countyscore
48
County Score
Schools 60.4Disaster Risk 57.9Health 57.6

County Report Card

About Custer County, Montana

Custer County trails the national median

Custer County earns a composite score of 48.0, placing it slightly below the national median of 50.0. This ranking suggests that while the county offers stability, it sits in the bottom half of all counties nationwide for overall livability.

Below the Montana state average

The county's score of 48.0 lags behind the Montana state average of 56.4. This gap indicates that residents may face more challenges in infrastructure and taxation compared to their peers in higher-scoring Montana counties.

Strong schools and environmental safety

Education is a primary asset here, with a school score of 60.4 that surpasses many other local dimensions. The county also maintains a respectable natural risk score of 57.9, providing a sense of security against environmental disasters.

Critical water and tax hurdles

The county struggles with a low water score of 13.5 and a tax score of 31.1, suggesting high tax burdens and potential infrastructure needs. The effective tax rate of 1.098% is a significant factor in the overall cost of living for local property owners.

A balanced fit for families

Custer County best suits families who prioritize solid public education and moderate home values around $204,200. Those who can navigate the higher tax burden will find a stable community with reliable safety and health services.

2040608010031.142.455.757.660.449.757.913.528.3Tax31.1Cost42.4Safety55.7Health57.6Schools60.4Income49.7Risk57.9Water13.5Weather28.348/100
This county
National avg
1 above average3 below average

Custer County DNA

Foverall

How Custer County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Custer County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Water Quality (13.5/100), though Disaster Risk (57.9/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
31.1-20.9
Cost
42.4
Safety
55.7
Health
57.6
Schools
60.4
Income
49.7
Risk
57.9+10.899999999999999
Water
13.5-44.5
Weather
28.3-27.7
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Many homeowners in Custer County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$204,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$918/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$204,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$36,720/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $63,585/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

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48.1

Nearby counties

Prairie County
Montana
60.2
Fallon County
Montana
72.4
Dawson County
Montana
47.7
Wibaux County
Montana
63.2
Carter County
Montana
72.6
Rosebud County
Montana
60.2
Golden Valley County
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68.1
Powder River County
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67.7

Deep Dives

Custer County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Custer County

via TaxByCounty

Custer's taxes run higher than the nation

At 1.098%, Custer County's effective tax rate significantly exceeds the national median of 0.84%, placing it in roughly the 75th percentile nationwide. Homeowners here pay $2,242 annually compared to the U.S. median of $2,690, but that's because homes are valued lower—$204,200 versus the national $281,900.

Among the steepest in Montana

Custer County ranks in the upper tier of Montana's 56 counties for effective tax rate at 1.098%, well above the state average of 0.767%. The county's median property tax of $2,242 also outpaces the statewide median of $1,802 by 24%.

Custer County taxes compared regionally

Custer's 1.098% rate exceeds similar eastern Montana counties like Fergus (0.843%) and Fallon (0.573%). Only Dawson County in the region approaches Custer's burden, at 1.173%, making both outliers in their neighborhood.

What a typical Custer home costs to own

A median-valued home of $204,200 carries an annual property tax bill of approximately $2,242 in Custer County. With mortgage-related assessments factored in, that figure rises to $2,352 for financed properties.

You may be paying too much in taxes

Property assessments aren't always accurate, and many homeowners in high-tax counties like Custer carry overvalued properties on the rolls. If your home's assessed value seems inflated, filing a formal appeal with the county assessor's office could reduce your tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Custer County

via CostByCounty

Custer: Above National Affordability Strain

Custer County renters spend 17.3% of income on rent, outpacing the national average and signaling tighter affordability than most U.S. counties. Median household income here is $63,585—about 15% below the national median of $74,755—while rents average $918 monthly. This income-to-housing ratio places Custer in the less affordable tier nationally, despite Montana's rural character.

Custer Ranks Middle of Montana Pack

At 17.3%, Custer's rent-to-income ratio exceeds Montana's state average of 15.9%, putting it among the less affordable counties statewide. Rents here run higher than the state median of $825, though median home values of $204,200 remain modest compared to mountain resort areas. Custer sits in the affordability middle ground for Montana—less pressured than western counties, more expensive than prairie neighbors.

Custer vs. Eastern Montana Peers

Custer's $918 monthly rent exceeds nearby Dawson County ($823) and Fallon County ($772), making it the pricier rental market in this eastern Montana cluster. However, Custer's median home value of $204,200 sits slightly below Dawson's $187,400 but well below Flathead's $467,700 to the west. For renters, Custer demands a noticeably larger share of paychecks than its immediate neighbors.

Where Housing Dollars Go in Custer

Renters in Custer spend $918 monthly while homeowners pay $860, a rare scenario where rent slightly exceeds mortgage costs. With median household income at $63,585 annually ($5,298 monthly), housing consumes 17.3% of renter income—above the widely recommended 15% threshold. The tight margins leave limited budget room for other essentials in this county.

Weighing Custer for Your Next Chapter

If affordability is your priority, Custer County offers lower costs than Montana's booming western counties, with homes averaging $204,200 and moderate monthly payments. Renters, however, should compare Custer's 17.3% rent burden to nearby Daniels (12.2%) or Dawson (13.9%), where housing leaves more room in monthly budgets. The county's energy-linked economy and rural lifestyle appeal to those seeking stability over rapid growth.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Custer County

via IncomeByCounty

Custer trails national income mark

Custer County's median household income of $63,585 falls about $11,170 below the U.S. median of $74,755. This puts the county in the lower-middle tier nationally, though it still earns slightly above Montana's state average of $62,295.

Middle of the Montana pack

Custer ranks roughly in the middle range among Montana's 56 counties for household income. The county's $63,585 median is just $1,290 above the state average, reflecting the broader income patterns across rural Montana.

Better off than nearby Fergus

Custer's $63,585 median household income edges out neighboring Fergus County ($59,731) but lags behind Dawson County ($70,953). Among this regional cluster, Custer occupies a solid middle position for earning power.

Rent eats 17% of income here

At a 17.3% rent-to-income ratio, Custer County sits at a reasonable affordability threshold—well below the federal warning sign of 30%. With a median home value of $204,200, homeownership remains within reach for many middle-income households.

Build your financial foundation

Custer residents earning the median $63,585 have meaningful room to save and invest after covering housing costs. Start with an emergency fund, then explore retirement accounts and diversified investments to grow wealth over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Custer County

via CrimeByCounty

Custer County Outpaces National Safety Trends

Custer County maintains a high safety score of 98.4, significantly higher than many metropolitan areas across the country. Its total crime rate of 1,011.9 per 100,000 residents is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

A Reliable Benchmark for Montana Safety

With a total crime rate of 1,011.9, Custer County sits comfortably below the Montana state average of 1,112.5 per 100,000. Its safety score of 98.4 edges out the state average of 98.2, making it a consistently secure choice for residents.

Comparing Safety Across Eastern Montana

Custer County reports 1,011.9 crimes per 100,000, which is slightly higher than neighboring Dawson County at 987.1. However, both counties remain significantly safer than more populous regions like Flathead or Gallatin.

Property Concerns Lead Local Crime Statistics

Property crime accounts for the majority of local incidents at 652.3 per 100,000, while violent crime sits at 359.6. While the property rate is low compared to the national average of 2,015.7, local authorities remain focused on theft prevention.

Secure Your Peace of Mind

Even with a 98.4 safety score, residents should prioritize basic security like motion-sensor lighting and deadbolt locks. Staying vigilant about property security helps maintain Custer County's standing as one of the state's safer jurisdictions.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Custer County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Regional Hub for Eastern Montana Education

Custer County operates 12 public schools across seven distinct districts to serve a total enrollment of 1,617 students. The infrastructure includes eight elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools, reflecting a commitment to broad educational access. While the county hosts two alternative schools, there are currently no charter schools in operation.

High Graduation Rates Outpace State Averages

Students here achieve an impressive 92.0% graduation rate, significantly exceeding the Montana state average of 83.7% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. Despite this success, per-pupil expenditure sits at $7,567, which remains well below the national average of $13,000. The county earns a 55.8 school score, slightly higher than the state median of 53.7.

Miles City Districts Lead the Way

The Miles City Elementary district is the largest in the county, managing five schools and 953 students. Custer County High School serves as the primary secondary institution with 495 students enrolled. Smaller specialized districts like the Department of Corrections-Youth also contribute to the local educational landscape.

Town Centers and Rural Classrooms

The county features an even split between town and rural school settings, providing a mix of community environments. The average school size is 135 students, ranging from Custer Co District High with 495 students to much smaller rural facilities. Attending school here offers a close-knit experience where students and teachers maintain strong personal connections.

Plan Your Future Near Custer Schools

Families looking for high-performing secondary options often focus on homes near the high-ranking Custer County District High. With graduation rates well above the state average, the local school system remains a major draw for prospective homebuyers. Explore residential opportunities in Miles City to take advantage of these established educational resources.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Custer County

via RiskByCounty

Custer's Risk Sits Above National Average

With a composite risk score of 42.14, Custer County faces higher-than-average natural disaster risk compared to the national baseline. Your county's "Very Low" rating reflects Montana's generally moderate hazard profile, though wildfire emerges as a notable concern at 85.37—well above typical levels.

Middle of the Pack in Montana

Custer ranks around the middle for risk among Montana's 56 counties, with a score of 42.14 versus the state average of 33.31. This positions you in a moderate risk band—safer than western Montana counties but facing real hazard exposure.

Higher Risk Than Eastern Neighbors

Custer's composite score of 42.14 significantly exceeds nearby Fallon County (5.41) and Daniels County (1.81), but remains well below Flathead County (86.45) to the northwest. Your wildfire risk of 85.37 is the primary driver of this gap with eastern plains counties.

Wildfire and Flood Drive Your Risk

Wildfire dominates Custer County's hazard profile at 85.37, making it your most pressing natural disaster threat. Flood risk (38.30) ranks as your secondary concern, while tornadoes (16.16) and earthquakes (31.39) pose lower but measurable dangers.

Prioritize Wildfire and Flood Coverage

Homeowners in Custer County should ensure comprehensive fire insurance and confirm flood coverage, especially in low-lying areas. Given your wildfire score of 85.37, defensible space maintenance and fire-resistant landscaping are critical investments beyond insurance.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Custer County

via WaterByCounty

Drinking Water Compliance Struggles in Custer County

Custer County receives a water quality grade of F after recording 23 health violations over the last five years. Despite the poor grade, the county violation rate of 223.6 per 100,000 residents remains lower than the Montana state average of 393.8.

Full Compliance in Local Watershed Assessments

According to the 2022 EPA ATTAINS reporting cycle, 100% of the 21 assessed water bodies in Custer County meet Clean Water Act standards. No water bodies currently show impairment, aligning with the 0% state average for the current reporting period.

Physical and Metal Levels Leading Monitoring Efforts

Water quality monitoring remains focused on four key sites where technicians recorded 303 measurements over the past five years. Data collection focuses heavily on physical characteristics and inorganic metal groups to track long-term trends.

Yellowstone River Flow Remains Steady Near Miles City

The Yellowstone River at Miles City currently flows at 12,100 cubic feet per second, representing 106% of its long-term mean. This stable discharge supports diverse water uses across a massive 48,288 square mile drainage area.

Focus on Filtration Amid Compliance Violations

Since drinking water systems have struggled with health violations, residents should consider point-of-use filtration or independent testing. While current streamflow is stable, the recurring compliance issues suggest a need for higher vigilance at the tap.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Custer County

via WeatherByCounty

A warmer pocket in a cold state

Custer County maintains an annual average temperature of 46.4°F, which sits well below the national median but remains notably warm for the Northern Rockies. The region experiences a semi-arid climate characterized by low humidity and 14.1 inches of annual precipitation.

Leading the state in heat

With an average temperature 2.7°F higher than the Montana state average of 43.7°F, Custer ranks as one of the state's warmer jurisdictions. It receives slightly less moisture than the state average of 15.4 inches, defining it as a dry, temperate outlier.

Competing with eastern neighbors

Custer’s climate mirrors Dawson County to the northeast, which is slightly warmer at 46.6°F. However, it is significantly warmer than Fallon County, where the average temperature drops to 44.0°F.

Sweltering summers and moderate snow

Residents face 44 days of extreme heat above 90°F, a high frequency for Montana, while July averages reach 74.0°F. Winter brings a manageable 29.9 inches of snow, much lower than the heavy totals found in the western mountains.

Preparing for the heat

Because summer temperatures frequently spike, high-efficiency cooling systems are a priority for local homeowners. Gardeners should prioritize drought-resistant plants to accommodate the low 14.1-inch annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Custer County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Soils in the Big Sky Country

Custer County features alkaline soils with an average pH of 7.57, which sits higher than the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 7.43. While taxonomic data is limited, these levels indicate a chemical environment that favors specific minerals over others. Growers should prepare for soil that is naturally less acidic than the typical American yard.

A Balanced Mix of Silt and Sand

The soil contains 34.7% sand, 41.4% silt, and 23.8% clay. This composition provides a balanced texture that generally offers better workability than heavy clay regions. The high silt content helps with structural stability while the sand assists with initial water infiltration.

Moderate Fertility and Standard Water Retention

Organic matter levels reach 1.79%, falling below the state average of 2.54% and the national average of 2.0%. Despite lower organic content, the available water capacity of 0.165 in/in perfectly matches the Montana state average. This suggests a soil that holds onto moisture effectively even with less natural decomposition.

Steady Moisture and Limited Drainage Data

While specific drainage classes are not currently recorded, the silty texture indicates moderate permeability. Landowners should monitor for surface runoff during the spring thaw. The overall soil score of 36.2 suggests there are some challenges to productivity compared to the state average of 43.1.

Cultivating Crops in Zone 4b

With a USDA Hardiness Zone of 4b, Custer County is ideal for hearty grains and cold-tolerant garden staples. Focus on alkaline-loving plants like lilacs, clematis, and asparagus. Your garden can thrive here if you focus on building up that organic matter over time.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Custer County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Turf Conditions in Custer County

Custer County earns a lawn difficulty score of 36.8, significantly harder than the national median of 50.0 but slightly easier than the Montana state average of 33.4. In Hardiness Zone 4b, homeowners face a uphill battle against the elements to maintain consistent green cover.

Beating the Southeastern Heat

Lawns here endure 44 extreme heat days per year, doubling the state average of 22 days and stressing cool-season grasses. With only 14.1 inches of annual precipitation compared to the 30-50 inches lawns ideally require, heavy irrigation is mandatory during the 2,633 growing degree days.

Managing Alkaline Soils

Local soil pH sits at 7.57, which is more alkaline than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for nutrient absorption. The mix of 23.8% clay and 34.7% sand requires regular aeration to prevent compaction and improve water infiltration.

Watering Through Dry Spells

The county spent 25 weeks in drought over the last year, and nearly 99% of the area remains abnormally dry. To conserve water, homeowners should focus on deep, infrequent watering cycles to encourage deep root growth.

Planting for Success in Zone 4b

Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescue are the best bets for this climate, provided they are seeded after the last frost on May 13. Aim to establish new turf well before the first fall frost arrives around September 25.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Custer County's county score?
Custer County, Montana has a composite county score of 48 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 Custer County rank among counties in Montana?
Custer County ranks #44 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 Custer County, Montana?
The median annual property tax in Custer County is $2,242, with an effective tax rate of 1.10%. This earns Custer County a tax score of 31.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Custer County?
The median household income in Custer County, Montana is $63,585 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Custer County earns an income score of 49.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Custer County, Montana a good place to live?
Custer County scores 48/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #44 in Montana. The best way to evaluate Custer 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 Custer County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.