosi Hot Springs (8 mi), Boulder Hot Springs (23 mi) — perfect for soaking after a day on the trails.
Explore all 274 recreation sites on the full Whitehall profile.
Jobs & Economy in Whitehall
Whitehall has an unemployment rate of 7%, which is above the state average and may present challenges for job seekers. The labor force participation rate is 49.8%, which is below average — common in retirement and college communities.
The top industries by employment are Retail (27.7%), Tourism & Hospitality (14.2%), Transportation (13.5%). Approximately 451 residents are employed locally.
Employment by Industry
| Industry | Share of Employment |
|---|---|
| Retail | 27.7% |
| Tourism & Hospitality | 14.2% |
| Transportation | 13.5% |
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
Whitehall is served by the Whitehall Public Schools school district with approximately 350 students enrolled. The high school graduation rate is 91%, 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 Whitehall
The nearest hospital is St. James Healthcare in Butte, 22.9 miles away. For advanced or emergency care, Bozeman Health Deaconess in Bozeman (Level 3 Trauma Center) is 52.8 miles away.
Hospital data from MT DPHHS 2024. Verify services directly with facilities.
Getting to Whitehall
Whitehall is accessible via the following airports:
- Bozeman Yellowstone Intl — 55 miles (70 min drive)
- Billings Logan Intl — 205 miles (220 min drive)
- Missoula Intl — 143 miles (158 min drive)
- Glacier Park Intl (Kalispell) — 236 miles (251 min drive)
- Great Falls Intl — 140 miles (155 min drive)
Pros & Cons of Living in Whitehall
Pros
- No state sales tax
- 274+ recreation sites nearby
- Strong schools (91% grad rate)
- Milder winters than eastern Montana
- Skiing at Big Sky Resort (53 mi)
- Near Yellowstone National Park (North Entrance)
- Authentic small-town community
- No state income tax on retirement
Cons
- Cold winters
- Housing costs above national average
- Limited housing inventory
- Higher unemployment (7%)
- Limited shopping and dining options
- Distance from major metro areas
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Whitehall, Montana?
The typical home value is $440,610 and rent averages $689/month. The median household income is $38,750. Montana has no state sales tax, which helps offset costs.
What are winters like in Whitehall?
January lows average 21°F with about 12" of annual snowfall. Compared to eastern Montana, winters here are relatively mild.
Is Whitehall a good place to live?
Whitehall offers 274 nearby recreation sites, a higher affordability ratio of 11.4x, and four distinct seasons. It's 89 miles from Yellowstone National Park (North Entrance). Montana's lack of sales tax and retirement income tax are significant benefits.
How many homes are for sale in Whitehall?
As of early 2026, there were 20 homes for sale in Whitehall, down 4.8% from the prior year. The community has 538 total housing units with a 10.8% vacancy rate (Census ACS 2019–2023). Check Zillow or local MLS for the most current listings.
What is the job market like in Whitehall?
Whitehall has a 7% unemployment rate, which is above the state average. Labor force participation is 49.8%. About 451 residents are employed locally. The leading industry is retail. Montana has no state sales tax, which benefits both businesses and consumers.
How are the schools in Whitehall?
The Whitehall Public Schools school district has a graduation rate of 91%, above the Montana state average of ~87%. Approximately 350 students are enrolled.
What healthcare is available in Whitehall?
The nearest hospital is St. James Healthcare in Butte (22.9 miles). The nearest major trauma center is Bozeman Health Deaconess in Bozeman, 52.8 miles away. There are 10 hospitals within 60 miles.
Where is the nearest skiing to Whitehall?
Big Sky Resort is 53 miles from Whitehall. The area receives about 12" of snow annually.