countyscore
72.6
County Score
Disaster Risk 98.3Safety 97.5Property Tax 91.1

County Report Card

About Carter County, Montana

A national leader in livability

Carter County secures a remarkable composite score of 72.7, crushing the national median of 50.0. This puts it among the highest-performing rural counties in the entire United States.

Setting the standard in Montana

Carter County’s 72.7 score far exceeds the state average of 56.4. It dominates the state rankings by providing an exceptional blend of safety, low taxes, and low environmental risk.

Unmatched security and tax benefits

Carter scores nearly perfect in environmental risk (98.3) and safety (97.5). Residents also enjoy some of the lowest taxes in the nation, with an effective rate of just 0.443%.

Modest local income opportunities

The primary drawback is a low income score of 18.9, with median household incomes at $52,171. This suggests that while the cost of living is low, local wage growth remains limited.

The ultimate rural sanctuary

This county is a dream for retirees or remote workers looking for total peace, extreme safety, and minimal taxes. It offers a quiet, secure life for those who don't rely on the local job market for high wages.

Score breakdown

Tax91.1Cost82.7Safety97.5Health53Schools43.4Income18.9Risk98.3Water86Weather34.1
🏛91.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠82.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼18.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤53
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓43.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡98.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤34.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨41.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱42.5
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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Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Harding County
South Dakota
74.8
Fallon County
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72.4
Bowman County
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Butte County
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Crook County
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Powder River County
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Slope County
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Custer County
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Deep Dives

Carter County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Carter County

via TaxByCounty

Carter County taxes: nation's lowest rate

At 0.443%, Carter County's effective tax rate ranks in the nation's bottom 5%, far below the national median of roughly 0.87%. The median tax bill of just $782 is the lowest in this dataset and represents a 71% savings versus the national median of $2,690.

Montana's most tax-friendly county

Carter County's 0.443% effective rate is 42% below Montana's state average of 0.767%, the lowest by far in this dataset. The median tax bill of $782 trails the state median of $1,802 by nearly $1,000, delivering exceptional savings to residents.

Carter stands alone in affordability

Carter's 0.443% rate dramatically undercuts even the state's second-lowest county, Broadwater at 0.606%. With a median home value of $176,600, Carter residents enjoy both low rates and modest prices—a rare combination offering maximum tax relief.

Annual tax bill on median home

A median-priced home valued at $176,600 in Carter County carries an annual tax bill of just $782. With a mortgage, expect about $1,208; without one, approximately $662 annually.

Even in low-tax counties, verify assessments

While Carter County's 0.443% rate is exceptionally low, property owners should still confirm their assessments reflect current market values. An appeal is simpler in low-rate counties and could eliminate any overpayment entirely.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Carter County

via CostByCounty

Carter County faces tight affordability squeeze

Carter County's 16.8% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national norm, as renters earning $52,171—the lowest median income in this comparison—spend $731/month on housing. This combination of below-average wages and persistent housing costs creates genuine affordability strain.

Carter ranks among Montana's most challenged

At 16.8%, Carter's rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds Montana's state average of 15.9%, placing it among the state's most housing-burdened counties. The pressure intensifies when considering that Carter's median income of $52,171 is the lowest in this group.

Carter struggles despite modest rents

Carter's $731 median rent is below Big Horn ($686) and Blaine ($689) but exceeds no neighboring county except Beaverhead, Cascade, and Carbon. The county's real challenge stems from low median incomes of $52,171—the group's weakest—making even modest rents unaffordable.

Low incomes strain housing affordability

A Carter County renter earning the median $52,171 spends roughly $731/month on housing—16.8% of gross income, limiting resources for other necessities. Homeowners fare slightly better at $581/month (11.1% of income), but the county's overall economic picture reflects rural Montana's wage challenges.

Carter: weigh low wages against modest costs

Considering Carter County? Its 16.8% rent-to-income ratio reflects tight budgets, though rents themselves remain moderate compared to urban markets. Compare Carter's affordability pressures against higher-income counties like Blaine (12.7%) or Carbon (14.9%) before making the move.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Carter County

via IncomeByCounty

Carter County faces steepest income challenge

Carter County's median household income of $52,171 lags the national median of $74,755 by 30%, the widest gap among the eight counties analyzed. This reflects the acute economic pressures facing rural southeastern Montana.

Montana's lowest income in this group

Carter's $52,171 median household income runs 16% below Montana's state average of $62,295, making it the state's weakest earner among these counties. The county faces persistent economic headwinds tied to declining resource extraction.

Carter lags all regional comparisons

Carter County's $52,171 median income trails every other analyzed county, including Big Horn ($56,680) and Beaverhead ($58,072). The county represents Montana's most economically vulnerable corner in this dataset.

Low incomes, manageable housing costs

Carter's rent-to-income ratio of 16.8% runs slightly above average, and median home values of $176,600 represent 3.4 years of household income. Housing remains the most affordable expense category, but overall income insufficiency strains other budgets.

Building financial resilience in Carter

Limited incomes require disciplined budgeting and focus on financial fundamentals—establish an emergency fund before investing. Pursue skill development and education to increase earning potential, and investigate local economic development initiatives that may create opportunity.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Carter County

via CrimeByCounty

Perfect Safety Score

Carter County reports a perfect safety score of 100.0 with no crimes recorded for the year. This contrasts sharply with the national average total crime rate of 2,385.5 per 100K.

Safest Rank in Montana

As a single-agency county, Carter County officially ranks as the safest possible location in Montana. Its zero-crime report is vastly different from the state average of 1,112.5.

Unmatched Regional Security

While neighbors like Broadwater report some activity, Carter County’s data shows a total absence of crime. This highlights the quiet, rural nature of the far southeastern corner of the state.

Zero Reported Incidents

With zero property or violent crimes reported, the statistical risk to residents is negligible. However, limited reporting from a single agency means residents should stay aware of their surroundings.

Maintain High Standards

Even with a perfect score, basic safety habits like locking doors and windows are recommended. Staying connected with neighbors ensures that the community remains a difficult target.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Carter County

via HealthByCounty

Carter's health data remains limited

While detailed life expectancy data is unavailable, Carter's 16.1% poor/fair health rate closely matches the national average of 18%. The county requires more robust health surveillance to guide improvements.

Matching state health benchmarks

Carter's 11.9% uninsured rate mirrors Montana's state average exactly, indicating typical coverage patterns. Limited data prevents deeper state-level comparison.

Data gaps limit peer comparison

With life expectancy unavailable, regional peer comparison is incomplete. Carter's 16.1% poor/fair health rate falls between Broadwater (16.9%) and Carbon (14.6%), suggesting mid-range regional health.

Provider data incomplete, coverage typical

Healthcare provider counts are unavailable for Carter County, limiting assessment of local access capacity. The 11.9% uninsured rate matches state average—meaningful for coverage but gaps in provider supply remain unknown.

Ensure coverage and data completeness

Carter residents should verify insurance at healthcare.gov and help improve local health data by participating in health surveys. Complete information enables better community health planning.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Carter County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Schooling in Carter

Carter County hosts six public schools serving a total of 149 students across four school districts. The infrastructure consists of four elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school.

Localized Care and Average Spending

The county spends $9,424 per pupil, aligning closely with the state average of $9,334. While the graduation rate currently sits at 75.0%, the school score of 50.9 reflects the unique challenges and focus of a very small student population.

Ekalaka Leads Local Education

Ekalaka Elementary is the largest district, serving 81 students across two schools. Public education is the only option in the county, as charter schools represent 0% of the educational landscape.

Ultra-Small Rural School Experience

Every school is rural, with a tiny average enrollment of just 25 students per school. Ekalaka Elementary is the largest with 62 students, while Hammond School provides a truly unique environment for just 10 students.

Peaceful Living and Small Classes

If you value extremely small class sizes and a tight-knit rural community, Carter County is an ideal fit. Homes here offer access to an educational environment where every student is known by name.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Carter County

via RiskByCounty

Carter County is exceptionally low-risk nationally

Carter County's composite risk score of 1.75 ranks it among the lowest-risk counties in the entire United States. This exceptional rating reflects below-average exposure to nearly all major natural hazards, from floods to earthquakes.

Montana's safest county by far

Carter County's composite score of 1.75 is the lowest in Montana, far below the state average of 33.31 and even lower than other very-low-risk counties. The county's Very Low rating reflects minimal exposure across nearly all hazard categories.

Far safer than any surrounding county

Carter County's risk (1.75) is dramatically lower than all neighboring counties; even Broadwater (17.68), Montana's next-safest county, scores 10 times higher. This exceptional safety profile is consistent across all hazard types, from flood to earthquake to tornado.

Minimal natural disaster risk across the board

Carter County residents enjoy remarkably low exposure to natural hazards, with all risk categories below state and national medians. Even the county's highest risks—wildfire (73.82) and tornado (7.60)—remain substantially lower than those of neighboring counties and the state average.

Standard homeowners insurance provides excellent coverage

Carter County's minimal disaster risk means a standard homeowners insurance policy adequately protects most residents. Focus on standard coverage limits and routine maintenance; specialized disaster insurance is unlikely to be cost-effective in your exceptionally safe county.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Carter County

via WeatherByCounty

Prairie Winds and Northern Temps

Carter County's 43.3°F annual average is notably cooler than the national median. This southeast corner of Montana is characterized by wide-open plains and seasonal extremes.

Typical Montana Prairie Climate

The county's 43.3°F average temperature sits right at the Montana state average of 43.7°F. It experiences the standard thermal profile expected for the region.

Wetter Than Many Montana Peers

Recording 16.4 inches of annual precipitation, Carter is wetter than the state average and neighbors like Blaine. This extra moisture supports its distinct prairie ecosystem.

Warm Summers Meet Chilly Winters

July reaches a warm average of 69.9°F with 24 extreme heat days. Winters are sharp, averaging 20.4°F with 38.5 inches of snow throughout the season.

Prepare for Wind and Precipitation

Reliable HVAC systems are needed to handle 24 days of 90°F heat and 18.9°F January lows. Residents should also prepare for muddy conditions given the higher-than-average precipitation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Carter County

via SoilByCounty

Carter County's Moderate Alkaline Soil

The soil in Carter County has an average pH of 7.26, which is higher than the national median of 6.5. This level is slightly more neutral than the Montana state average of 7.43, making it relatively versatile for many regional crops. This slight alkalinity supports nutrient availability for local forage and grains.

A Balanced Textural Blend

The soil consists of 37.5% sand, 35.8% silt, and 26.6% clay, creating a well-distributed mixture. This balance allows for decent drainage while the clay content helps retain enough moisture for plant roots. It provides a stable foundation that is neither too heavy to work nor too loose to hold nutrients.

Managing Efficiency and Organic Matter

At 1.85%, the organic matter content is below the national average of 2.0% and the state average of 2.54%. The available water capacity of 0.161 in/in also sits just under the state benchmark of 0.165 in/in. Supplementing with organic materials can help boost these numbers and improve overall crop resilience.

Local Hydrology and Water Management

While specific drainage classes are not recorded, the balanced sand and clay mix typically supports steady infiltration. Farmers should monitor fields for pooling, especially given the county's specific clay percentage. Understanding how your specific plot handles runoff is essential for effective irrigation planning.

Grow Resilient Crops in Zone 4b

Carter County falls into USDA Hardiness Zone 4b, requiring plants that can endure deep winter freezes. This environment is ideal for wheat, flax, and hardy native grasses. Start your garden with cold-season staples like carrots and onions for the most reliable results.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Carter County

via LawnByCounty

The Regional Leader for Easy Lawns

Carter County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 42.5, the highest in this group and significantly better than the Montana average. This Zone 4b region provides a surprisingly hospitable environment for those willing to work with the northern climate.

Strong Precipitation and Healthy Growth

The county receives 16.4 inches of rain annually, which is the highest in the set and well above the state average. You also benefit from 2,070 growing degree days, giving your grass plenty of energy to flourish between May and September.

Rich Soil with an Alkaline Lean

Your soil is slightly alkaline with a pH of 7.26, which is just above the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. The composition is a balanced mix of 26.6% clay and 37.5% sand, providing decent drainage while still holding onto essential nutrients.

Resilient Against the Dry Spells

Only 43.3% of Carter County is currently abnormally dry, a much better position than most neighboring counties. After 21 weeks of drought last year, your lawn likely needs a boost of organic compost to restore soil health.

Thriving in the 4b Hardiness Zone

Seeding should begin shortly after the last frost on May 20th to maximize the summer growing window. Kentucky Bluegrass is a classic choice here, as it loves your specific soil texture and handles the cold winters with ease.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Carter County's county score?
Carter County, Montana has a composite county score of 72.6 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 Carter County rank among counties in Montana?
Carter County ranks #4 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 Carter County, Montana?
The median annual property tax in Carter County is $782, with an effective tax rate of 0.44%. This earns Carter County a tax score of 91.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Carter County?
The median household income in Carter County, Montana is $52,171 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Carter County earns an income score of 18.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Carter County, Montana a good place to live?
Carter County scores 72.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #4 in Montana. The best way to evaluate Carter 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 Carter 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.