Beaverhead's composite score of 72.6 towers 45% above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top tier of U.S. counties. This performance reflects a county where affordability, tax burden, and health outcomes outpace most American communities.
2 / 5
Slightly ahead of Montana's median
Ranking at the state average of 72.1, Beaverhead holds its own among Montana's 56 counties. It's a solid, middle-of-the-pack performer statewide—not an outlier, but consistently livable.
3 / 5
Low taxes and affordable housing anchor quality
Beaverhead shines brightest in tax burden (83.6) and housing affordability (81.4), with an effective tax rate of just 0.665% and median home values at $282,000. Health outcomes also stand out at 72.3, well above many rural peers.
4 / 5
Income and economic mobility lag
The county's weakest dimension is income, scoring just 21.3, with a median household income of $58,072. This suggests limited wage growth and economic opportunity—a common rural trade-off between affordability and earnings potential.
5 / 5
Ideal for budget-conscious retirees
Beaverhead suits families and retirees seeking low taxes, affordable housing, and solid health services who aren't dependent on high local wages. It's a quiet, fiscally prudent choice for those with income from outside the county.
Beaverhead's composite score of 72.6 towers 45% above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top tier of U.S. counties. This performance reflects a county where affordability, tax burden, and health outcomes outpace most American communities.
Slightly ahead of Montana's median
Ranking at the state average of 72.1, Beaverhead holds its own among Montana's 56 counties. It's a solid, middle-of-the-pack performer statewide—not an outlier, but consistently livable.
Low taxes and affordable housing anchor quality
Beaverhead shines brightest in tax burden (83.6) and housing affordability (81.4), with an effective tax rate of just 0.665% and median home values at $282,000. Health outcomes also stand out at 72.3, well above many rural peers.
Income and economic mobility lag
The county's weakest dimension is income, scoring just 21.3, with a median household income of $58,072. This suggests limited wage growth and economic opportunity—a common rural trade-off between affordability and earnings potential.
Ideal for budget-conscious retirees
Beaverhead suits families and retirees seeking low taxes, affordable housing, and solid health services who aren't dependent on high local wages. It's a quiet, fiscally prudent choice for those with income from outside the county.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛83.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
At 0.665%, Beaverhead's effective tax rate sits well below the national median of roughly 0.87%, placing the county in the lower half nationally. The median tax bill here is $1,876—nearly 30% less than the national median of $2,690.
Below-average rates across Montana
Beaverhead ranks in the middle tier of Montana counties, with an effective rate 13% below the state average of 0.767%. At $1,876 in median taxes, the county actually trails the state median of $1,802 by just $74, thanks to competitive home values.
Beaverhead sits between Big Horn and Broadwater
Among nearby southwest Montana counties, Beaverhead's 0.665% rate falls between Big Horn's 1.000% and Broadwater's 0.606%. The median home value of $282,000 is the highest in this cluster, balancing the lower tax rate.
Annual tax bill on median home
A median-priced home valued at $282,000 in Beaverhead County carries an annual tax bill of approximately $1,876. For owners with a mortgage, expected taxes run about $2,143 annually.
Consider a property tax appeal
Many Montana homeowners discover their assessments exceed market value and successfully appeal for reductions. If your home's assessed value seems high relative to recent sales in your area, a formal challenge could lower your annual tax burden.
At 16.5%, Beaverhead's rent-to-income ratio sits just above the national norm, meaning renters here dedicate a bit more of their paychecks to housing than the typical American household. The county's median rent of $800 is lower than many urban centers, but local incomes of $58,072 lag the national median of $74,755 by about 22%, creating the squeeze.
Affordability challenge in rural Montana
Beaverhead's 16.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks as a mid-tier affordability challenge among Montana counties, slightly above the state average of 15.9%. The county mirrors statewide pressures: lower wages paired with housing costs that haven't declined proportionally.
Beaverhead rents competitive with rural peers
At $800/month, Beaverhead's median rent undercuts Carbon County ($882) and Cascade County ($902), placing it closer to Big Horn and Blaine counties. However, Beaverhead homeowners face steeper mortgage costs ($829/month) than Big Horn buyers ($537/month), reflecting higher median home values of $282,000 versus $148,200.
Housing eats nearly one-sixth of income
A renter earning Beaverhead's median household income of $58,072 spends roughly $800/month on housing—about 16.5% of gross income. Homeowners with a median monthly cost of $829 face a similar burden, leaving limited room in household budgets for other expenses.
Consider Beaverhead for balanced rural living
If you're weighing Montana relocation, Beaverhead offers competitive rental prices and a genuine sense of rural community. Compare its 16.5% rent-to-income ratio against pricier neighbors like Broadwater (18.4%) and Cascade (16.4%) to find your best fit.
Beaverhead County's median household income of $58,072 falls about 22% below the national median of $74,755. This places the county in the lower half of American counties, though many rural Montana counties face similar income pressures.
Below average among Montana counties
At $58,072, Beaverhead's median household income sits about 7% below Montana's state average of $62,295. The county ranks in the middle tier statewide, outperforming some rural neighbors but trailing more economically dynamic regions.
Beaverhead fits among rural peers
Beaverhead's $58,072 median income compares favorably to nearby Big Horn County ($56,680) and Carter County ($52,171), but lags behind Broadwater County ($63,636) and Carbon County ($71,017). Regional income variation reflects differences in job markets and industry mix across southwestern Montana.
Rent remains manageable for most
Beaverhead households spend 16.5% of income on rent, comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold. However, median home values of $282,000 represent about 4.9 years of median household income, requiring significant savings for homeownership.
Building savings in Beaverhead
With stable rents and moderate living costs, Beaverhead households have opportunities to prioritize retirement savings and home equity building. Even modest monthly investments compound significantly over time—start early and leverage employer matches when available.
At 79.1 years, Beaverhead County residents live 4.6 years longer than the U.S. average of 74.5 years. Only 15.6% report poor or fair health, below the national average of 18%, signaling strong population wellness.
Leading Montana in longevity
Beaverhead's life expectancy of 79.1 years tops Montana's state average of 76.3 years by nearly 3 years. The county ranks among the state's healthiest by this measure.
Outperforming surrounding counties
Beaverhead's 79.1-year life expectancy surpasses all measured neighbors, including Broadwater (80.3) and Carbon (80.4) as peers but ahead of Cascade (75.5) and Chouteau (75.9). Its 15.6% poor/fair health rate beats the regional average.
Strong provider access, minimal gaps
With 147 primary care providers and 202 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, Beaverhead offers robust healthcare access well above state norms. The 11.9% uninsured rate matches Montana's average, leaving most residents covered.
Keep Beaverhead healthy—stay insured
Even with strong outcomes, healthcare remains essential: verify your coverage today at healthcare.gov or contact a local agent. Montana's uninsured rate remains a concern—don't let your family be part of it.
Beaverhead's risk sits above the national baseline
Beaverhead County scores 42.88 on the composite risk index, placing it in the Relatively Low category but well above the national average. This score reflects above-average earthquake and wildfire exposure compared to most U.S. counties, though flood and tornado risks remain modest by national standards.
A mid-range hazard profile for Montana
Among Montana's 56 counties, Beaverhead ranks in the middle of the risk distribution with a composite score of 42.88, compared to the state average of 33.31. The county faces notably higher earthquake risk (85.66) and wildfire risk (84.32) than most of its peers statewide.
More seismically active than nearby counties
Beaverhead's earthquake risk (85.66) significantly exceeds that of neighboring Broadwater (74.87) and Chouteau (27.07) counties, reflecting its proximity to Montana's seismic zones. Its wildfire risk (84.32) aligns closely with regional trends but remains higher than Blaine County's 69.85 rating.
Earthquakes and wildfires are your top threats
Beaverhead residents face the highest exposure to earthquakes (85.66) and wildfires (84.32), both well above state and national medians for rural counties. While flood risk (36.32) and tornado risk (6.81) are comparatively low, the combination of seismic and fire hazards demands targeted preparedness planning.
Prioritize earthquake and wildfire coverage
Standard homeowners policies exclude earthquake and wildfire damage, leaving Beaverhead residents exposed to your county's top two threats. Consider adding earthquake and wildfire riders to your policy and maintaining defensible space around your home to reduce fire vulnerability.