Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Polson, MT
Considering a move to Polson, MT? With a close-knit population of about 5,148, Polson offers affordable living—median home values are $342,000 and average rent is around $950. Enjoy short commutes (under 15 minutes), a mild four-season climate, and a strong local school community. While property crime rates are higher than the national average, residents benefit from beautiful Flathead Lake views, nearby healthcare, and the laid-back Montana lifestyle.
Demographics - Polson, MT
Demographics - Polson, MT
Polson, Montana is home to just over 5,100 residents, offering a small-town feel with a diverse community that is 74% White and 16% Native American. The median age of 43.5 reflects a mature population, and the city maintains a balanced gender ratio. Around 6% of residents speak a language other than English at home, adding to the town’s cultural mix.
Population:
5,148
Density:
1,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.5
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.4%

Ethnic Composition
White:
74.7%
Black:
0.4%
Asian:
0.8%
Others:
4.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Polson, MT?
Living in Polson is relatively affordable, with a cost of living index just below the national average and median home values at $342,000. Renters can expect average monthly payments around $950, while utilities and transportation costs are also modest. State income taxes are moderate, making it a budget-friendly option for many families.
Median House Value:
$342,000
Gross Rent:
$950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,400
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$470
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
6.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
98.6
Grocery:
97.2
Housing:
104.1
Utilities:
92.5
Transportation:
91.8
Health Care:
96.4
Miscellaneous:
95.1
Crime
Is Polson, MT a safe place to live?
Polson experiences a higher rate of property crime than the national average, with a 1 in 48 chance of being affected, but violent crime remains low at just 240 incidents per 100,000 people. Most residents feel safe, especially in residential neighborhoods. It's wise to take standard safety precautions, particularly regarding property security.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
240
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,100
Crime Index:
2,340
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 417
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 48
Weather
What is the weather like in Polson, MT year-round?
Polson enjoys a true four-season climate, with mild summers reaching up to 82°F and winters dipping to 18°F at night. The area sees about 15.6 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine about half the year. This weather appeals to those who appreciate distinct seasonal changes and outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
36°F

Spring
Min:
34°F
Max:
60°F

Summer
Min:
48°F
Max:
82°F

Fall
Min:
36°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
15.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
50%
Neighbors
Polson’s residents have a median household income of $48,700 and benefit from a short average commute of under 15 minutes. The community is well-educated, with over 90% holding at least a high school diploma, and unemployment remains low at 4.8%. While poverty is slightly above the national average at 14%, the town offers a close-knit, supportive environment.
Median Income:
$33,400
Household Income:
$48,700
Family Income:
$61,200
Per Capita Income:
$25,800
Income Male:
$31,600
Income Female:
$29,200
Poverty Rate:
14.2%
Non English Speakers:
6.4%
Rent:
$950
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.6%
Commute Time:
14.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
90.8%
Bachelors or More:
23.5%
Education
How are the schools in Polson, MT?
Polson offers a strong educational environment, with public schools like Polson High and Cherry Valley Elementary serving local families and student-teacher ratios around 14:1. The area is also home to private school options and is just a short drive from Salish Kootenai College in Pablo. The town’s high school graduation rate exceeds 90%, reflecting its commitment to academic achievement.

Public Schools
Name:
Polson High School
Street:
1712 2nd St W
Phone:
406-883-6351
Students:
480
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.6
Name:
Cherry Valley Elementary School
Street:
107 8th Ave W
Phone:
406-883-6333
Students:
370
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.8

Private Schools
Name:
Lighthouse Christian Academy
Street:
29791 US-93
Phone:
406-883-2447
Students:
65

Colleges
Name:
Salish Kootenai College
City:
Pablo
State:
MT
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
800
Healthcare
Access to healthcare in Polson is strong, anchored by Providence St. Joseph Medical Center and a physician rate of 1.7 per 1,000 residents. Over 91% of locals have health insurance, making medical care widely accessible. The city’s healthcare index points to generally favorable access and service quality.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Providence St. Joseph Medical Center
Address:
6 13th Ave E, Polson, MT 59860
Phone:
(406) 883-5377
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.3%
Health Care Index:
69.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Polson, MT?
Polson’s housing market features a median home price of $342,000 and stable appreciation, with home values rising 6.2% in the past year. Over half of properties are owner-occupied, and there’s a healthy rental market with an average two-bedroom rent of $950. Low foreclosure and vacancy rates indicate a strong and stable real estate environment.
Median Home Price:
$342,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
57.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents of Polson can access vehicle and licensing services through the Montana Motor Vehicle Division, with the nearest office located in Missoula. The division offers comprehensive resources online and by phone for registering vehicles and obtaining licenses. This ensures convenient DMV services for local drivers.
State:
Montana
Department:
Montana Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
2677 Palmer St, Suite 100, Missoula, MT 59808
Phone:
1-866-450-8034
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.