Best Cities for Retirees in Montana
Montana ranks #10 of 50 for retirees, with a retirees score of 76.8. Bozeman is its best city for retirees at 62.0.
- Montana, all states
- #10 of 50
- Population
- 56,114
Why Montana Works for Retirees
Montana ranks #10 nationally for retirees, making it a top-ten 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 59/100 is middling — life expectancy of 77.3 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 $471,746, the typical home is worth more than the 50-state average — retirees relocating from lower-cost areas may face sticker shock. The state's safety profile is reassuring, with a safety score of 61/100. 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 | Household finances | Affordability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Bozeman | A | 62.0 | 64.2 | 79 | 52 | 46 | 56,114 |
| 2Butte-Silver Bow | B | 62.0 | 55.8 | 54 | 40 | 81 | 35,052 |
| 3Anaconda-Deer Lodge County | C+ | 61.6 | 52.6 | 53 | 35 | 84 | 9,597 |
| 4Miles City | C+ | 61.5 | 54.8 | 58 | 49 | 83 | 8,407 |
| 5Laurel | C+ | 61.1 | 52.6 | 56 | 52 | 80 | 7,215 |
| 6Belgrade | B+ | 61.0 | 60.3 | 73 | 62 | 51 | 11,872 |
| 7Helena | B | 60.3 | 57.9 | 66 | 55 | 71 | 33,639 |
| 8Whitefish | B | 59.9 | 58.0 | 72 | 55 | 57 | 8,749 |
| 9Sidney | C+ | 59.8 | 54.6 | 54 | 53 | 81 | 6,171 |
| 10Helena Valley West Central | C+ | 59.1 | 54.8 | 62 | 66 | 69 | 8,056 |
| 11Missoula | B | 58.4 | 58.6 | 70 | 49 | 65 | 76,514 |
| 12Billings | C+ | 58.2 | 52.8 | 57 | 54 | 73 | 119,434 |
| 13Lewistown | D | 57.8 | 48.0 | 56 | 23 | 82 | 6,087 |
| 14Helena Valley Southeast | C | 56.9 | 50.4 | 53 | 57 | 73 | 9,108 |
| 15Lockwood | D | 56.3 | 48.7 | 47 | 53 | 78 | 7,181 |
| 16Livingston | C+ | 55.6 | 52.7 | 62 | 44 | 73 | 8,780 |
| 17Kalispell | B | 54.8 | 56.6 | 61 | 49 | 71 | 28,504 |
| 18Evergreen | C | 52.8 | 50.3 | 63 | 51 | 74 | 9,611 |
| 19Great Falls | C | 51.6 | 50.1 | 49 | 41 | 78 | 60,329 |
| 20Havre | D | 51.1 | 43.8 | 46 | 29 | 84 | 9,258 |
City retirees scores use each city's own data, with the category weights rescaled over the categories the city has; outdoor access has no city-level measure and is left out. City scores for retirees also weigh the county's expected yearly building losses from natural hazards (FEMA), lower is better; the share of adults without health insurance (CDC PLACES), a sign of local healthcare access, lower is better; the median age of residents (Census ACS), older is better: more peers and retiree services.
Compare: States with Similar Retirees Rankings
Also See: Montana for Other Lifestyles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Montana a good state for retirees?
Montana ranks #10 out of 50 for retirees with a persona-weighted score of 76.8/100. Its strongest relevant category is Outdoor Access (72/100) and its weakest is Economy (52/100).
What is the best city for retirees in Montana?
Bozeman ranks #1 in Montana for retirees with a score of 62.0/100, followed by Butte-Silver Bow and Anaconda-Deer Lodge County.
What factors are most important for retirees in Montana?
Rankings weighted toward low taxes, quality healthcare, affordable living, safety, community livability, and pleasant environment — the priorities for retirement years.