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Overall Rating: 80/100 · 87,000 veterans (10.7% of population)
Reviewed 2026. Programs and exemptions verified against Montana veterans-affairs and tax-authority sources.
Benefit details verified January 2025. Tax exemptions, caps, and eligibility change and can vary by county — always confirm current figures with your county assessor and your Montana Department of Veterans Affairs before you rely on them.
50% exempt starting 2026 (phasing to 100%)
0.85% average effective rate
Income-tested (up to 100% relief)
Montana MDV: 100% rating only; tax reduced 50–100% by income/marital status (TY2026 married 100% relief if income ≤ ~$57,781). No benefit below 100%.
Source ↗No sales tax in Montana
$60,000
VA Medical Center
3687 Veterans Drive, Fort Harrison, MT 59636
(406) 442-6410
24/7 emergency, PTSD residential program, substance abuse, mental health
Tuition assistance
Montana resident veterans, tuition assistance at state schools
4-year value: $12,000
Median Home
$380,000
1BR Rent
$950/mo
COL Index
94
Unemployment
3.1%
Major employers: Billings Clinic, St. Vincent Healthcare, energy sector, state government
Pros: VA clinic, affordable housing, no sales tax, outdoor recreation
Cons: Cold winters, limited property tax relief, remote location
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Buying a home
$0 down, no PMI. Funding fee waived for service-connected veterans.
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Eligible veterans who separated under honorable conditions and served more than 180 consecutive days of active federal duty (or during a war/campaign) may claim a hiring preference when applying for State of Montana jobs. Spouses of totally and permanently disabled veterans may also qualify.
Official source ↗Montana residents and nonresidents awarded a Purple Heart may hunt upland game birds and fish with a Conservation License, and veterans with certain combat-connected injuries may qualify for half-priced deer and antelope licenses.
Official source ↗Montana FWP offers reduced-fee Conservation, fishing, and AIS Prevention Pass licenses for residents who are permanently and substantially disabled, plus free permits for veterans residing in VA hospitals or state institutions.
Official source ↗Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability are eligible for free license plates for one vehicle. The Montana Motor Vehicle Division also issues a range of veteran and military license plates.
Official source ↗Montana Veteran Service Officers can help add a Veteran designation to a Montana driver license or state ID as accepted proof of veteran status.
Official source ↗A Medicare/Medicaid and VA-certified skilled nursing facility with intermediate/skilled-care and domiciliary beds. Open to honorably discharged veterans and the spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran.
Official source ↗A state skilled nursing facility for honorably discharged veterans and the spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran, regardless of medical diagnosis or handicap, subject to the home's ability to properly serve the resident.
Official source ↗The Montana Disabled Veteran (MDV) Property Tax Assistance Program reduces the property tax rate on the primary residence for unmarried surviving spouses of qualifying 100% service-connected disabled veterans, with relief of 50%-100% based on income.
Official source ↗Sourced from official state agencies; programs and eligibility change — confirm with your Montana Department of Veterans Affairs before applying.