Forbes Names Montana’s Richest Cities – Not What You Expect

When you think of Montana’s richest towns, you might picture resort hotspots like Whitefish or Big Sky. But according to Forbes data from the latest U.S. Census, the state’s wealthiest “cities” are often so small and exclusive, you might not even know they existed. 

Discovering Gallatin River Ranch

At the top is Gallatin River Ranch, a private residential community northwest of Bozeman. With just 78 households, it boasts a median household income over $250,000 and median home values around $1.4 million. Property taxes here average nearly $7,800, numbers more in line with luxury coastal markets than rural Montana. 

Next is Rollins, a tiny community on Flathead Lake with fewer than 50 households. The average household income is over $229,000, and homes often come with sweeping lake views. There’s no bustling downtown, just peace, privacy, and prime real estate. 

CDPs: The Hidden Wealth Hubs

Other high-earning spots on the list include Bridger CDP, South Hills, and Turah, all census-designated places (CDPs). These aren’t incorporated towns with mayors and main streets; they’re small clusters of homes officially recognized for statistical purposes. That’s part of why the rankings feel so surreal, “richest city” here doesn’t always mean what you think it does. 

READ MORE: Montana Has one of the “Best Performing” Small-Cities in the Nation

For those wanting a wealthy community that still feels like a traditional town, Four Corners near Bozeman is a standout. With more than 5,500 residents and an average household income of around $140,000, it blends population size with prosperity. 

So, are these places real? Yes, but they push the definition of “town” to its limits. In Montana’s wealth rankings, a handful of households with big incomes and bigger homes can put a dot on the map. Do you know where these areas are in Montana? 

List of Richest Cities in Montana According to Forbes:

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