Why Move to Winifred?
Winifred is a small town of 263 people in Fergus County County, sitting at 3,228 feet in elevation. Known as "The Breaks Country Gateway," 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. Winifred specifically offers 62 recreation and attraction sites nearby, a growing community, and four distinct seasons.
Cost of Living in Winifred
Housing data for Winifred. Renters can expect to pay around $557 per month. The median household income is $75,089.
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.
Winifred Housing Market
Winifred. The community has 108 total housing units with a 5.6% vacancy rate.
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 Winifred profile.
Winifred Weather & Climate
Winifred experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are warm with July highs averaging 84°F. Winters are relatively mild with January lows around 20°F. Expect about 17" of snow annually.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Precip | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 37°F | 20°F | 0.7" | 1.7" |
| Feb | 28°F | 11°F | 1.2" | 3.2" |
| Mar | 41°F | 22°F | 0.8" | 1.7" |
| Apr | 51°F | 31°F | 1.8" | 2.5" |
| May | 63°F | 43°F | 2.2" | 0.8" |
| Jun | 74°F | 53°F | 2.6" | 0" |
| Jul | 84°F | 60°F | 0.7" | 0" |
| Aug | 82°F | 59°F | 1" | 0" |
| Sep | 73°F | 51°F | 1.6" | 0.7" |
| Oct | 54°F | 35°F | 1.6" | 1.9" |
| Nov | 42°F | 25°F | 1" | 2" |
| Dec | 35°F | 19°F | 0.9" | 2.2" |
Outdoor Recreation Near Winifred
Winifred has access to 62 recreation and attraction sites spanning 11 categories. For skiing, Bear Paw Ski Bowl is 35 miles from town.
Top Nearby Attractions
- Bear Paw Ski Bowl (Ski Area) — 35 miles
Lakes
Nearby lakes include Stafford Reservoir, Taylor Lake, Upper Carters Pond, Little Phantom Lake, Phantom Coulee Reservoir.
Explore all 62 recreation sites on the full Winifred profile.
Jobs & Economy in Winifred
Winifred has an unemployment rate of 0.9%, which is at or below the state average — indicating a healthy local job market. The labor force participation rate is 69.1%.
The top industries by employment are Education & Healthcare (23.4%), Other Services (22.5%), Agriculture & Mining (18%). Approximately 111 residents are employed locally.
Employment by Industry
| Industry | Share of Employment |
|---|---|
| Education & Healthcare | 23.4% |
| Other Services | 22.5% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 18% |
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
Winifred is served by the Winifred Public Schools school district with approximately 50 students enrolled.
Graduation rates from OPI/NCES 2022–23. Per-pupil spending from Montana OPI fiscal data.
Healthcare in Winifred
The nearest hospital is Central Montana Medical Center in Lewistown, 34.3 miles away. For advanced or emergency care, Benefis Health System in Great Falls (Level 2 Trauma Center) is 89 miles away.
Note: Healthcare access in Winifred is limited. If you have ongoing medical needs, consider proximity to Benefis Health System when making your decision.
Hospital data from MT DPHHS 2024. Verify services directly with facilities.
Getting to Winifred
Winifred is accessible via the following airports:
- Bozeman Yellowstone Intl — 179 miles (194 min drive)
- Billings Logan Intl — 153 miles (168 min drive)
- Missoula Intl — 271 miles (286 min drive)
- Glacier Park Intl (Kalispell) — 278 miles (293 min drive)
- Great Falls Intl — 112 miles (127 min drive)
Pros & Cons of Living in Winifred
Pros
- No state sales tax
- Strong outdoor recreation access
- Low unemployment (0.9%)
- Milder winters than eastern Montana
- Skiing at Bear Paw Ski Bowl (35 mi)
- Authentic small-town community
- No state income tax on retirement
Cons
- Cold winters
- Limited healthcare access (nearest hospital: 34.3 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 Winifred, Montana?
Housing costs vary and rent averages $557/month. The median household income is $75,089. Montana has no state sales tax, which helps offset costs.
What are winters like in Winifred?
January lows average 20°F with about 17" of annual snowfall. Compared to eastern Montana, winters here are relatively mild.
Is Winifred a good place to live?
Winifred offers 62 nearby recreation sites, Montana quality of life, and four distinct seasons. Montana's lack of sales tax and retirement income tax are significant benefits.
How many homes are for sale in Winifred?
Housing availability varies. The community has 108 total housing units with a 5.6% vacancy rate (Census ACS 2019–2023). Check Zillow or local MLS for the most current listings.
What is the job market like in Winifred?
Winifred has a 0.9% unemployment rate, which is at or below the state average. Labor force participation is 69.1%. About 111 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 Winifred?
The nearest hospital is Central Montana Medical Center in Lewistown (34.3 miles). The nearest major trauma center is Benefis Health System in Great Falls, 89 miles away. There are 1 hospitals within 60 miles.
Where is the nearest skiing to Winifred?
Bear Paw Ski Bowl is 35 miles from Winifred. The area receives about 17" of snow annually.