Everything You Should Know Before Moving to West Yellowstone, MT
Considering a move to West Yellowstone, MT? This charming gateway town has a population of 1,269 and features a median home price around $335,000, with average rents near $1,150. Residents enjoy short 10-minute commutes, low violent crime (193 per 100k), and over 60% sunny days a year, though winters are very cold. While local schools are small and class sizes are favorable, major hospitals are about an hour’s drive. West Yellowstone offers a friendly, outdoorsy lifestyle perfect for lovers of nature and national parks.
Demographics - West Yellowstone, MT
Demographics - West Yellowstone, MT
West Yellowstone is a small town of 1,269 residents with a median age of 42, reflecting a mature, close-knit community. The population is largely White at 89%, with a small but present mix of other ethnicities and about 6% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. The town's population density and gender balance suggest a stable, welcoming environment for newcomers.
Population:
1,269
Density:
487 per sq mi
Median Age:
42.1
Gender Ratio:
105 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
89.0%
Asian:
1.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in West Yellowstone, MT?
Living in West Yellowstone comes with a slightly above-average cost of living index at 104.3, driven by housing costs where the median home value is $335,000 and average rent is $1,150. Utilities and groceries are close to national averages, while property taxes and state taxes remain moderate. Residents enjoy manageable homeowner expenses, making it a balanced choice for both buyers and renters.
Median House Value:
$335,000
Gross Rent:
$1,150
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,250
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,420
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$440
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
6.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
104.3
Grocery:
99.2
Housing:
110.7
Utilities:
98.1
Transportation:
102.5
Health Care:
95.2
Miscellaneous:
97.4
Crime
Is West Yellowstone, MT a safe place to live?
West Yellowstone maintains a low crime rate, with violent crime at just 193 incidents per 100,000 people and property crime at 1,410 per 100,000. This means residents have a 1 in 518 chance of experiencing violent crime, contributing to a generally safe and peaceful atmosphere. The community's tight-knit nature and small population further enhance its overall sense of security.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
193
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,410
Crime Index:
1,603
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 518
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 71
Weather
What is the weather like in West Yellowstone, MT year-round?
The weather in West Yellowstone is marked by long, cold winters with temperatures dipping as low as 1°F, and mild summers that rarely exceed 78°F. The area enjoys about 62% sunny days annually and receives an average of 20.4 inches of rainfall, making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who appreciate crisp air and abundant sunshine. Seasonal changes are distinct, offering picturesque views throughout the year.

Winter
Min:
1°F
Max:
23°F

Spring
Min:
20°F
Max:
43°F

Summer
Min:
38°F
Max:
78°F

Fall
Min:
18°F
Max:
52°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
20.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Residents of West Yellowstone typically enjoy a median household income of $53,200 and a low poverty rate of 8.9%. The community is well-educated, with nearly 90% holding a high school diploma and over 23% earning a bachelor’s degree or higher. With short average commute times under 10 minutes and minimal public transit reliance, daily life here is convenient and relaxed.
Median Income:
$41,800
Household Income:
$53,200
Family Income:
$62,300
Per Capita Income:
$27,400
Income Male:
$32,500
Income Female:
$29,300
Poverty Rate:
8.9%
Non English Speakers:
6.2%
Rent:
$1,150
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
9.7 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
89.1%
Bachelors or More:
23.6%
Education
How are the schools in West Yellowstone, MT?
West Yellowstone is served by a small public school with favorable student-teacher ratios, providing a personalized learning environment for its 230 students. While there are no private schools in town, Montana State University is located 90 miles away in Bozeman, offering higher education opportunities within reasonable driving distance. The local focus on education ensures a supportive environment for families and students alike.

Public Schools
Name:
West Yellowstone School
Street:
411 N Geyser St
Phone:
406-646-7617
Students:
230
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.3

Colleges
Name:
Montana State University
City:
Bozeman
State:
MT
Distance:
90 miles
Students:
16,700
Healthcare
Access to healthcare in West Yellowstone includes nearby critical access and general hospitals, though major facilities are about an hour’s drive away. The town has 1.7 physicians per 1,000 residents and a health insurance coverage rate of 85%, ensuring basic health needs are met. While local services are limited, emergency care remains within reach for residents.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Madison Valley Medical Center
Address:
305 N Main St, Ennis, MT 59729
Phone:
(406) 682-6862
Type:
Critical Access Hospital
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Bozeman Health Deaconess Hospital
Address:
915 Highland Blvd, Bozeman, MT 59715
Phone:
(406) 414-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
85.1%
Health Care Index:
69.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in West Yellowstone, MT?
The housing market in West Yellowstone offers a median home price of $335,000 and average two-bedroom rent of $1,210, reflecting steady appreciation at 5.2% annually. About half of local homes are owner-occupied, and the rental vacancy rate stands at 6%, indicating moderate availability for both buyers and renters. The area experiences very low foreclosure and new construction rates, pointing to a stable, established housing market.
Median Home Price:
$335,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,210
Owner Occupied Rate:
49.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.2%
New Construction Rate:
2.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Montana residents handle their licensing and vehicle registration through the Montana Motor Vehicle Division, with resources available online and at the main office in Helena. The DMV offers straightforward service for new residents and drivers, making transitions easy for those relocating to West Yellowstone.
State:
Montana
Department:
Montana Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
302 N Roberts, Helena, MT 59620
Phone:
1-406-444-3933
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.