65.7
County Score
Safety 93.8Cost of Living 90.8Disaster Risk 60.5

County Report Card

About Chouteau County, Montana

Top-tier rural performance

Chouteau County earns a robust composite score of 65.7, easily surpassing the national median of 50.0. This high ranking highlights it as one of the country's most livable rural environments.

A Montana standout for value

Chouteau's score of 65.7 sits nearly ten points above the state average of 56.4. It offers a superior quality of life compared to many of its Montana neighbors, particularly regarding safety.

Incredible safety and low rent

The county is exceptionally safe with a score of 93.8 and provides massive housing value with a cost score of 90.8. Median gross rent is an ultra-low $485 per month.

Limited income and water scores

Local water quality earns a low score of 21.1, and the income score of 30.1 suggests that the local economy is relatively stagnant. Residents trade high wages for an exceptionally low cost of entry.

The best value in the Big Sky

Chouteau County is the premier choice for anyone on a fixed income or working remotely who wants safety and extreme affordability. It offers a very high quality of life for those who don't need a high-paying local job.

Score breakdown

Tax54.9Cost90.8Safety93.8Health45.1Schools54.7Income30.1Risk60.5Water21.1Weather35
🏛54.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠90.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼30.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡93.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
45.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓54.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
60.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧21.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤35
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱26.5
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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Deep Dives

Chouteau County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Chouteau County

via TaxByCounty

Chouteau taxes near national average

At 0.781%, Chouteau's effective tax rate sits slightly below the national median of roughly 0.87%, placing the county in the middle range nationally. The median tax bill of $1,446 runs 46% below the national median of $2,690, reflecting a lower median home value of $185,100.

Just above Montana's state average

Chouteau's 0.781% effective rate edges out Montana's state average of 0.767% by less than 2%, making it nearly typical for the state. The median tax bill of $1,446 trails the state median of $1,802 by $356, primarily due to below-average home values.

Chouteau offers moderate tax burden

Chouteau's 0.781% rate sits comfortably between Big Horn (1.000%) and Blaine (1.522%) to the south, and below Cascade (0.919%) in central Montana. The median home value of $185,100 is roughly midrange for the region, resulting in balanced tax expectations.

Annual tax bill on median home

A median-priced home valued at $185,100 in Chouteau County carries an annual tax bill of approximately $1,446. With a mortgage, expect about $1,487; without one, roughly $1,422 annually.

Standard assessment review still worthwhile

Even counties with moderate tax rates see assessment errors regularly—Chouteau is no exception. Review your property's assessed value against recent neighborhood sales; a successful appeal saves hundreds over years of ownership.

Cost of Living in Chouteau County

via CostByCounty

Chouteau County offers exceptional housing value

Chouteau County's 10.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the nation's most affordable, as renters earning $56,927 pay just $485/month for housing. This exceptional affordability reflects genuinely low rents paired with moderate local incomes.

Chouteau leads Montana by significant margin

At 10.2%, Chouteau's rent-to-income ratio crushes Montana's state average of 15.9%, making it the state's clear affordability champion. The county's $485 median rent is the lowest in the entire eight-county comparison.

Chouteau rents unbeatable in region

Chouteau's $485 median rent is nearly $200/month below Big Horn ($686) and Blaine ($689), and substantially undercuts every other county in this comparison. Monthly homeowner costs of $608 similarly rank among the lowest, with median home values of $185,100 offering genuine accessibility.

Housing barely dents Chouteau budgets

A Chouteau County renter earning $56,927 spends roughly $485/month on housing—just 10.2% of gross income, leaving substantial room for savings and other needs. Homeowners enjoy even more relief: at $608/month, ownership costs claim only 12.8% of median household income.

Chouteau County: Montana's affordability treasure

If housing costs are your primary concern, Chouteau County delivers unmatched value in Montana with a 10.2% rent-to-income ratio. Compare its exceptional affordability against any peer—Big Horn (14.5%), Blaine (12.7%), or Broadwater (18.4%)—to appreciate the county's genuine advantage.

Income & Jobs in Chouteau County

via IncomeByCounty

Chouteau County falls short of national median

Chouteau County's median household income of $56,927 sits about 24% below the U.S. median of $74,755. Like most northern Montana rural counties, it reflects broader challenges in agriculture-dependent economies.

Slightly below Montana's state average

Chouteau's $56,927 median household income runs about 9% below Montana's state average of $62,295. The county occupies the lower-middle tier of Montana's earnings distribution.

Chouteau mirrors rural northern Montana

Chouteau's $56,927 median income closely resembles Big Horn County ($56,680) and Beaverhead County ($58,072), but lags Blaine ($65,050) and Cascade ($66,203). Northern Montana shows greater income variation than the south.

Montana's most affordable living costs

Chouteau boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio at 10.2%, offering exceptional affordability for renters. Median home values of $185,100 represent just 3.3 years of household income, making homeownership highly accessible.

Chouteau's ultra-low cost advantage

With minimal housing burden—only 10.2% of income on rent—Chouteau households can redirect savings toward retirement accounts and investments. This rare affordability advantage should be seized for long-term wealth building before economic pressures rise.

Safety in Chouteau County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety Ranking

Chouteau County is remarkably safe, earning a safety score of 99.9 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 50.9 per 100K is among the lowest in the nation.

A Montana Safety Standout

Chouteau's crime rate is a tiny fraction of the Montana state average of 1,112.5. This makes it one of the most secure counties in the Treasure State.

Peaceful Comparison to Neighbors

Neighboring Cascade County sees a rate of 3,882.8, which is nearly 80 times higher than Chouteau's 50.9. The difference highlights how safe Chouteau remains compared to its more urban neighbor.

Minimal Violent Incidents

The county reports zero property crimes and a very low violent crime rate of 50.9 per 100K. While single-agency data requires cautious interpretation, it suggests an extremely peaceful environment.

Staying Vigilant and Connected

Residents can help keep property crime at zero by practicing routine security habits. Joining local social media safety groups helps maintain the tight-knit awareness that keeps this county safe.

Health in Chouteau County

via HealthByCounty

Chouteau lags the U.S. average

Chouteau County's 75.9-year life expectancy falls 0.6 years below the U.S. average of 74.5 years. At 17.9% reporting poor or fair health, the rate is just under the national 18% average.

Slightly below Montana baseline

Chouteau's 75.9-year life expectancy trails Montana's state average of 76.3 years by 0.4 years. The county performs near the state median.

Lower-tier regional health outcomes

Chouteau's 75.9-year life expectancy ranks below top performers Carbon (80.4) and Broadwater (80.3), but above struggling Big Horn (64.6). Its 17.9% poor/fair health rate is the second-worst in the region.

Mental health access, primary care gaps

Chouteau has 120 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—decent regional support—but primary care provider data is unavailable. At 14.0% uninsured, the rate is the highest among all counties studied.

Close Chouteau's coverage gap

Chouteau's 14.0% uninsured rate means 1 in 7 residents lack coverage—the state's worst. Visit healthcare.gov immediately to explore Medicaid, subsidized plans, or community health center options.

Schools in Chouteau County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse Rural School Districts

Chouteau County supports 745 students across 15 public schools and eight districts. The educational infrastructure is well-rounded, featuring seven elementary, four middle, and four high schools.

Strong Graduation Rates and Scores

Chouteau's 85.8% graduation rate beats the Montana state average of 83.7%. This success is supported by a $9,443 per-pupil expenditure and a composite school score of 56.6, both of which exceed state benchmarks.

Big Sandy and Highwood Districts

Big Sandy K-12 is the largest district, serving 197 students across three schools. Like its neighbors, Chouteau County has no charter schools, keeping the community focused on its traditional public districts.

Small Schools in a Rural Landscape

All 15 schools are in rural settings, with a very small average size of 50 students per school. Fort Benton School is the largest with 195 students, while many other schools offer even more intimate learning environments.

Excellence in Rural Education

With performance scores above the state average, Chouteau County is a hidden gem for families prioritizing education. Consider local homes near Fort Benton or Big Sandy to join these thriving school communities.

Disaster Risk in Chouteau County

via RiskByCounty

Chouteau's risk moderately exceeds the national baseline

Chouteau County scores 39.47 on the composite risk index, placing it in the Very Low category but above the national average. The county's risk is driven primarily by wildfire exposure (72.58) and moderate flood risk (50.38), while earthquake and tornado hazards remain comparatively low.

Below-average risk profile for Montana

Chouteau County ranks in the lower half of Montana's 56 counties with a composite score of 39.47, slightly above the state average of 33.31. The county's Very Low overall risk rating reflects below-average exposure to earthquakes and tornadoes compared to the state.

Similar risk profile to nearby counties

Chouteau's composite score (39.47) falls between neighboring Blaine (45.87) and Broadwater (17.68), with wildfire risk (72.58) comparable to Blaine (69.85). Flood risk (50.38) is higher than Broadwater (19.08) but lower than Big Horn (55.12), reflecting moderate exposure to precipitation and snowmelt.

Wildfire and flood risks merit preparation

Chouteau County residents face meaningful wildfire risk (72.58) and moderate flood risk (50.38), making these the primary focus of emergency planning. Earthquake risk (27.07) and tornado risk (11.86) are both well below state and national averages, simplifying your insurance considerations.

Add wildfire coverage to your policy

Chouteau's wildfire and flood exposure means standard homeowners insurance alone is insufficient; add wildfire coverage and verify flood insurance adequacy. Maintain defensible space around your home and stay informed about seasonal fire danger and flood warnings to protect your family and property.

Weather & Climate in Chouteau County

via WeatherByCounty

A Classic Northern Plains Climate

Chouteau County’s 44.5°F annual average temperature is well below the national median. This reflects its vast, open geography and northern latitude.

Consistently Near Montana Norms

The county's 44.5°F average is almost identical to the Montana state average of 43.7°F. It experiences the typical temperature fluctuations expected in the heart of the state.

Average Moisture and Steady Snow

With 15.1 inches of precipitation, Chouteau aligns closely with the state average of 15.4 inches. It receives 45.6 inches of snow, which is more than its neighbor Blaine.

Strong Summers and Snowy Winters

July averages 68.7°F and features 25 days of 90°F heat. Winters stay cold, averaging 23.8°F with steady snowfall throughout the colder months.

Versatile Gear for Seasonal Shifts

Residents need gear for 25 days of extreme heat and nearly 46 inches of snow. Homes should be equipped with both cooling systems and high-efficiency heating for January's 22.2°F average.

Soil Quality in Chouteau County

via SoilByCounty

Chouteau's Northern Soil Character

Taxonomic order and pH levels for Chouteau County are not currently provided in digital records. With a national median pH of 6.5 and a state average of 7.43, local growers likely deal with alkaline conditions. Testing is the only way to confirm if your soil needs acidification for specific crops.

Analyzing Soil Texture and Structure

The specific blend of sand, silt, and clay remains unmapped for Chouteau County in this dataset. This mix defines whether your soil is light and airy or heavy and moisture-retentive. Most farmers in the region focus on maintaining a balance that prevents wind erosion while holding moisture.

Fertility Metrics and Growing Potential

Organic matter and available water capacity data are not currently available for this area. Montana’s state averages of 2.54% organic matter and 0.165 in/in water capacity provide useful targets for soil improvement. High organic content is your best defense against the region’s variable precipitation.

Evaluating Local Hydrology Needs

Dominant drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not listed in the current data for Chouteau. Observing local runoff and how quickly fields clear after snowmelt is vital for land management. Good drainage ensures that roots stay oxygenated and buildings remain stable over time.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 4a

Chouteau County sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a, requiring the toughest, most cold-resilient plants. Focus on crops with short maturation times to ensure a harvest before the frost returns. It is a great place for hardy grains, root vegetables, and native prairie plants.

Lawn Care in Chouteau County

via LawnByCounty

A Cold, Dry Environment for Turf

Chouteau County scores a 26.5 on lawn difficulty, reflecting the harsh realities of Zone 4a gardening. This score is significantly lower than the national median, indicating that your lawn requires constant attention to stay healthy.

Hot Summers and Short Seasons

The county experiences 25 extreme heat days, which is higher than the state average and particularly stressful given the low 15.1 inches of rain. You must manage growth efficiently during the 1,980 growing degree days available each year.

Soil Prep for a Short Window

While specific soil statistics are not available, the climate demands focus on water retention. Adding a layer of peat moss or high-quality compost before the May 20th frost date can give your grass a much-needed head start.

Battling Severe and Persistent Drought

Currently, 100% of the county is in severe drought, with 47 weeks of drought recorded over the last year. Watering should be done exclusively at night or very early morning to prevent the 25 days of 90°F+ heat from evaporating your water instantly.

Planting for Survival in Zone 4a

Kentucky Bluegrass is a standard for Zone 4a, but you may want to mix in Buffalo grass for better drought resistance. Plan your primary seeding for late May to avoid the spring frost while beating the intense summer heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chouteau County's county score?
Chouteau County, Montana has a composite county score of 65.7 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 Chouteau County rank among counties in Montana?
Chouteau County ranks #11 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 Chouteau County, Montana?
The median annual property tax in Chouteau County is $1,446, with an effective tax rate of 0.78%. This earns Chouteau County a tax score of 54.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Chouteau County?
The median household income in Chouteau County, Montana is $56,927 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Chouteau County earns an income score of 30.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Chouteau County, Montana a good place to live?
Chouteau County scores 65.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #11 in Montana. The best way to evaluate Chouteau 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 Chouteau County with other counties side by side.