countyscore
42.9
County Score
Cost of Living 89.8Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 42.8

County Report Card

About Big Horn County, Montana

Affordability meets rural challenges

Big Horn County holds a composite score of 42.9, which trails the national median of 50.0. While it offers significant cost advantages, it struggles to match national standards in social and health services.

Below the Big Sky average

The county's 42.9 score sits well below the Montana state average of 56.4. It represents a region where low living costs are balanced against significant needs in public health and safety.

Exceptional housing and water value

Big Horn boasts a remarkable cost score of 89.8, driven by a median home value of just $148,200. Residents also enjoy high water quality, as evidenced by a dimension score of 86.0.

Public health and safety gaps

The county faces serious headwinds with a health score of 14.3 and a safety score of 28.8. These figures indicate limited access to medical care and higher-than-average safety risks compared to its neighbors.

Best for budget-focused residents

This county suits individuals prioritizing rock-bottom housing costs and excellent water resources above all else. However, those requiring frequent medical care or a high sense of community safety may find better options elsewhere.

Score breakdown

Tax38Cost89.8Safety28.8Health14.3Schools31.1Income29.4Risk42.8Water86Weather29.9
🏛38
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠89.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼29.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡28.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤14.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓31.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡42.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤29.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱41.5
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Rosebud County
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Sheridan County
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Deep Dives

Big Horn County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Big Horn County

via TaxByCounty

Big Horn's tax rate tops state average

At 1.000%, Big Horn County's effective tax rate significantly exceeds the national median of roughly 0.87%. Despite a lower median home value of $148,200, the median tax bill of $1,482 remains competitive with national averages due to the higher rate.

Highest rate among counties surveyed

Big Horn's 1.000% effective rate is 30% above Montana's state average of 0.767%, making it the highest in this dataset. The county collects $1,482 in median taxes, below the state median of $1,802 only because homes are valued lower.

Big Horn stands apart with steeper taxes

Big Horn's 1.000% rate significantly outpaces neighbors Blaine (1.522% is higher) and Chouteau (0.781%), reflecting distinct assessment or mill rate structures. The lower median home value of $148,200 means residents pay less in absolute dollars despite the elevated rate.

Annual tax bill on median home

A median-priced home in Big Horn County valued at $148,200 translates to an annual tax bill of roughly $1,482. With a mortgage, expect approximately $1,432; without one, around $1,528 annually.

High rates make appeals worthwhile

At Big Horn's 1.000% effective rate, even small reductions in assessed value yield meaningful savings. Property owners should verify their assessments against comparable recent sales—overvaluations are common and correctable through formal appeal.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Big Horn County

via CostByCounty

Big Horn offers Montana's most affordable rents

Big Horn County's 14.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks as one of the most affordable housing markets in Montana, comfortably below the national norm. With median rent just $686/month and median incomes of $56,680, renters here dedicate less of their paycheck to housing than peers across the country.

Big Horn ranks among Montana's best values

At 14.5%, Big Horn's rent-to-income ratio beats Montana's state average of 15.9%, placing it solidly in the affordability-friendly tier. This county consistently outperforms peers on housing costs relative to income, a rare win in today's market.

Big Horn undercuts most adjacent counties

Big Horn's $686 median rent is the lowest among comparable rural Montana counties, trailing only Chouteau ($485) and Blaine ($689). Homebuyers also find relief here: median home values of $148,200 and monthly owner costs of $537 represent some of Montana's gentlest entry points to ownership.

Less than 15 cents on the dollar for rent

Big Horn renters earning the county median of $56,680 spend roughly $686/month on housing—just 14.5% of gross income. Homeowners face even lighter burdens: at $537/month, mortgage and ownership costs consume barely 11% of median household income.

Big Horn excels for budget-conscious relocators

If affordability is your top priority, Big Horn County delivers genuine value with the state's lowest rent-to-income ratio. Compare its 14.5% burden against pricier Montana neighbors like Broadwater (18.4%) and Beaverhead (16.5%) to maximize your housing dollar.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Big Horn County

via IncomeByCounty

Big Horn County earns well below national median

Big Horn County's median household income of $56,680 ranks about 24% below the U.S. median of $74,755. This reflects the economic challenges many rural and tribal communities face across the nation.

Montana's lower-income counties

Big Horn's $56,680 median income runs roughly 9% below Montana's state average of $62,295. The county sits among the state's lower-earning regions, though per capita income of $22,453 reflects unique demographic patterns.

Comparable to other southwestern Montana areas

Big Horn County's $56,680 median income mirrors Beaverhead County ($58,072) and slightly edges Carter County ($52,171). The trio represents Montana's most economically challenged counties, each tied to resource extraction and agricultural traditions.

Housing costs stay very affordable

Big Horn residents spend just 14.5% of income on rent, well below the 30% threshold and among Montana's most affordable ratios. However, median home values of $148,200 remain accessible, representing only 2.6 years of household income.

Maximize every earnings dollar

Big Horn's lower incomes demand disciplined financial planning—build an emergency fund before investing. Focus on debt reduction and tax-advantaged retirement accounts to compound growth over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Big Horn County

via CrimeByCounty

Safety Below National Averages

Big Horn County carries a safety score of 97.3, remaining well below the national total crime average of 2,385.5. The local rate of 1,711.2 per 100K residents shows a community that is safer than many urban centers.

Tracking Above State Norms

The county's total crime rate exceeds the Montana state average of 1,112.5 per 100K. Big Horn ranks slightly lower on the safety scale compared to the statewide average score of 98.2.

Comparing Regional Safety

Compared to neighboring Carbon County's low rate of 263.0, Big Horn sees more activity with 1,711.2 incidents per 100K. This reflects the unique law enforcement challenges faced in this part of the state.

Understanding the Incident Mix

Property crime is the primary driver here at 1,344.5 per 100K, while violent crime sits at 366.7. This violent crime rate is nearly identical to the national average of 369.8.

Securing Your Property

Protecting your property remains a priority given that property crimes are the most common incident type locally. Installing motion-sensor lights and securing outbuildings are practical steps for Big Horn residents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Big Horn County

via HealthByCounty

Big Horn faces a health crisis

At 64.6 years, Big Horn County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average by 9.9 years—a staggering gap reflecting serious health challenges. Over one-quarter (25.3%) of residents report poor or fair health, nearly double the national average.

Montana's lowest life expectancy

Big Horn's 64.6-year life expectancy falls 11.7 years below Montana's state average of 76.3 years. This county faces the state's most urgent health equity challenges.

Significantly worse than regional peers

Big Horn's 64.6-year life expectancy lags far behind neighboring Blaine (70.0) and all other measured counties in the region. Its 25.3% poor/fair health rate is the highest among all eight counties studied.

Critical shortage of healthcare providers

Big Horn has just 54 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—less than half what Beaverhead offers—and only 126 mental health providers per 100K. At 12.4% uninsured, residents face both access and affordability barriers.

Healthcare access starts with coverage

Big Horn residents deserve better health outcomes: check healthcare.gov today to find affordable plans or Medicaid eligibility. Community health centers may also offer sliding-scale services regardless of insurance status.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Big Horn County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse Districts Across Big Horn

Big Horn County operates 15 public schools, including eight elementary and three high schools, serving a total of 2,466 students. Eight school districts manage these facilities, which form the backbone of the region's educational system.

Investing in Growth and Performance

The county reports a graduation rate of 74.8% and a per-pupil expenditure of $7,791, both of which trail state averages. Local leaders continue to focus on improving the current school score of 47.2 to meet national benchmarks.

Hardin Dominates the Educational Scene

Hardin Elementary is the county's largest district, managing five schools and 1,284 students. No charter schools exist in the county, meaning 100% of the student population is enrolled in traditional public districts.

Sprawling Rural and Town Locales

The school system features a mix of 11 rural and four town-based locales, with an average school size of 164 students. Hardin High School is the largest campus with 512 students, contrasting with smaller rural primary schools across the county.

Community-Focused Living Near Schools

For families looking to move, the centralized districts in Hardin offer a variety of neighborhood options. Education quality remains a vital factor to weigh when researching real estate in this region.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Big Horn County

via RiskByCounty

Big Horn faces above-average multi-hazard risk

Big Horn County's composite risk score of 57.22 places it well above the national average, reflecting significant exposure to wildfires and flooding. While still rated Relatively Low, the county's risk profile is notably more complex than most U.S. counties.

High risk ranking among Montana counties

Big Horn County ranks in the upper quarter of Montana's 56 counties with a composite score of 57.22, substantially exceeding the state average of 33.31. The county's wildfire risk (94.85) is among the highest in the state, placing it in a distinct risk category.

More exposed to fire and flooding than peers

Big Horn's wildfire risk (94.85) ranks among the highest in the region, significantly higher than Carbon County (93.32) and far exceeding Chouteau (72.58). Its flood risk (55.12) also substantially exceeds neighboring counties like Blaine (46.53) and reflects the county's exposure to mountain snowmelt and summer storms.

Wildfires and floods dominate your risk profile

Big Horn County faces exceptional wildfire risk (94.85) and moderate-to-high flood risk (55.12), making these your two primary hazard concerns. Tornado risk (12.05) is modest compared to state averages, and earthquake risk (39.60) remains below regional highs.

Bundle wildfire and flood coverage immediately

Your county's dual exposure to wildfires and flooding means standard policies often fall short; wildfire damage is typically excluded from homeowners insurance. Work with an agent to add wildfire coverage and ensure your flood insurance limits account for proximity to flood-prone areas and wildland-urban interface zones.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Big Horn County

via WeatherByCounty

Moderate Temperatures for the Northern Plains

Big Horn County maintains an average annual temperature of 47.0°F, which remains cooler than the national median. However, it represents a relatively mild corridor for the northern United States.

Warmer Than the Montana Baseline

The county's 47.0°F average exceeds the Montana state average of 43.7°F. This makes Big Horn one of the warmer counties in a state known for extreme cold.

Hotter Summers Than Regional Peers

Big Horn experiences 43 extreme heat days per year, significantly more than neighboring counties like Carbon or Carter. Its 14.8 inches of annual precipitation is also slightly below the state average.

Intense Summer Heat and Snowy Peaks

July temperatures average 72.2°F, fueled by frequent 90°F days. Winters are more moderate than other parts of the state, though the county still receives 39.1 inches of annual snowfall.

Prepare for Peak Heat and Snow

Efficient air conditioning is vital for the 43 days of extreme heat each summer. Sturdy snow removal equipment is also necessary to manage the nearly 40 inches of annual winter accumulation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Big Horn County

via SoilByCounty

Big Horn's Diverse Soil Identity

Taxonomic data and pH levels for Big Horn County are not currently included in this dataset. Most Montana soils lean alkaline compared to the national median of 6.5, often matching the state average of 7.43. Identifying your specific soil identity requires a professional local lab test.

The Hidden Mix of Sand and Clay

Data regarding the specific percentages of sand, silt, and clay is currently unavailable for this region. This ratio determines whether your soil drains too quickly or stays waterlogged and heavy. Gardeners should look for signs of compaction to gauge the workability of their specific acreage.

Nutrient Retention in Big Horn

With organic matter data currently unlisted, growers can look to the Montana state average of 2.54% as a starting benchmark. Available water capacity (AWC) also remains unmapped for the county. Amending the soil with compost often improves these missing metrics, regardless of the starting point.

Understanding Local Hydrology Patterns

The county lacks a recorded dominant drainage class or hydrologic group in current surveys. Local topography plays a major role in how the soil handles moisture and heavy rainfall. Observing how your land dries after a storm provides critical clues for farming and construction projects.

Growing Success in Zone 5a

Big Horn County sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a, where the growing season is short but intense. Hardy perennials and cool-weather crops like peas and kale thrive in this environment. Dive into local gardening by selecting varieties bred for the Northern Plains.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Big Horn County

via LawnByCounty

Better Than Average Growth Potential

Big Horn County earns a lawn difficulty score of 41.5, making it one of the easier places in Montana to maintain a lawn compared to the state average of 33.4. The Zone 5a climate provides a solid foundation for hardy turf, though it remains below the national difficulty median.

Intense Summer Heat Impacts Mowing

You face 43 extreme heat days annually, which is nearly double the Montana average of 22 days. This heat, combined with 2,434 growing degree days, means your grass will grow rapidly and require frequent mowing and heavy irrigation to survive the summer.

Understanding Local Earth Conditions

While specific county soil metrics are not available in this dataset, the high heat and moderate 14.8 inches of rain suggest a need for moisture-retention amendments. Focus on adding compost to improve water holding capacity before the peak summer heat arrives.

Managing Moderate Drought Pressure

The county experienced 14 weeks of drought over the last year, and 100% of the area is currently abnormally dry. To protect your lawn during heat waves, keep your grass at least 3 inches tall to shade the soil and reduce evaporation.

Start Growing After the Spring Frost

Wait until after the typical last frost on May 21st to begin your spring seeding projects. Heat-tolerant cool-season varieties like Tall Fescue are excellent choices here to withstand those 43 scorching summer days.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Big Horn County's county score?
Big Horn County, Montana has a composite county score of 42.9 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Big Horn County rank among counties in Montana?
Big Horn County ranks #48 among all counties in Montana on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Big Horn County, Montana?
The median annual property tax in Big Horn County is $1,482, with an effective tax rate of 1.00%. This earns Big Horn County a tax score of 38/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Big Horn County?
The median household income in Big Horn County, Montana is $56,680 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Big Horn County earns an income score of 29.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Big Horn County, Montana a good place to live?
Big Horn County scores 42.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #48 in Montana. The best way to evaluate Big Horn County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Big Horn County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.