Bozeman sits in the Gallatin Valley of southwestern Montana, home to 57,305 residents and Montana State University. Whether you're considering a move or planning a visit, this guide covers everything you need to know — from housing costs and job opportunities to hiking trails and a weekend itinerary for first-time visitors.

Bozeman is one of the fastest-growing cities in Montana, driven by its proximity to Yellowstone National Park (71 miles to the west entrance at West Yellowstone), two ski areas — Bridger Bowl (16 miles) and Big Sky Resort (45 miles) — and a booming tech and professional services sector. It's a natural hub for Montana summer road trips, and if you're visiting in winter, check our winter driving guide before heading to the ski areas. The city combines a walkable downtown centered on Main Street with immediate access to the Bridger Mountains, Gallatin River, and Hyalite Canyon. With 91 recreation sites within 30 miles and a nationally recognized university, Bozeman draws outdoor enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and families seeking Montana's quality of life.

Below you'll find a complete profile including cost of living data, school information, climate details, and housing market trends. For deeper coverage, explore our dedicated guides.

Explore Bozeman Guides

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Cost of Living

A detailed breakdown of what it costs to live in Bozeman — housing, income, affordability, and how it compares to the rest of Montana.

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Housing Market

Current housing market data for Bozeman including home values, rental rates, inventory trends, and market analysis.

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Jobs & Economy

Bozeman's job market by the numbers — top industries, a 3.1% unemployment rate, major employers, and economic outlook.

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Schools & Education

Guide to Bozeman schools from K-12 through Montana State University, including enrollment, graduation rates, and spending.

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Hiking & Trails

The best hiking trails near Bozeman — from Hyalite Canyon and the Bridger Ridge to backcountry wilderness routes.

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Fishing

World-class fly fishing near Bozeman on the Gallatin, Madison, and Yellowstone rivers — three of Montana's finest trout streams.

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Weekend Itinerary

How to spend a weekend in Bozeman — a day-by-day guide covering downtown, outdoor adventures, and local culture.

Population

58,000

County

Gallatin County

Region

Central Montana

Elevation

4,826 ft

Top Industry

Education & Healthcare

Nearest Hospital

Bozeman Health Deaconess (in town)

Zip Code

59715

Area Code

406

Time Zone

Mountain Time (MT)

Industry: Census ACS 5-Year 2019–2023 · Hospital: MT DPHHS 2024

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Nearest Major Airports

✈️ Bozeman (BZN)

10 miles
~25m drive

✈️ West Yellowstone (WYS)

82 miles
~1h 37m drive

✈️ Butte (BTM)

87 miles
~1h 42m drive

Browse recreation

Map & Nearby

Explore Bozeman on the interactive map with 3 nearby towns and 60 highlighted recreation sites. Use the zoom controls or select a recreation item to focus it on the map.

Open Area in Google Maps

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Outdoor Recreation Near Bozeman

Jump to map →

9.4/10

World-Class

136 sites within 30 mi

18 categories

Must-See Highlights

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Gallatin National Forest

National Forests9 mi

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Lee Metcalf Wilderness (Spanish Peaks)

Wilderness23 mi

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Story Mill Community Park

Children's Museum of Bozeman

Museums0 mi

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Gallatin History Museum

Museums0 mi

Distances are straight-line estimates. Driving distances may be longer. Data: OpenStreetMap contributors & editorial research.

Explore Bozeman, Montana: Your Gateway to Big Sky Adventure!

Bozeman, Montana, is a vibrant city nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, offering an unparalleled blend of outdoor excitement and charming urban life. Known for its stunning natural beauty, access to world-class skiing, and a thriving arts and culture scene, Bozeman invites adventurers and explorers to discover its unique spirit. From the peaks of the Bridger Range to the bustling historic downtown, every corner of Bozeman promises an unforgettable experience.

Quick Facts

Population: 57,305 (U.S. Census Bureau, July 1, 2023 estimate)
County: Gallatin County
Founded: 1864
Elevation: 4,820 ft
Known For: Outdoor recreation (skiing, hiking, fishing), Montana State University, proximity to Yellowstone National Park
Nearby Landmarks: Bridger Bowl Ski Area, Hyalite Canyon, Museum of the Rockies, Yellowstone National Park (approx. 90 miles)
Fun Fact: Bozeman was named after John Bozeman, who established the Bozeman Trail, an important route for pioneers.

Notable People & Pop Culture

John Mayer – Grammy Award-winning musician who has resided in the Bozeman area.
Ted Turner – Media mogul and philanthropist, one of the largest landowners in Montana, with significant holdings near Bozeman.
A River Runs Through It (Film) – While not filmed entirely in Bozeman, this iconic movie captures the spirit of Montana's fly-fishing culture, which is central to the Bozeman experience. Many scenes were filmed in nearby Livingston and the Gallatin River.

Top Things to Do in Bozeman

✧ Explore the Museum of the Rockies – Discover world-class dinosaur exhibits, a planetarium, and regional history.
✧ Hike or Ski the Bridger Range – Offering stunning views and year-round recreational opportunities at Bridger Bowl and beyond.
✧ Stroll Historic Downtown Bozeman – Experience unique shops, art galleries, and a vibrant culinary scene on Main Street.
✧ Visit Hyalite Canyon Recreation Area – Enjoy hiking, fishing, ice climbing (in winter), and breathtaking waterfalls just south of the city.

Local Industry & Economy

Bozeman boasts a diverse and growing economy, significantly influenced by tourism, technology, outdoor recreation, and Montana State University. The city serves as a regional hub for commerce, healthcare, and professional services. The Bozeman Area Chamber of Commerce highlights key sectors including technology startups, light manufacturing, agriculture, and a robust hospitality industry catering to visitors drawn by Yellowstone National Park and the area's abundant outdoor activities.

History & Heritage

Founded in 1864 by John Bozeman as a stop along the Bozeman Trail, the city quickly became an agricultural center and supply point for miners in Virginia City and Alder Gulch. The trail violated the 1851 Treaty of Fort Laramie by traversing Lakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho hunting grounds, contributing to Red Cloud's War (1866–1868). Fort Ellis (1867) provided military protection. Montana Agricultural College was founded in 1893, evolving into Montana State University by 1965. The Museum of the Rockies houses extensive dinosaur collections including a Tyrannosaurus rex; the Gallatin History Museum holds the Big Horn Gun from the 1876 Battle of the Little Bighorn. Oracle's 2012 acquisition of RightNow Technologies established Bozeman as Montana's tech hub.

Seasonal Activities & Local Events

Spring/Summer: Fly-fishing on the Gallatin, Madison, and Yellowstone rivers; hiking and biking in the surrounding mountains; attending the Sweet Pea Festival (arts festival in August); farmers markets.
Fall/Winter: Skiing and snowboarding at Bridger Bowl and Big Sky Resort (nearby); ice climbing in Hyalite Canyon; cross-country skiing; attending the Christmas Stroll.
Annual Events: Sweet Pea Festival, SLAM Festival (Support Local Artists and Musicians), Bozeman Ice Festival, Christmas Stroll, MSU Bobcat football games.

Getting There & Nearby Destinations

Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) offers excellent air connectivity with direct flights from many major US cities. By road, Bozeman is conveniently located on Interstate 90. Nearby destinations include:

Livingston (approx. 30 minutes east): A historic railroad town with a vibrant arts scene.
Big Sky (approx. 1 hour south): Home to Big Sky Resort, offering world-class skiing.
Yellowstone National Park (North Entrance at Gardiner, approx. 1.5 hours south; West Entrance at West Yellowstone, approx. 1.5 hours southwest).

Where to Stay in Bozeman

Bozeman offers a wide range of lodging options to suit every traveler, from luxury hotels and charming bed & breakfasts in the historic downtown area to modern chain hotels and vacation rentals. Many accommodations provide easy access to outdoor activities and city attractions. Options cater to those seeking a rustic Montana experience as well as those preferring upscale amenities. Popular areas include downtown for walkability and proximity to restaurants, and locations closer to the university or with quick access to the interstate for those exploring the wider region.

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Plan Your Visit

Ready to explore Bozeman? Add it to your Montana travel itinerary and discover the charm, history, and adventure waiting in Big Sky Country.

Average Monthly Climate: Bozeman

Month	Avg High	Avg Low	Precip	Snow
Jan	35°F	17°F	1.1"	2.8"
Feb	28°F	10°F	1.9"	5"
Mar	39°F	20°F	1.5"	3.6"
Apr	49°F	26°F	2.5"	3.3"
May	60°F	38°F	2.4"	0.8"
Jun	71°F	47°F	2.4"	0"
Jul	82°F	54°F	0.4"	0"
Aug	80°F	54°F	1"	0"
Sep	70°F	46°F	1.8"	0.2"
Oct	52°F	31°F	2.5"	3"
Nov	41°F	22°F	1.1"	2"
Dec	35°F	17°F	0.9"	2.4"

Housing & Cost of Living

$703,092

Typical Home Value

Census (2019–23): $614,900

$2,114/mo

Typical Rent

Census (2019–23): $1,611/mo

$79,903

Median Household Income

National Rankings

Home Value93rd percentile

Rent94th percentile

Income68th percentile

Affordability Ratio (home price ÷ income)8.8xVery Expensive

Percentile among ~21,000 U.S. cities. Higher = more expensive (home/rent) or higher earning (income).

Housing Availability

Updated Jan 2026

339

Homes for Sale

↑ 6.3% vs last year

$744,100

Median List Price

New Listings/Month

24,846

Total Housing Units

6.9%

Vacancy Rate

Employment & Economy

ACS 5-Year 2019–2023

3.1%

Unemployment Rate

MT avg: ~3.5%

72.1%

Labor Force Participation

33,894

Employed Residents

Top Industries

Education & Healthcare

26.5%

Professional Services

14.6%

Retail

12.9%

Home values from Zillow ZHVI (Jan 2026). Inventory, list prices & new listings from Zillow Research (Jan 2026). Income, vacancy,, employment, industry, from U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year 2019–2023. Data may not reflect current conditions. Check Zillow for the latest market data.

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Bozeman Public Schools

~8,500 students · District Website

Grad Rate

93%

Per Pupil

$11,800

Graduation rate: OPI/NCES 2022–23. Per-pupil spending: Montana OPI fiscal data. MT state avg: ~87%.

Scenic Drives Near Bozeman

Bozeman is located along or near a scenic corridor in Montana.

Paradise Valley

US-8953 miEasyNearby

Explore all routes on the interactive planner →

Bozeman in Our Rankings & Guides

Moving Guide Best Outdoor Recreation Best Ski Towns Towns Near Hot Springs Best for Digital Nomads Hunting Guide

Compare Bozeman with Another Town

Explore Nearby Destinations

Belgrade Manhattan Livingston

Frequently Asked Questions About Bozeman

What is the cost of living in Bozeman, Montana?

Bozeman's median household income is $79,903 with a median home value of $703,092 (Zillow, January 2026). The affordability ratio of 8.8 makes Bozeman one of Montana's most expensive cities. Median rent is $2,114 per month. Home values rank in the 93rd percentile among Montana towns. Montana has no state sales tax, which provides some offset on daily expenses.

What are winters like in Bozeman?

Bozeman winters are cold and snowy, typical of a mountain valley at 4,826 feet. January averages a high of 35°F and a low of 17°F. The Gallatin Valley receives significant snowfall, making it ideal for skiing at Bridger Bowl (16 miles northeast) or Big Sky Resort (45 miles southwest). Temperature inversions can settle into the valley during prolonged cold spells.

Is Bozeman a good place for families?

Bozeman offers excellent schools through Bozeman Public Schools, serving 8,500 students with a 93% graduation rate and $11,800 per-pupil spending. Montana State University provides cultural and educational enrichment. With 91 recreation sites within 30 miles, two ski areas, and a safe walkable downtown, families find Bozeman highly livable.

What outdoor recreation is near Bozeman?

Bozeman has 91 recreation sites within 30 miles, including 16 trailheads, 16 lakes, and 1 wilderness area. Bridger Bowl ski area is 16 miles northeast; Big Sky Resort is 45 miles southwest. Hyalite Canyon offers hiking, ice climbing, and reservoir fishing 10 miles south. Yellowstone's west entrance at West Yellowstone is 71 miles away. The Gallatin River provides world-class fly fishing.

How far is Bozeman from Yellowstone National Park?

Bozeman is 71 miles from Yellowstone's west entrance at West Yellowstone (about 1.5 hours via US-191) and about 80 miles from the north entrance at Gardiner (via US-89 South). The drive south through the Gallatin Canyon is one of Montana's most scenic routes, following the Gallatin River through a narrow mountain canyon.

When is the best time to visit Bozeman?

Summer (June–August) is peak season with highs of 71–82°F, long days, and access to Yellowstone. Winter (December–March) draws skiers to Bridger Bowl and Big Sky. Fall (September–October) offers warm days, fewer crowds, and fall colors. Spring is cool and muddy but brings early hiking on lower trails.

What are the main industries in Bozeman?

Education and healthcare is Bozeman's largest employment sector at 26.5%, anchored by Montana State University and Bozeman Health Deaconess Hospital. Professional services (14.6%) and retail (12.9%) round out the top three. The unemployment rate is 3.1% — well below the national average — with a job score of 9.2 out of 10.

Is Bozeman a good place to retire?

Bozeman offers retirees access to excellent healthcare through Bozeman Health, cultural amenities via MSU, and year-round outdoor recreation. However, home values rank in the 93rd percentile for Montana, making it one of the state's most expensive markets. Montana's lack of a state sales tax and moderate property taxes provide some financial relief.

What is the housing market like in Bozeman?

As of January 2026, Bozeman's median home value is $703,092 (Zillow) with 339 homes for sale. Inventory has increased 6.3% year-over-year. The median list price is $744,100. Median rent is $2,114 per month, ranking in the 94th percentile among Montana towns. The vacancy rate across 24,846 total housing units is 6.9%.

Can you fly into Bozeman?

Yes, Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) is Montana's busiest airport, offering daily flights to major hubs including Denver, Seattle, Salt Lake City, Minneapolis, Dallas, and Los Angeles. The airport is about 8 miles northwest of downtown. Bozeman is also accessible via I-90 and US-191.