State and pay of nursing in MT

I am looking to do some travel in nursing in Montana and considering a move if all goes well. I am interested in rural nursing, mostly in the north and southwest parts of the states, as opposed to city hospitals. Can anyone give a general feel for the state of nursing in MT in 2011? What is nurse to patient ratio, average pay, and attitude about ADN vs BSN nurses. I understand that it is a lower pay scale than here in the PACNW, but how does the pay scale compare to the cost of living? Thanks so much for your replies.