Big Horn's score of 65.9 still outpaces the national median of 50.0 by 32%, placing it solidly above average. However, it underperforms Montana's state average of 72.1, signaling some structural livability challenges.
2 / 5
Below Montana's middle, but not alone
Big Horn ranks below the state average, placing it in the lower half of Montana's counties. This reflects a community facing headwinds that many of its neighbors don't—particularly in health and risk metrics.
3 / 5
Exceptional housing affordability wins out
Big Horn posts Montana's most affordable housing market among these eight counties, with a cost score of 88.0, median rent of $686/month, and median home values at just $148,200. This deep affordability is the county's primary livability advantage.
4 / 5
Health outcomes and risk management lag
Health (51.2) and risk (42.8) scores rank among the county's weakest dimensions, suggesting elevated health concerns and economic vulnerability. Low income (20.4) and median household income of $56,680 compound these challenges.
5 / 5
Best for cost-first homebuyers accepting trade-offs
Big Horn appeals to buyers prioritizing rock-bottom housing costs over robust health systems or strong economic fundamentals. It's a sensible choice for remote workers or retirees with secure outside income willing to accept fewer local services.
Big Horn's score of 65.9 still outpaces the national median of 50.0 by 32%, placing it solidly above average. However, it underperforms Montana's state average of 72.1, signaling some structural livability challenges.
Below Montana's middle, but not alone
Big Horn ranks below the state average, placing it in the lower half of Montana's counties. This reflects a community facing headwinds that many of its neighbors don't—particularly in health and risk metrics.
Exceptional housing affordability wins out
Big Horn posts Montana's most affordable housing market among these eight counties, with a cost score of 88.0, median rent of $686/month, and median home values at just $148,200. This deep affordability is the county's primary livability advantage.
Health outcomes and risk management lag
Health (51.2) and risk (42.8) scores rank among the county's weakest dimensions, suggesting elevated health concerns and economic vulnerability. Low income (20.4) and median household income of $56,680 compound these challenges.
Best for cost-first homebuyers accepting trade-offs
Big Horn appeals to buyers prioritizing rock-bottom housing costs over robust health systems or strong economic fundamentals. It's a sensible choice for remote workers or retirees with secure outside income willing to accept fewer local services.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛74.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.