countyscore
54.1
County Score
Cost of Living 89.6Safety 87.5Income & Jobs 54.8

County Report Card

About Blaine County, Montana

Holding steady near the national middle

Blaine County earns a composite score of 54.1, placing it just above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a balanced profile of high safety and affordability despite some infrastructure limitations.

Consistent with Montana norms

With a score of 54.1, Blaine County tracks closely with the Montana state average of 56.4. It offers a typical Montana lifestyle, combining vast spaces with modest local economic activity.

Safe neighborhoods and low costs

The county is remarkably safe, earning a safety score of 87.5. It is also highly affordable, with a cost score of 89.6 and a median home value of only $124,900.

High taxes and water issues

The tax score is a low 11.9 due to an effective tax rate of 1.522%, which is high for the region. Furthermore, the water score of 0.9 points toward critical challenges in water quality or infrastructure.

A haven for bargain-hunting safety-seekers

Blaine County is a strong fit for retirees or remote workers who want absolute peace of mind regarding crime and housing prices. Potential residents should simply be prepared to navigate a higher-than-average tax burden.

Score breakdown

Tax11.9Cost89.6Safety87.5Health21.6Schools51.1Income54.8Risk54.2Water0.9Weather34.9
🏛11.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠89.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼54.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡87.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤21.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓51.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡54.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧0.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤34.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱28
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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Nearby counties

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Phillips County
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Fergus County
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Chouteau County
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Deep Dives

Blaine County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Blaine County

via TaxByCounty

Blaine County taxes rank among highest nationally

Blaine's 1.522% effective tax rate nearly doubles the national median of roughly 0.87%, placing it well above the 75th percentile nationally. With median taxes of $1,901, Blaine residents pay closer to the national median despite a home value ($124,900) far below the national average.

Montana's steepest property tax burden

Blaine County leads all Montana counties in this dataset with a 1.522% effective rate—nearly double the state average of 0.767%. The median tax bill of $1,901 exceeds the state median by $99, a substantial jump for a county with below-average home values.

Blaine leads north-central Montana in rates

At 1.522%, Blaine's effective rate far exceeds Big Horn (1.000%) and Chouteau (0.781%), making it the most tax-heavy county in the region. The smaller median home value of $124,900 compounds the burden, resulting in a high tax-to-value ratio.

Annual tax bill on median home

A median-priced home valued at $124,900 in Blaine County generates an annual tax bill of approximately $1,901. With a mortgage, taxes run about $1,943; without, approximately $1,821 annually.

Appeals especially valuable in high-tax counties

Blaine's elevated 1.522% rate means even modest assessment reductions deliver substantial annual savings. Many homeowners in high-tax counties fail to challenge assessments; a successful appeal could reduce your bill by hundreds of dollars annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Blaine County

via CostByCounty

Blaine ranks as Montana's housing bargain

Blaine County's 12.7% rent-to-income ratio is one of the best in the nation, significantly below the national norm and Montana's average. With median rent of just $689/month and median household income of $65,050, renters here enjoy genuine affordability while earning higher-than-many local incomes.

Blaine County leads Montana affordability rankings

At 12.7%, Blaine's rent-to-income ratio ranks as Montana's most favorable, beating the state average of 15.9% by nearly 3 percentage points. Few Montana counties offer such a cushion between housing costs and household earnings.

Blaine offers lowest rents with steady incomes

Blaine's $689 median rent rivals Big Horn ($686) and undercuts Beaverhead ($800), while median incomes of $65,050 exceed most rural peers. Home values of $124,900 represent Montana's most approachable entry point to ownership, with monthly costs around $533.

Housing takes just over one-eighth of income

A Blaine County renter earning the median $65,050 spends approximately $689/month on housing—only 12.7% of gross income, leaving substantial room for savings and other expenses. Homeowners benefit even more: at $533/month, ownership costs claim barely 9.8% of median household income.

Blaine County: Montana's most livable housing market

Relocating to Montana? Blaine County combines the state's lowest rent-to-income ratio with higher-than-average incomes, an uncommon advantage. Stack its 12.7% housing burden against costlier neighbors like Broadwater (18.4%) and Cascade (16.4%) to see the difference in your wallet.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Blaine County

via IncomeByCounty

Blaine County approaches the national average

Blaine County's median household income of $65,050 sits about 13% below the U.S. median of $74,755, but closer than many rural Montana peers. The county punches above its size in regional economic terms.

Slightly above Montana's state average

At $65,050, Blaine County's median household income runs about 4% above Montana's state average of $62,295. This positions the county among the state's stronger-performing rural economies.

Blaine leads northern Montana counties

Blaine's $65,050 median income outpaces Chouteau County ($56,927) and Big Horn County ($56,680) but trails Carbon County's $71,017. Northern and north-central Montana shows the widest income spread in the state.

Most affordable housing in the dataset

Blaine County boasts Montana's lowest rent-to-income ratio at 12.7%, freeing up significant household budgets for savings. Median home values of just $124,900—less than two years of household income—make homeownership most accessible here.

Blaine's advantage: low cost of living

With minimal housing burden, Blaine households can aggressively fund retirement accounts and investment portfolios. The county's affordability creates unusual wealth-building opportunities—seize them now before economic pressures inevitably rise.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Blaine County

via CrimeByCounty

Near-Perfect Safety Score

Blaine County is one of the safest areas in the nation with a nearly perfect safety score of 99.6. Its total crime rate of 270.2 per 100K is a mere fraction of the 2,385.5 national average.

A Montana Safety Leader

Blaine County significantly outperforms the Montana state average crime rate of 1,112.5. It stands as a leader in public safety within the state's hierarchy.

Quiet Neighbors in Blaine

Blaine's crime rate of 270.2 is much lower than Big Horn's 1,711.2. It maintains a peaceful environment even compared to other rural Montana neighbors.

Negligible Violent Crime

Violent crime is almost non-existent at just 14.2 per 100K, far below the national 369.8 average. Most incidents are property-related, occurring at a rate of 256.0 per 100K.

Maintain Your Peace

With such low violent crime, residents should focus on simple property protection. Keeping vehicles locked and documenting valuables helps maintain the county's high safety standards.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Blaine County

via HealthByCounty

Blaine lags behind national average

Blaine County's life expectancy of 70.0 years falls 4.5 years short of the U.S. average of 74.5 years. At 21.7%, the poor/fair health rate exceeds the national average by 3.7 percentage points.

Below Montana's health baseline

Blaine's 70.0-year life expectancy ranks 6.3 years below Montana's state average of 76.3 years. The county needs targeted health interventions.

Middle of the pack regionally

Blaine's 70.0-year life expectancy sits between Big Horn (64.6) and higher-performing counties like Broadwater (80.3). Its 21.7% poor/fair health rate is better than Big Horn's 25.3% but worse than peers like Carbon (14.6%).

Limited primary care, strong mental health

Blaine has only 57 primary care providers per 100,000—a significant constraint—but compensates with 217 mental health providers per 100K. The 12.8% uninsured rate is slightly above state average, adding access barriers.

Bridge the coverage gap in Blaine

Blaine's 12.8% uninsured rate means over 1 in 8 residents lack coverage. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE to explore options and connect with local resources.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Blaine County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Broad Network of Rural Schools

Blaine County features 17 public schools spread across 11 districts, serving a total enrollment of 1,324 students. The landscape is dominated by nine elementary schools and four high schools, reflecting a commitment to early childhood and secondary education.

Competitive Spending and Performance Scores

The county invests $9,993 per pupil, which is higher than the Montana state average of $9,334. This investment supports an 82.3% graduation rate and a school score of 55.9, which outperforms the state median.

Harlem and Chinook Lead Enrollment

Harlem Elementary is the largest district, serving 467 students across two facilities. All 17 schools are traditional public institutions, as there are no charter schools currently operating in the county.

Purely Rural Educational Settings

Every school in the county is classified as rural, creating an average school size of just 78 students. Harlem Elementary School is the largest individual site with 367 students, while several smaller schools offer highly personalized learning.

Rural Charm and Dedicated Teachers

Blaine County provides a quiet, rural atmosphere for students to thrive in small classroom settings. Families seeking a slower pace of life should look at homes within the Harlem or Chinook districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Blaine County

via RiskByCounty

Blaine County's risk moderately above U.S. average

Blaine County scores 45.87 on the composite risk index, positioning it as Relatively Low but notably above the national average. The county's risk is driven by wildfire exposure (69.85) and moderate flood risk (46.53), while earthquake and tornado hazards remain low by comparative standards.

Mid-tier risk profile across Montana

Blaine County ranks in the middle range of Montana's 56 counties with a composite score of 45.87, above the state average of 33.31. Its wildfire risk (69.85) is significant but lower than the county's most fire-exposed peers like Big Horn and Carbon.

Moderate fire risk relative to regional counterparts

Blaine's wildfire risk (69.85) is notably lower than Big Horn (94.85) and Carbon (93.32) but comparable to Beaverhead (84.32). Its flood risk (46.53) sits between Chouteau (50.38) and Broadwater (19.08), reflecting variable exposure to snowmelt and precipitation patterns across the region.

Wildfires and flooding are your primary concerns

Blaine County residents face meaningful wildfire risk (69.85) and moderate flood risk (46.53), making these the focus of emergency preparedness efforts. Earthquake risk (13.36) and tornado risk (6.68) are notably low, simplifying your insurance and mitigation decisions.

Secure wildfire and flood coverage today

With dual wildfire and flood exposure, Blaine residents need both specialized wildfire insurance and a separate flood policy—standard homeowners coverage excludes both. Ensure your home is in defensible condition and verify that your flood insurance accurately reflects your property's elevation and proximity to flood-prone waterways.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Blaine County

via WeatherByCounty

Northern Latitude Brings a Brisk Climate

Blaine County averages 43.0°F annually, placing it well below the median temperatures seen across the United States. Its position on the northern plains ensures a consistently cool environment.

Mirroring the Montana Average

The county's average temperature of 43.0°F sits right near the Montana state average of 43.7°F. It serves as a representative sample of the state's typical thermal profile.

Dry Conditions on the High Plains

With only 13.2 inches of annual precipitation, Blaine is drier than the state average of 15.4 inches. It shares this arid characteristic with many counties along the Hi-Line.

Sharp Temperature Swings Between Seasons

January averages a cold 18.2°F, while July heats up to 68.3°F. The county experiences 22 extreme heat days and accumulates about 26.1 inches of snow each year.

Plan for Arid Cold and Sun

Residents need high-quality winter layers for the 20.1°F winter average. Because of the 13.2 inches of annual rain, water-efficient landscaping is a smart choice for local homeowners.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Blaine County

via SoilByCounty

Blaine's Northern Soil Profile

Specific taxonomic and pH data for Blaine County are currently missing from the digital record. While the national median pH is 6.5, Montana’s average of 7.43 suggests a likely alkaline environment. Knowing your soil's chemical identity is the first step toward successful crop management.

Assessing Soil Texture and Workability

The mix of sand, silt, and clay in Blaine County is not currently quantified in this dataset. Texture influences everything from nutrient retention to how easily roots can penetrate the earth. Local growers often find a varied mix that requires site-specific management strategies.

Fertility Benchmarks for Northern Growers

Organic matter and available water capacity (AWC) figures are not available for this county. For context, the average Montana soil contains 2.54% organic matter and holds 0.165 inches of water per inch of soil. Enhancing organic content is a proven way to boost productivity in these northern reaches.

Hydrology and Drainage in Blaine

Data for dominant drainage classes and hydrologic groups remains unrecorded for this area. Field-level observation is the most effective way to judge how well your land manages heavy snowmelt. Proper drainage prevents root rot and ensures stable foundations for local infrastructure.

Planting for Success in Zone 4a

As a USDA Hardiness Zone 4a region, Blaine County requires extremely cold-tolerant plants. Short-season varieties are essential to beat the early autumn frosts. Embrace the challenge by planting resilient crops like potatoes, radishes, and native wildflowers.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Blaine County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Cold Winters and Dry Soil

Blaine County sits at a lawn difficulty score of 28.0, reflecting the challenges of a Zone 4a climate. Maintaining a green lawn here is significantly harder than the national average due to the shorter, colder growing season and limited moisture.

Tight Windows for Peak Growth

With an annual precipitation of only 13.2 inches, you fall well short of the 30-50 inches lawns ideally need. The growing season is compressed between the last frost in late May and the first frost on September 22nd.

Building a Foundation in Zone 4

Local soil data is limited, but successful lawns in this region generally require well-draining soil with plenty of organic material. Because the average annual temperature is just 43.0°F, soil microbes work slowly, making annual aeration and light fertilization vital.

Severe Drought Challenges Turf

Blaine County is facing significant stress, with 84% of the area in severe drought and 41 weeks of drought recorded in the past year. Use mulch-mowing to return clippings to the lawn, which helps retain moisture and provides natural nitrogen.

Hardy Grasses for the Northern Plains

Stick with the hardiest varieties like Kentucky Bluegrass or Creeping Red Fescue that can survive Zone 4a winters. Plan your seeding for late May once the threat of frost has passed to give new roots time to establish.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Blaine County's county score?
Blaine County, Montana has a composite county score of 54.1 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 Blaine County rank among counties in Montana?
Blaine County ranks #35 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 Blaine County, Montana?
The median annual property tax in Blaine County is $1,901, with an effective tax rate of 1.52%. This earns Blaine County a tax score of 11.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Blaine County?
The median household income in Blaine County, Montana is $65,050 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Blaine County earns an income score of 54.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Blaine County, Montana a good place to live?
Blaine County scores 54.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #35 in Montana. The best way to evaluate Blaine 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 Blaine 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.