countyscore
54.5
County Score
Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 82.3Property Tax 73.5

County Report Card

About Broadwater County, Montana

Competitive on the national stage

Broadwater County scores 54.5, outperforming the national median of 50.0. This ranking is supported by excellent environmental stability and a favorable tax climate.

A stable Montana performer

The county's 54.5 score is nearly identical to the state average of 56.4. It provides a reliable baseline for Montana living, though it faces unique pressures in the housing market.

Low risk and high water quality

Broadwater shines with a risk score of 82.3 and a water score of 86.0, indicating high environmental resilience. Residents also enjoy a low tax rate of 0.606%, contributing to a tax score of 73.5.

Housing costs and school funding

A cost score of 26.8 highlights a housing squeeze, with median home values reaching $364,800. The school score of 32.6 also suggests that local education resources may be trailing state leaders.

Ideal for nature-focused commuters

Broadwater is best for established professionals or retirees who value environmental safety and tax savings. Its higher housing costs are a trade-off for living in one of the state's most resilient and low-tax areas.

Score breakdown

Tax73.5Cost26.8Safety68.8Health65Schools32.6Income49.9Risk82.3Water86Weather43.5
🏛73.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠26.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼49.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡68.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤65
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓32.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡82.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤43.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱31.6
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

Meagher County
Montana
65.5
Jefferson County
Montana
58
Cascade County
Montana
33.5
Gallatin County
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Lewis and Clark County
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Judith Basin County
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Madison County
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Deep Dives

Broadwater County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Broadwater County

via TaxByCounty

Broadwater's low rate, high values balance out

At 0.606%, Broadwater County's effective tax rate ranks in the bottom 15% nationally. The median home value of $364,800—29% above the national median—results in a median tax bill of $2,210, which matches national averages despite the low rate.

Montana's lowest effective tax rate

Broadwater boasts the state's lowest effective rate at 0.606%, 21% below Montana's average of 0.767%. Median taxes of $2,210 exceed the state median of $1,802 only because Broadwater has the highest median home values in this dataset at $364,800.

Broadwater rewards expensive properties

Broadwater's 0.606% rate is the lowest among southwest Montana counties, outpacing Beaverhead (0.665%) and Carbon (0.548% is lower). The county's premium median home value of $364,800 places it in a distinct market tier where the low rate delivers real savings.

Annual tax bill on median home

A median-priced home valued at $364,800 in Broadwater County carries an annual tax bill of approximately $2,210. For mortgaged properties, expect about $2,267; without a mortgage, roughly $2,083 annually.

Especially verify luxury home assessments

High-value properties attract scrutiny, but overassessments still occur frequently in Broadwater's premium market. Owners of homes valued above $300,000 should request a reassessment if they believe comparable sales support a lower valuation.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Broadwater County

via CostByCounty

Broadwater ranks among Montana's costliest

Broadwater County's 18.4% rent-to-income ratio is the highest among these eight counties and notably above the national norm, reflecting a genuine affordability crunch. At $978/month for rent and $1,106/month for homeownership with median incomes of $63,636, residents dedicate nearly one-fifth of earnings to housing.

Broadwater struggles most in Montana context

With an 18.4% rent-to-income ratio, Broadwater significantly exceeds Montana's state average of 15.9%, marking it as the state's most housing-challenged county in this comparison. The gap widens when considering homeownership: median monthly costs of $1,106 and home values of $364,800 far outpace most neighbors.

Broadwater costs outpace all comparable counties

Broadwater's $978 rent and $1,106 monthly owner cost dwarf neighboring Big Horn ($686 rent, $537 owner cost) and Blaine ($689 rent, $533 owner cost). Even Beaverhead and Cascade offer somewhat gentler entry points, making Broadwater the region's priciest market by a substantial margin.

Housing consumes nearly one-fifth of budgets

Broadwater renters earning $63,636 spend roughly $978/month on housing—18.4% of gross income, approaching the threshold of financial strain. Homeowners face even tighter squeezes: at $1,106/month, ownership costs claim roughly 20.8% of median household income, well above financial advisors' 15% recommendation.

Broadwater: consider carefully before relocating

If you're eyeing Broadwater, weigh its high housing costs (18.4% rent-to-income) against nearby alternatives like Blaine (12.7%) or Big Horn (14.5%), which offer far more affordability. The county's premium prices reflect demand and home values, but nearby rural areas deliver similar Montana living at lower cost.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Broadwater County

via IncomeByCounty

Broadwater narrows the national income gap

Broadwater County's median household income of $63,636 falls about 15% short of the national median of $74,755. The gap is smaller than most Montana counties, reflecting the county's stronger economic position.

Slightly above Montana's average

Broadwater's $63,636 median income runs about 2% above Montana's state average of $62,295, placing it solidly in the middle of statewide earnings. Per capita income of $38,093 also exceeds the state average of $35,700.

Broadwater punches above rural peers

Broadwater's $63,636 median income clearly outpaces Big Horn ($56,680), Beaverhead ($58,072), and Chouteau ($56,927), though Carbon County ($71,017) remains the regional leader. The county benefits from proximity to Helena's economic sphere.

Higher incomes meet higher housing costs

Broadwater's rent-to-income ratio of 18.4% rises above the state average, reflecting the county's elevated home values of $364,800. The median home requires 5.7 years of household income to purchase, among the highest in Montana.

Plan for Broadwater's housing premium

Stronger incomes position Broadwater households to weather higher housing costs, but aggressive saving remains essential. Consider down payment assistance programs and 30-year mortgages to build equity while preserving liquidity for investments.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Broadwater County

via CrimeByCounty

Strong National Standing

Broadwater County maintains a high safety score of 98.8, reflecting its quiet character. The total crime rate of 731.0 per 100K is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Secure State Ranking

The county's crime rate sits well below the Montana state average of 1,112.5. While data comes from a single reporting agency, the county ranks favorably against the state safety average.

Safe in the Region

Broadwater's rate of 731.0 is higher than neighboring Carbon County's 263.0 but remains very low compared to urban hubs. It offers a secure middle ground for residents in the region.

Property and Violent Balance

Violent crime is reported at 286.7 per 100K, while property crime stands at 444.3. These figures are both well under the national property crime rate of 2,015.7.

Simple Home Deterrents

Since property crimes represent the majority of local incidents, home security is a smart investment. Ensuring all entry points are visible from the street can deter opportunistic theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Broadwater County

via HealthByCounty

Broadwater tops national life expectancy

At 80.3 years, Broadwater County residents live 5.8 years longer than the U.S. average, achieving exceptional longevity. Only 16.9% report poor or fair health, well below the 18% national benchmark.

Among Montana's healthiest counties

Broadwater's 80.3-year life expectancy exceeds Montana's state average of 76.3 years by 4 full years. The county ranks at the top tier of state health outcomes.

Among the region's healthiest

Broadwater's 80.3-year life expectancy matches Carbon (80.4) as the region's longest-living population. Its 16.9% poor/fair health rate is better than all but Carbon (14.6%).

Excellent health but sparse providers

Despite strong outcomes, Broadwater has only 14 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the lowest in the region—yet manages with 75 mental health providers per 100K. The 11.6% uninsured rate is near state average.

Protect Broadwater's health leadership

Broadwater's success depends on sustained coverage and access. Confirm your insurance status at healthcare.gov and encourage neighbors to do the same.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Broadwater County

via SchoolsByCounty

Simplified Schooling in One District

Broadwater County operates a streamlined system with just three public schools serving 706 total students. These three schools—one elementary, one middle, and one high school—all fall under a single unified district.

Efficient Results with Local Focus

The county maintains an 84.0% graduation rate, slightly higher than the Montana average of 83.7%. While per-pupil spending is lower than the state average at $7,236, the county maintains a respectable school score of 50.9.

Townsend Unified Education System

Townsend K-12 Schools is the sole district, managing the entire student population of 706. There are zero charter schools in the county, providing a consistent educational experience for all local families.

A Centralized Rural Learning Hub

All schools are located in rural settings, with an average school size of 235 students. Cecelia Hazelton School is the largest campus with 399 primary students, while Townsend 7-8 serves the smallest cohort of 122 students.

Unified Community Schools

With all grades concentrated in Townsend, families enjoy a centralized school community that serves as a town anchor. Real estate in this area offers the unique benefit of a single-district pathway from kindergarten through graduation.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Broadwater County

via RiskByCounty

Broadwater ranks among the nation's lowest-risk counties

Broadwater County's composite risk score of 17.68 places it in the Very Low category and significantly below the national average. This exceptional rating reflects below-average exposure to most natural hazards, though the county does face above-average earthquake and wildfire risks.

Montana's safest county overall

Broadwater County ranks as the lowest-risk county in Montana with a composite score of 17.68, far below the state average of 33.31. The county's Very Low overall risk rating makes it among the most disaster-resilient communities in the state.

Significantly safer than surrounding counties

Broadwater's composite risk score (17.68) is less than half that of neighboring Beaverhead (42.88) and Chouteau (39.47), reflecting notably lower flood risk (19.08). Its earthquake risk (74.87) remains moderate compared to Beaverhead (85.66) but higher than most non-seismic regions.

Earthquakes and wildfires pose modest threats

Despite Broadwater's very low overall risk, residents should remain aware of earthquake risk (74.87) and wildfire risk (72.90), which are elevated relative to the county's otherwise benign profile. Flood risk (19.08) and tornado risk (5.12) are exceptionally low by state and national standards.

Add earthquake coverage for peace of mind

Broadwater's low overall risk means a standard homeowners policy covers most common scenarios, but adding earthquake insurance is prudent given the county's 74.87 earthquake exposure. Maintain basic wildfire awareness and defensible space, but your disaster risk is substantially lower than most Montana counties.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Broadwater County

via WeatherByCounty

Cool and Arid Western Character

Broadwater County averages 44.9°F annually, which is cooler than the national median. Its climate is defined by dry air and moderate northern temperatures.

Slightly Warmer Than State Norms

The county's 44.9°F average is roughly 1.2 degrees warmer than the Montana state average. While still cool, it avoids some of the more extreme cold found in the high mountains.

One of Montana's Driest Counties

Broadwater receives only 10.6 inches of precipitation annually, far below the state average of 15.4 inches. This makes it significantly more arid than its neighbor, Cascade County.

Manageable Winters and Dry Summers

Summer averages 64.7°F with 14 extreme heat days over 90°F. Winter remains relatively mild for Montana, averaging 25.1°F with 23.7 inches of annual snow.

Focus on Water Storage and Moderate HVAC

Given the very low 10.6 inches of rainfall, irrigation and water conservation are top priorities. Heating systems should be reliable, though snowfall is lighter than in many surrounding areas.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Broadwater County

via SoilByCounty

Broadwater's Alkaline Soil Potential

Specific taxonomic data and pH readings for Broadwater County are currently unrecorded. Most regional soils exceed the national median pH of 6.5, typically aligning with Montana's average of 7.43. Understanding this baseline helps you select the right plants for your local chemistry.

Compositional Limits and Texture

The exact percentages of sand, silt, and clay for the county are not included in current digital surveys. These physical properties dictate how the soil handles moisture and stays aerated for root growth. Perform a simple ribbon test to see if your ground leans more toward sandy or clay-heavy.

Potential for High-Yield Fertility

While specific organic matter and water capacity data are missing, the state averages 2.54% organic content. Maintaining soil health is crucial for matching the state’s average water capacity of 0.165 in/in. Adding organic amendments can bridge the gap where data is currently thin.

Navigating Drainage and Hydrology

The dominant drainage class and hydrologic group for Broadwater County are not presently mapped. Drainage is a key factor for anyone looking to build a cellar or plant a large-scale orchard. Always check local water tables and runoff patterns before beginning any major earthwork.

Vibrant Gardening in Zone 5a

Broadwater County is situated in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a, providing a moderate window for summer crops. Focus on hardy berries and durable perennials that can handle the winter chill. The sunny days and cool nights create a perfect environment for high-quality produce.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Broadwater County

via LawnByCounty

Dry Conditions Test Your Green Thumb

Broadwater County scores a 31.6 on the lawn difficulty scale, placing it near the Montana state average. The Zone 5a hardiness rating is favorable, but the extreme lack of natural moisture is your primary obstacle.

The Driest Conditions in the Region

At just 10.6 inches of annual precipitation, Broadwater is significantly drier than the Montana average of 15.4 inches. You will need to supplement your lawn with nearly 20 to 40 inches of additional irrigation to reach ideal turf conditions.

Supplementing the Desert-Like Earth

While specific soil data is unavailable, the low rainfall suggests your soil may be prone to compaction and mineral buildup. Focus on regular aeration to ensure the little water you do apply can actually reach the root zone.

Long-Term Dryness Management

The county endured 37 weeks of drought last year, and 100% of the land currently faces abnormally dry conditions. Avoid fertilizing during these dry spells, as this can encourage growth that the root system cannot support without more water.

Seeding for Success in Zone 5a

Wait for the last spring frost around May 19th before you begin your lawn renovations. Drought-resistant mixes containing Fine Fescues are ideal for this climate, as they require less water than traditional bluegrass.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Broadwater County's county score?
Broadwater County, Montana has a composite county score of 54.5 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 Broadwater County rank among counties in Montana?
Broadwater County ranks #34 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 Broadwater County, Montana?
The median annual property tax in Broadwater County is $2,210, with an effective tax rate of 0.61%. This earns Broadwater County a tax score of 73.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Broadwater County?
The median household income in Broadwater County, Montana is $63,636 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Broadwater County earns an income score of 49.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Broadwater County, Montana a good place to live?
Broadwater County scores 54.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #34 in Montana. The best way to evaluate Broadwater 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 Broadwater 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.