Best Cities for Retirees in Montana
Why Montana Works for Retirees
Montana ranks #11 nationally for retirees, making it a strong destination for those entering their next chapter. The state's moderate fiscal health (60/100) and light overall tax burden of 7.87% help retirement savings go further.
For retirees, healthcare access and tax friendliness are non-negotiable. Montana's health score of 61/100 is middling β life expectancy of 77.8 years is roughly in line with national norms, but healthcare quality varies by region. On the tax front, the overall burden stands at 7.87% of income. The 5.9% income tax rate is worth factoring into retirement income projections. Property taxes run 0.79% (effective rate), which is among the lowest in the nation.
At $523,000, median home prices are above the national average β retirees relocating from lower-cost areas may face sticker shock. Safety is worth researching at the local level β the statewide safety score of 56/100 suggests some areas perform better than others. Community amenities like restaurants, cultural venues, and social organizations score well, suggesting an engaged and active retirement lifestyle is within reach.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Retirees
| # | City | Grade | Retirees Score | Overall | Health | Fiscal Health | Affordability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Whitefish | A | 63.9 | 61.6 | 72 | 55 | 57 | 8,422 |
| 2 | Belgrade | A | 63.9 | 61.0 | 73 | 56 | 60 | 11,425 |
| 3 | Bozeman | A | 62.5 | 62.9 | 79 | 48 | 55 | 55,042 |
| 4 | Helena Valley West Central | B+ | 62.5 | 58.8 | 62 | 70 | 66 | 8,224 |
| 5 | Kalispell | A | 60.8 | 60.7 | 61 | 48 | 67 | 26,830 |
| 6 | Miles City | B+ | 60.8 | 57.8 | 58 | 43 | 74 | 8,412 |
| 7 | Missoula | B+ | 59.8 | 58.6 | 70 | 47 | 72 | 77,763 |
| 8 | Helena | B+ | 59.6 | 58.4 | 66 | 54 | 68 | 33,126 |
| 9 | Evergreen | B | 58.9 | 56.4 | 63 | 50 | 70 | 8,908 |
| 10 | Sidney | B | 57.4 | 53.5 | 54 | 52 | 72 | 6,235 |
| 11 | Livingston | B | 56.7 | 54.8 | 62 | 41 | 68 | 8,635 |
| 12 | Laurel | B | 56.7 | 53.6 | 56 | 46 | 72 | 7,198 |
| 13 | Lockwood | B | 55.1 | 54.2 | 47 | 46 | 71 | 7,474 |
| 14 | Billings | C+ | 55.1 | 52.9 | 57 | 50 | 77 | 120,874 |
| 15 | Helena Valley Southeast | B | 55.0 | 54.0 | 53 | 42 | 68 | 9,533 |
| 16 | Butte-Silver Bow | C+ | 53.7 | 51.9 | 54 | 36 | 74 | 34,929 |
| 17 | Anaconda-Deer Lodge County | C+ | 53.5 | 52.9 | 53 | 28 | 75 | 9,512 |
| 18 | Great Falls | C+ | 53.5 | 52.0 | 49 | 42 | 80 | 60,412 |
| 19 | Lewistown | C+ | 53.4 | 51.7 | 56 | 21 | 75 | 6,028 |
| 20 | Havre | D | 47.3 | 44.2 | 46 | 35 | 75 | 9,333 |