City Profile
Polson, Montana
USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Polson, Montana, is a picturesque city nestled on the southern shore of Flathead Lake, offering a blend of natural beauty and a growing economy. Originally established as a trading post, Polson has evolved into a community that attracts residents with its stunning landscapes, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a friendly, small-town atmosphere. The city's location makes it a gateway to numerous natural attractions, including Glacier National Park and the Flathead National Forest, drawing in both tourists and those seeking a more serene lifestyle. Polson's economy is increasingly diversified, with tourism, agriculture, and small-scale manufacturing forming its backbone, supported by a growing agritourism sector and retail services catering to a mix of local residents and visitors. The community spirit is strong, with active local government and organizations supporting new ventures and fostering a high quality of life for its inhabitants.
Montana, known as "Big Sky Country," offers a peaceful, nature-centric lifestyle with vast open spaces and a strong sense of community. Its economy is primarily driven by agriculture, forestry, mining, energy production, and a growing service sector that includes tourism and outdoor recreation. While the cost of living can vary, with urban areas like Bozeman being more expensive, some smaller towns offer more affordable options, and the state benefits from no sales tax. Montana experiences significant climatic variations due to its diverse geography, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters, especially in the mountainous western regions.
How this 61/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 72 / 100 | 72.0 | 30% | 21.6 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 101.0 | 42.5 | 25% | 10.6 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $53,418 Income needed to live here: $55,000 Unemployment rate: 3.2% | 53.2 | 20% | 10.6 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: 2.05% Job growth rate: no usable reading | 76.3 | 15% | 11.4 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 68 / 100 | 68.0 | 10% | 6.8 |
| Overall score | 61.1 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Gemini (Tier 1 (fast), q=80), last refreshed
25 September 2026.
They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.
Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.
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Cost of Living
The cost of living in Polson, Montana, is slightly higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 101, indicating it is 1% more expensive than the U.S. average. Housing costs in Polson are on par with the national average, but overall expenses are influenced by factors such as food and transportation. While Montana has a lower general sales tax and state income tax compared to the national average, Polson's overall cost of living is driven by a combination of these factors. For example, food costs are less affordable than the U.S. average, while transportation costs are more affordable. These elements contribute to a monthly expense of approximately $2,461 for a single person and $5,420 for a family of four in 2026.
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Polson's economy is anchored by tourism, agriculture, and small-scale manufacturing, benefiting from a steady influx of visitors drawn to Flathead Lake and nearby national parks. The agritourism sector is growing, with local vineyards and farms contributing to its expansion. Retail businesses and service providers cater to both residents and tourists, offering a variety of shops, dining, and wellness services. While the population is modest, per capita income and consumer spending levels are above average for rural Montana. The job market is supported by industries such as Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Accommodation & Food Services, though overall employment saw a slight decline of 2.02% between 2023 and 2024. The state of Montana, as a whole, has seen job growth in construction and services, with an unemployment rate of 3.2% in July 2026, which is lower than the national average.
The average salary in Polson is $65,000 per year. You would need approximately $55,000 to live comfortably.
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Transportation in Polson, MT, is primarily car-dependent, with 82% of workers driving alone to work in 2024. The average commute time is 19.7 minutes, which is shorter than the U.S. average. Walkability and bikeability scores are moderate, with a Walk Score of 27 and a Bike Score of 54. Public transportation options are limited, and car ownership is common, with an average of two cars per household. The city's infrastructure supports driving, with most residents relying on personal vehicles for daily commutes and errands.
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