countyscore
33.5
County Score
Income & Jobs 57.4Health 56.1Water Quality 54.3

County Report Card

About Cascade County, Montana

Urban challenges impact overall score

Cascade County struggles with a composite score of 33.5, falling well behind the national median of 50.0. Urban centers within the county contribute to a profile that differs sharply from Montana's rural areas.

Trailing the state average

With a score of 33.5, Cascade sits significantly below the Montana average of 56.4. High scores in income and health are currently overshadowed by difficulties in safety and environmental risk.

Strong incomes and medical access

The county performs well in income with a score of 57.4 and maintains a solid health score of 56.1. These numbers reflect the urban amenities and diverse job market found in the Great Falls area.

Critical safety and risk concerns

The safety score is a very low 3.5, while the risk score of 16.9 indicates vulnerability to natural or environmental hazards. These factors represent the most significant hurdles to the county's livability rating.

Best for career-minded urbanites

Cascade is suited for professionals who need access to healthcare and diverse employment and are comfortable with urban trade-offs. It offers the services of a larger city but requires a careful eye toward neighborhood safety.

Score breakdown

Tax43.8Cost34.6Safety3.5Health56.1Schools29.9Income57.4Risk16.9Water54.3Weather40.1
🏛43.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠34.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼57.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡3.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤56.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓29.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡16.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧54.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤40.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱26.4
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
Judith Basin County
Montana
77.5
Lewis and Clark County
Montana
38.4
Chouteau County
Montana
65.7
Broadwater County
Montana
54.5
Teton County
Montana
62.9
Powell County
Montana
59.4
Wheatland County
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63.2

Deep Dives

Cascade County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Cascade County

via TaxByCounty

Cascade County taxes exceed state average

At 0.919%, Cascade's effective tax rate sits above the national median of roughly 0.87%, positioning the county in the upper-middle tier nationally. The median tax bill of $2,236 exceeds the national median of $2,690 by a modest margin, despite a slightly lower home value.

Above-average rates in central Montana

Cascade's 0.919% effective rate ranks 20% above Montana's state average of 0.767%, making it one of the higher-taxing counties. The median tax bill of $2,236 exceeds the state median of $1,802 by $434, reflecting both rate and value.

Cascade leads central Montana in tax burden

Cascade's 0.919% rate significantly outpaces Chouteau County (0.781%), the nearest regional neighbor in this dataset. With a median home value of $243,300, Cascade residents face the second-highest median tax bill in the entire survey.

Annual tax bill on median home

A median-priced home valued at $243,300 in Cascade County generates an annual tax bill of approximately $2,236. With a mortgage, expect about $2,292; without one, roughly $2,139 annually.

Higher rates make assessments critical to review

At Cascade's 0.919% rate, assessment errors compound quickly—a $10,000 overvaluation costs $91 annually. Property owners should request a formal reassessment if comparable homes sold for less than their current appraisal.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Cascade County

via CostByCounty

Cascade County mirrors national affordability trends

Cascade County's 16.4% rent-to-income ratio sits above the national norm, as renters earning $66,203 pay $902/month for housing. The county represents a moderate-to-challenging affordability landscape typical of many American mid-sized markets.

Cascade slightly above Montana state average

At 16.4%, Cascade's rent-to-income ratio modestly exceeds Montana's state average of 15.9%, positioning it as a moderate-challenge county. The county's higher incomes of $66,203 provide some cushion, but housing costs remain persistent.

Cascade balances higher income with higher rents

Cascade's $902 median rent is the region's second-highest, trailing only Broadwater ($978), while median incomes of $66,203 rank third. Monthly homeowner costs of $1,046 similarly reflect mid-to-high pricing, with home values of $243,300 exceeding most rural peers.

Housing absorbs roughly one-sixth of income

A Cascade County renter earning $66,203 spends approximately $902/month on housing—16.4% of gross income, a notable share for a rural Montana county. Homeowners dedicate $1,046/month to ownership costs—roughly 18.9% of income—pushing toward the financial strain threshold.

Cascade County: moderate challenge, reasonable balance

Relocating to Cascade County? The county's 16.4% rent-to-income ratio represents a moderate affordability challenge, though higher incomes than many rural peers help cushion the blow. Stack it against pricier Broadwater (18.4%), more affordable Blaine (12.7%), or Big Horn (14.5%) to find your best fit.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Cascade County

via IncomeByCounty

Cascade County moderately trails national income

Cascade County's median household income of $66,203 falls about 11% below the U.S. median of $74,755. The county performs better than most Montana rural peers, reflecting Great Falls' role as a regional economic hub.

Above average for Montana counties

At $66,203, Cascade's median household income runs about 6% above Montana's state average of $62,295. The county ranks among the state's stronger-earning regions, though below Carbon County's $71,017.

Cascade leads most western Montana

Cascade's $66,203 median income exceeds Blaine ($65,050), Broadwater ($63,636), Beaverhead ($58,072), and most peers, trailing only Carbon County's $71,017. Great Falls' diverse employment base creates this regional income advantage.

Balanced income and housing costs

Cascade's rent-to-income ratio of 16.4% runs slightly above average, with median home values of $243,300 representing 3.7 years of household income. Housing affordability remains reasonable, supporting broader financial flexibility.

Cascade's platform for financial growth

Above-average incomes and moderate housing costs position Cascade households to build substantial retirement savings and home equity. Maximize employer retirement benefits and consider investment diversification beyond primary residence.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Cascade County

via CrimeByCounty

Challenges in Cascade County

Cascade County faces more challenges than its neighbors, with a total crime rate of 3,882.8 per 100K. This figure is significantly higher than the national average of 2,385.5.

Above State Crime Averages

The county’s crime rate is more than triple the Montana state average of 1,112.5. Cascade ranks lower on the safety scale than the state average score of 98.2.

Regional Crime Hub

Cascade's crime rate of 3,882.8 is the highest among this group, dwarfing Chouteau’s rate of 50.9. This reflects the higher crime density often found in Montana's more populated hubs.

Property Crime Concerns

Property crime is the dominant issue at 3,461.1 per 100K, which is much higher than the national 2,015.7 average. Violent crime also exceeds the national benchmark at 421.7.

Prioritizing Home Security

Residents should prioritize home security systems and high-quality locks to combat the high rate of property crime. Increased lighting and community watch participation can significantly reduce personal risk.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Cascade County

via HealthByCounty

Cascade slightly below national average

Cascade County's life expectancy of 75.5 years trails the U.S. average by 1 year. At 15.8% reporting poor or fair health, the rate is just below the national 18% average.

Below Montana's health average

Cascade's 75.5-year life expectancy falls 0.8 years short of Montana's 76.3-year state average. The county slightly underperforms the state baseline.

Mid-tier regional health outcomes

Cascade's 75.5-year life expectancy ranks below Broadwater (80.3) and Carbon (80.4) but ahead of Blaine (70.0) and Big Horn (64.6). Its 15.8% poor/fair health rate is moderate among regional peers.

Excellent mental health, decent primary care

Cascade shines with 406 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—the highest in the region—and solid 75 primary care providers per 100K. At 10.9% uninsured, coverage is better than state average.

Build on Cascade's mental health strength

Cascade's robust mental health infrastructure is a community asset. Ensure all residents access it by confirming coverage at healthcare.gov and connecting uninsured neighbors to plans.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Cascade County

via SchoolsByCounty

Montana's Major Educational Hub

Cascade County oversees 44 public schools and 13 districts, serving a massive enrollment of 11,728 students. The system includes 29 elementary schools and 15 secondary schools, including two specialized education facilities.

Balancing Large Enrollment and Quality

The county maintains an 83.4% graduation rate, nearly identical to the state average. While per-pupil spending of $7,113 is lower than other regions, the county manages a school score of 50.3 amidst high student volumes.

Great Falls Drives County Success

Great Falls Elementary is the primary district, managing 17 schools and 7,032 students. There are no charter schools in the county, with all 11,700+ students attending traditional public or special education schools.

Urban Centers Meet Rural Schools

The locale mix is split between 21 city-based schools and 23 rural schools, with an average enrollment of 267. Great Falls High School is the county's largest, serving 1,641 students in a vibrant urban setting.

Diverse Options for Every Family

Whether you prefer a large urban high school or a quiet rural elementary, Cascade County has a neighborhood to match. Quality education and diverse school settings make this a top choice for Montana homebuyers.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cascade County

via RiskByCounty

Cascade County faces notably elevated national risk

Cascade County scores 83.14 on the composite risk index, placing it in the Relatively Moderate category and substantially above the national average. This score reflects exceptional flood risk (83.40), high wildfire risk (84.16), and significant earthquake exposure (71.76).

Montana's second-highest risk county

Cascade County ranks second among Montana's 56 counties with a composite score of 83.14, far exceeding the state average of 33.31. Only one other Montana county faces comparable multi-hazard exposure, making Cascade a critical focus for disaster preparedness.

Significantly higher risk than all regional peers

Cascade County's composite score (83.14) is far higher than neighboring Broadwater (17.68), Chouteau (39.47), and Blaine (45.87) counties. Its flood risk (83.40) and wildfire risk (84.16) are among the highest in the state, reflecting the county's position along major river systems and in fire-prone terrain.

Floods and wildfires dominate your risk landscape

Cascade County residents face exceptional flood risk (83.40) and wildfire risk (84.16), creating a compound disaster scenario that demands serious preparation. Earthquake risk (71.76) and tornado risk (20.80) are also above state averages, broadening your exposure across multiple hazard types.

Comprehensive multi-hazard insurance is critical

Cascade County's exceptional exposure to floods and wildfires—both excluded from standard homeowners policies—means you must secure separate specialized coverage for both. Work with an insurance broker to ensure your policy adequately protects against your county's top threats, and maintain defensible space and flood preparedness as ongoing priorities.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Cascade County

via WeatherByCounty

Northern Average Below National Median

Cascade County averages 44.8°F annually, keeping it on the cooler side of the national spectrum. Its climate is influenced by its position where the plains meet the mountains.

Slightly Warmer Than the State Average

With an average of 44.8°F, Cascade is about one degree warmer than the Montana state average of 43.7°F. This makes it a relatively temperate choice within the state.

Notable Snowfall on the Plains

Cascade receives 59.9 inches of snow annually, much higher than neighbors like Broadwater. Its 14.2 inches of total precipitation is slightly below the state average.

Milder Winters and Snowy Springs

The county has a relatively high winter average of 26.8°F and a summer average of 63.9°F. It records 18 days of extreme heat over 90°F annually.

Winter Road Readiness is Key

Because of the 59.9 inches of snow, residents should maintain good tires and emergency road kits. The 18.2% warmer-than-average winters still require efficient home heating systems.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Cascade County

via SoilByCounty

The Soil Identity of Cascade

Specific pH and taxonomic data for Cascade County are currently unlisted in this dataset. Most local soils reflect the state’s alkaline average of 7.43, which is notably higher than the national median of 6.5. Knowing your soil's chemistry helps you adjust for acid-loving or alkaline-tolerant plants.

Composition and Ground Workability

Data regarding sand, silt, and clay percentages is currently unavailable for Cascade County. These ratios determine how much water the soil retains and how easily it can be tilled. Gardeners should observe if their soil feels gritty or sticky to estimate its textural makeup.

AWC and Organic Matter Potential

Organic matter levels and available water capacity are not currently mapped for this county. Montana soils average 2.54% organic matter, and hitting the state’s 0.165 in/in water capacity benchmark is a good goal for growers. Healthy soils with high organic content stay productive even during dry spells.

Monitoring Water and Soil Drainage

The dominant drainage class and hydrologic group are not currently recorded for Cascade County. Proper drainage is essential for preventing structural damage to buildings and protecting crop roots. Be sure to check how quickly your soil dries out after the heavy spring rains.

Gardening in Hardiness Zone 4b

Cascade County is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b, meaning the growing season is short but productive. Cold-hardy perennials and vegetables like broccoli and spinach thrive in this northern climate. Start seeds indoors to get a head start on the beautiful Montana summer.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Cascade County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Conditions in Cascade County

Cascade County faces a steep uphill battle with a lawn difficulty score of 26.4, one of the lowest in the state. The combination of its Zone 4b climate and severe environmental stressors makes lawn maintenance a high-effort endeavor.

Modest Rain and Cold Transitions

With 14.2 inches of annual precipitation and 18 extreme heat days, the climate is relatively mild but very dry. Your 1,767 growing degree days provide a short window for growth, typically starting after the May 21st frost.

Overcoming Soil Limitations

Local soil data is limited, but the harsh climate suggests your lawn would benefit from heavy aeration and organic top-dressing. These practices help roots penetrate deeper to survive the extreme drought conditions prevalent in the area.

Confronting a Statewide Drought Crisis

Cascade County is currently 100% blanketed in severe drought, and has been in drought for all 53 weeks of the past year. To save your lawn, prioritize watering the most visible areas and consider letting the rest go dormant during the hottest months.

Choosing Resilience Over Aesthetics

Select the most drought-tolerant cool-season grasses available, such as Sheep Fescue or other fine-leafed varieties. Aim to seed in early fall when the severe summer heat breaks but well before the September 24th frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cascade County's county score?
Cascade County, Montana has a composite county score of 33.5 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 Cascade County rank among counties in Montana?
Cascade County ranks #55 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 Cascade County, Montana?
The median annual property tax in Cascade County is $2,236, with an effective tax rate of 0.92%. This earns Cascade County a tax score of 43.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cascade County?
The median household income in Cascade County, Montana is $66,203 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cascade County earns an income score of 57.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cascade County, Montana a good place to live?
Cascade County scores 33.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #55 in Montana. The best way to evaluate Cascade 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 Cascade 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.