Glendive is a town of roughly 4,873 people and the county seat of Dawson County, sitting at 2,064 feet in eastern Montana along I-94 — about 220 miles east of Billings, 80 miles east of Miles City, and 35 miles from the North Dakota border. The Yellowstone River runs through town, and Makoshika State Park — Montana's largest state park at 11,500 acres of badlands — sits at the city's edge. Glendive is an exceptionally affordable community, with the median household earning $71K, placing the town at the 58th percentile among Montana communities — strong incomes driven by transportation and energy sector employment. This guide breaks down housing, income, affordability, and employment data so you know what it actually costs to live here. For a broader overview of the town, see our Glendive guide.
At a Glance
Housing Costs
Housing is the single largest expense in Glendive — and an unusually manageable one. The median home value stands at $183K according to Zillow's Home Value Index as of January 2026. The U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey puts the figure at $177K — only a 3% gap that signals an exceptionally stable market with no speculative boom. Glendive's affordability ratio of 2.6 is the lowest of all Montana hub communities, meaning homes cost less than three times the median household income — well below the commonly cited national comfort zone of 3.0 to 5.0. Glendive ranks in the 26th percentile among Montana towns — firmly in the lower quartile for home prices.
Renters pay a median of $1K per month. Rents sit at the 35th percentile — in the lower third of Montana markets. The 13.3% vacancy rate indicates abundant availability — with2,279 total housing units, Glendive has ample stock for a town of roughly 4,873 people. The Northern Pacific Railway — now BNSF — built the town and continues to shape its economy. For a detailed look at market trends, inventory, and buying conditions, see our Glendive housing market guide.
Income & Affordability
The median household income in Glendive is $71K, placing the town at the 58th percentile among Montana communities. That $71K figure reflects Glendive's role as a transportation and energy hub —Education & Healthcare leads at 23.4%, followed by Transportation (16.9%) and Retail (15.2%). The affordability ratio — median home value divided by median household income — is 2.6. The commonly cited national benchmark is 3.0 to 5.0. A ratio of 2.6 places Glendive far below the comfort ceiling — making it the most affordable hub community tracked in Montana.
BNSF railroad wages, oil and gas activity from the nearby Williston Basin, and healthcare employment at Glendive Medical Center push incomes above what the town's size would suggest. Compared to Miles City (80 miles west) and Billings (220 miles west), Glendive offers comparable incomes with significantly lower housing costs. Montana's lack of a state sales tax provides meaningful relief on everyday expenses like groceries, clothing, and household goods. The Yellowstone River, Makoshika State Park, and the surrounding badlands provide recreation at no cost, while the I-94 corridor connects residents to larger cities when needed.
As the Dawson County seat, Glendive has a courthouse, Glendive Medical Center, and county services that provide stable government employment and keep essential services local. The 220-mile drive to Billings connects residents to a regional airport, retail, and medical specialists — but for most daily needs, Glendive's own Merrill Avenue and downtown serve residents without requiring the commute.
Monthly Budget Estimate
While individual budgets vary widely, here is a rough breakdown of monthly costs for a household earning Glendive's median income:
| Category | Estimated Monthly | % of Income |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (rent or mortgage) | $832 | 14% |
| Utilities | $210 | 4% |
| Groceries | $450 | 8% |
| Transportation | $400 | 7% |
| Healthcare | $300 | 5% |
Estimates based on local medians and regional cost indices. Actual costs vary.Glendive's position on I-94 keeps retail costs reasonable, and the absence of a state sales tax reduces everyday expenses compared to most U.S. states.
Employment & Economic Context
Glendive's economy is built on transportation, energy, and its role as an eastern Montana regional hub. The leading employer sector is Education & Healthcare, which accounts for 23.4% of employment. Glendive Medical Center and the Glendive school district anchor this sector, providing stable, year-round employment. The next largest sectors are Transportation (16.9%) and Retail (15.2%).
Transportation at 16.9% reflects Glendive's heritage as a Northern Pacific Railway hub — BNSF remains a major employer and the railroad shapes both employment patterns and wage levels. Construction at 9.5% reflects periodic oil and gas activity from the Williston Basin. The unemployment rate is 5.2% — reflecting cyclical energy sector fluctuations. Labor force participation stands at 56.7%, a figure that reflects Glendive's retiree population and the rural character of the community. For the full industry breakdown, see our Glendive jobs and economy guide.
How Glendive Compares
Glendive is the most affordable hub community in Montana, with an affordability ratio of 2.6 that sits well below every other tracked Montana town. Miles City (80 miles west) offers a similar eastern Montana character but at slightly higher housing costs. Billings (220 miles west) provides metro amenities but with correspondingly higher home values and rents. Sidney and Williston (to the north) have seen oil-boom volatility that Glendive has largely avoided — the Williston Basin influence is present but moderate.
Where Glendive stands out is the combination of strong incomes and low housing costs. The $71K median household income — boosted by BNSF railroad wages and energy sector employment — paired with $183K home values creates an affordability equation that no other Montana hub can match. Makoshika State Park, the Yellowstone River, and the badlands landscape provide recreation and scenery without resort-town pricing. Glendive isn't a destination resort — it's a working railroad town and county seat where the cost of living reflects its eastern Montana roots. For buyers looking for Montana living at the lowest price point among hub communities, Glendive offers the clearest value proposition in the state.
Key Takeaways
- The affordability ratio of 2.6 is the lowest of all Montana hub communities — homes cost less than three times the median household income, well below the 3.0–5.0 national comfort zone.
- The 3% Census-to-Zillow gap ($177K vs. $183K) signals an exceptionally stable market with no speculative boom — the tightest gap of any Montana hub.
- Median income of $71K (58th percentile) reflects strong wages from BNSF, energy, and healthcare — well above what the town's population would suggest.
- The economy centers on Education & Healthcare (23.4%), Transportation (16.9%), Retail (15.2%), and Construction (9.5%), with BNSF railroad and Williston Basin energy providing the wage backbone.
- Montana's zero state sales tax, a 13.3% vacancy rate with 2,279 housing units, and Makoshika State Park — Montana's largest state park — make Glendive one of the most affordable and livable small towns in the state.