countyscore
67.8
County Score
Disaster Risk 98.2Safety 97.5Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Daniels County, Montana

High performance on the national stage

Daniels County boasts an impressive composite score of 67.8, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This score places the county among the top-tier rural locations in the country for overall quality of life.

Outperforming the Montana state average

With a score of 67.8, Daniels County significantly outpaces the Montana state average of 56.4. It stands as a leader in the state for safety and environmental resilience, offering a high-standard alternative to more populated areas.

Exceptional safety and environmental security

The county excels in security with a safety score of 97.5 and a near-perfect risk score of 98.2. Additionally, housing remains highly affordable with a cost score of 79.0 and median rents as low as $588.

Limited income and growth potential

Economic growth remains a hurdle, reflected in an income score of 32.8 and a median household income of $58,000. While costs are low, the tax score of 48.2 indicates that property owners still face moderate fiscal obligations.

A sanctuary for peace-seekers

This county is ideal for retirees or remote workers who value extreme safety and low living costs over high-density amenities. It offers a rare combination of environmental security and affordable $177,800 median home values.

Score breakdown

Tax48.2Cost79Safety97.5Health54.1Schools53.1Income32.8Risk98.2Water86Weather34.2
🏛48.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠79
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼32.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤54.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓53.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡98.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤34.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱30.2
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

Sheridan County
Montana
49.3
Roosevelt County
Montana
46.5
Valley County
Montana
56.1
McCone County
Montana
75.3
Richland County
Montana
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Divide County
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Williams County
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Dawson County
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Deep Dives

Daniels County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Daniels County

via TaxByCounty

Daniels County taxes stay moderate nationally

With an effective tax rate of 0.862%, Daniels County runs just slightly above the U.S. median of 0.84%, landing it squarely at the 55th percentile nationwide. The median annual tax of $1,533 is notably lower than the national figure of $2,690, reflecting the county's lower median home value of $177,800.

Middling rates within Montana

Daniels County's 0.862% effective tax rate sits modestly above Montana's state average of 0.767%, placing it in the middle range among the state's 56 counties. At $1,533 annually, the county's median property tax runs just 15% higher than the statewide median of $1,802.

Daniels rates compare favorably in the east

Daniels County's 0.862% rate falls below its neighbor Custer (1.098%) but exceeds Fergus (0.843%) and Fallon (0.573%) in northeastern Montana. The county occupies a reasonable middle ground in its regional tax landscape.

Typical Daniels County annual tax bill

A median-valued home worth $177,800 generates an annual property tax of roughly $1,533 in Daniels County. Homeowners with mortgages typically see this rise to $1,884 when additional assessments apply.

Check if your home is fairly assessed

Even in moderate-tax counties like Daniels, incorrect assessments happen and cost homeowners money unnecessarily. A quick review with the county assessor or an appeal could confirm whether your property's taxable value matches current market conditions.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Daniels County

via CostByCounty

Daniels: Montana's Affordability Outlier

Daniels County delivers rare affordability, with renters spending just 12.2% of income on housing—well below the national and state averages. Median household income of $58,000 and rent of only $588 monthly create one of Montana's most livable housing markets relative to earnings. This county punches above its weight for families and remote workers seeking low cost-of-living stability.

Daniels Leads Montana in Affordability

At 12.2%, Daniels County's rent-to-income ratio is the lowest we see in this Montana sample, well below the 15.9% state average. Renters here enjoy monthly costs of just $588—$237 cheaper than Montana's median—making it an exceptional value in a state increasingly pressured by tourism and growth. Daniels represents the Montana frontier where wages and housing have maintained balance.

Daniels Stands Apart as Affordability Leader

Daniels County's $588 rent is dramatically cheaper than neighboring Custer ($918) and even beats Fallon County ($772) by $184 monthly. Median home values of $177,800 mark Daniels as one of Montana's most affordable for ownership, significantly cheaper than any western county in this sample. For budget-conscious migrants, Daniels County offers unmatched value in the state.

Daniels Housing Costs: The Math Works

With median income of $58,000 annually, Daniels renters paying $588 monthly (12.2% of income) leave ample room for other expenses. Homeowners pay $758 monthly on average, also remarkably affordable relative to local wages, making both rental and ownership accessible here. This county demonstrates what housing affordability looks like when supply and demand remain balanced.

Daniels: The Affordable Montana Choice

If you're relocating to Montana for lower costs, Daniels County is your answer, with the state's lowest rent-to-income ratio and home values under $180,000. The trade-off is isolation: Daniels is remote, with limited job diversity and long drives to major services. But for retirees, remote workers, and those prioritizing financial breathing room, Daniels delivers unmatched affordability in Big Sky Country.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Daniels County

via IncomeByCounty

Daniels income lags U.S. average

Daniels County's median household income of $58,000 trails the national median by $16,755. This reflects economic challenges common to many rural northeastern Montana communities.

Among Montana's lower earners

Daniels ranks below the state average of $62,295, placing it among the lower-income counties in Montana. The county's $58,000 median indicates a workforce concentrated in agriculture, ranching, and small-scale industries.

Daniels underperforms the region

Daniels County's $58,000 median lags neighboring Custer ($63,585) and significantly trails Fallon County ($72,284). The county faces steeper income challenges than most peers in the northeastern region.

Strong affordability, limited income

Daniels shines on affordability with a 12.2% rent-to-income ratio—one of Montana's best. At a median home value of $177,800, housing is genuinely accessible, though lower absolute incomes limit household savings capacity.

Stretch every dollar earned

While $58,000 is tight, Daniels's low housing costs free up more cash for financial goals than higher-income counties face. Maximize any employer retirement benefits and consider side income or skill development to boost earning power.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Daniels County

via CrimeByCounty

Daniels County Reports Zero Crime Activity

Daniels County earns a perfect safety score of 100.0, reporting 0.0 crimes per 100,000 residents in 2022. This stands in stark contrast to the national total crime rate of 2,385.5 per 100,000.

Montana's Safest Statistical Reporting

While the Montana average total crime rate is 1,112.5, Daniels County reports no incidents at all. This makes it the highest-ranked county for safety in the state, though the data comes from a single reporting agency.

Exceptional Safety Near the Border

Compared to nearby Fallon County's rate of 612.0, Daniels County's reported rate of 0.0 is remarkable. This statistical profile suggests an incredibly quiet environment even by rural Montana standards.

Understanding the Zero-Crime Report

With 0.0 violent and property crimes reported, the county technically has no measurable crime footprint. Residents should note that single-agency data can sometimes underrepresent minor incidents, but the overall trend remains exceptionally peaceful.

Maintain Your Quiet Community

In a county with a 100.0 safety score, community trust is the best defense. Continue to look out for neighbors and report any unusual activity to ensure these perfect numbers continue into the future.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Daniels County

via HealthByCounty

Daniels health data tells partial story

While Daniels County's poor/fair health rate of 15.7% aligns closely with national levels, life expectancy data remains unavailable, limiting our full picture of resident outcomes. The uninsured rate of 12.2% runs slightly above the U.S. average, suggesting modest insurance gaps in this small county.

Small county, limited health reporting

Daniels County's uninsured rate of 12.2% edges above Montana's state average of 11.9%, indicating slightly higher coverage challenges in this sparsely populated area. Life expectancy data is not available, typical for Montana's smallest counties where statistical reporting faces population thresholds.

Mental health access, primary care unknown

Daniels County reports 61 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, lower than many Montana neighbors, suggesting potential barriers to behavioral health care. Primary care provider data remains unavailable, reflecting the data limitations common in Montana's most rural counties.

Coverage gaps in a small county

One in eight Daniels County residents (12.2%) lack health insurance, slightly above state average, putting them at risk for delayed or avoided care. Primary care access data is limited, but residents may need to travel to neighboring counties for specialized services.

Take action on health coverage now

If you're uninsured in Daniels County, Healthcare.gov and Montana's state marketplace offer plans year-round for qualifying life changes. Local health departments and community clinics can help you understand coverage options and enrollment assistance available in your area.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Daniels County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Education in a Rural Setting

Daniels County manages a single unified school district that supports 286 total students. The county's education infrastructure consists of just three schools: one elementary, one middle, and one high school. This centralized model ensures that all local students move through the same academic pipeline from kindergarten to graduation.

Strong Outcomes with Lean Investment

The county boasts a 90.0% graduation rate, which sits comfortably above both the state average of 83.7% and the national average of 87.0%. Academic performance is solid with a school score of 54.9, despite per-pupil spending of $7,642 being much lower than the $13,000 national benchmark. These figures suggest that local educators maximize limited resources to achieve high student success.

Scobey K-12 Dominates the County

Scobey K-12 Schools is the sole district in the county, providing a consistent educational experience for all 286 students. There are no charter schools in the area, meaning the public system remains the primary focus for local families. The district provides a rare 100% share of the county's educational offerings.

A Truly Rural Learning Experience

Every school in Daniels County is classified as rural, creating a focused and quiet learning environment. The largest facility is Scobey School with 159 elementary students, while Scobey 7-8 is the smallest with only 45 students. This small-scale setting results in an average school size of just 95 students across the entire county.

Build a Life in Scobey

For families seeking a small-town atmosphere with reliable public schools, Scobey offers a stable and high-achieving environment. The unified district model provides a clear path for children as they grow, making it a predictable choice for new residents. Consider local real estate if you value high graduation rates and a tight-knit community feel.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Daniels County

via RiskByCounty

Daniels Ranks Among Safest Nationwide

Daniels County's composite risk score of 1.81 places it in the nation's safest tier for natural disaster exposure. Your "Very Low" rating reflects exceptionally minimal hazard concentration across flooding, tornadoes, earthquakes, and other major threats.

Montana's Safest County

With a score of 1.81, Daniels is the safest county in Montana, dramatically outperforming the state average of 33.31. This makes Daniels a statistical outlier even within Montana's relatively moderate risk profile.

Dramatically Safer Than Regional Peers

Daniels County (1.81) faces a fraction of the risk carried by Custer County (42.14), Fergus County (45.10), and especially Flathead County (86.45). Your eastern plains location shields you from the fire and seismic hazards that threaten Montana's western and central regions.

Wildfire Is Your Only Concern

Even Daniels County's highest-risk hazard—wildfire at 37.82—remains well below the state average. Floods (2.99), tornadoes (7.92), and earthquakes (3.31) pose minimal risk, making your county exceptionally well-positioned.

Standard Homeowners Insurance Suffices

While your risk profile is excellent, standard homeowners insurance remains essential for general property protection. Basic coverage should adequately protect your investment in Daniels County.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Daniels County

via WeatherByCounty

Deep cold on the high plains

Daniels County is one of the coldest spots in the lower 48, with an annual average temperature of just 40.2°F. This semi-arid region is defined by its harsh continental climate and sparse 13.5 inches of annual precipitation.

Far below the state norm

The county sits 3.5°F below the Montana average of 43.7°F, marking it as a northern outlier for extreme cold. Its 22.9 inches of annual snowfall is relatively light for the state, as the air is often too cold to hold significant moisture.

Colder than its southern peers

Daniels is significantly colder than Dawson County, which enjoys a much milder 46.6°F average. Even compared to Fallon County at 44.0°F, Daniels faces a much more rigorous winter season.

Brief summers and brutal winters

January averages a frigid 11.1°F, making winter survival the primary seasonal focus. Summers are pleasant but short, with July averaging 67.4°F and only 20 days reaching above the 90°F mark.

Winter proofing is essential

Homeowners must invest in heavy-duty insulation and reliable heating systems to withstand the 13.8°F winter average. Outdoor equipment should be rated for sub-zero temperatures, and vehicle block heaters are standard requirements here.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Daniels County

via SoilByCounty

Northern Plains Soil Identity

Formal soil taxonomic and pH data for Daniels County is currently unrecorded in national datasets. Most regional soils near the Canadian border tend toward alkaline levels, though local testing is required for precision. Understanding your specific site is the first step in successful northern farming.

Texture Data Pending Survey

Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not available for this county at this time. Most soils in this high-plains region vary between sandy loams and heavier clay deposits. Localized samples are the only way to accurately assess your land's drainage and workability.

Assessing Growing Potential Locally

Data regarding organic matter and available water capacity remains limited for this area. Without a baseline relative to the state average of 2.54% organic matter, growers should emphasize soil-building practices. Adding compost can help bridge the gap in unknown nutrient profiles.

Hydrological Insights for Daniels County

Drainage classes and hydrologic groups have not been cataloged for the county's dominant soil types. For building or large-scale irrigation, conducting a percolation test is highly recommended. Understanding how water moves across your specific terrain is vital in this semi-arid climate.

Gardening in the Cold Zone 3b

Daniels County sits in the chilly USDA Hardiness Zone 3b, requiring extremely hardy plant varieties. Short-season vegetables and cold-resistant berries like honeyberry or currants are excellent choices. Start your seeds indoors to make the most of the brief but intense summer sun.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Daniels County

via LawnByCounty

A Short Season in Daniels County

With a lawn difficulty score of 30.2, Daniels County is one of the most challenging places in the country to maintain a lawn. Located in Hardiness Zone 3b, the extreme cold and arid climate put constant pressure on even the hardiest grass varieties.

Dry Skies and Low Heat

The county receives just 13.5 inches of precipitation annually, which is less than half of what a lush lawn needs. While extreme heat is less of a concern with only 20 days over 90°F, the short 1,839 growing degree days limit the time available for turf recovery.

Understanding Local Soil Needs

While specific county-level soil data is currently limited, regional trends suggest high alkalinity common across the High Plains. Homeowners should perform a private soil test to check for the pH and nutrient levels necessary for healthy roots.

Enduring the High Plains Drought

Daniels County has faced 35 weeks of drought in the past year, and the entire county currently qualifies as abnormally dry. Utilizing rain barrels and choosing drought-tolerant seed blends can help maintain a yard under these restrictive conditions.

Racing the Frost Clock

Select ultra-hardy species like Buffalo Grass or specialized Zone 3 fescues to survive the harsh winters. The planting window is tight, opening after May 28 and closing quickly before the first frost on September 6.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Daniels County's county score?
Daniels County, Montana has a composite county score of 67.8 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 Daniels County rank among counties in Montana?
Daniels County ranks #8 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 Daniels County, Montana?
The median annual property tax in Daniels County is $1,533, with an effective tax rate of 0.86%. This earns Daniels County a tax score of 48.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Daniels County?
The median household income in Daniels County, Montana is $58,000 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Daniels County earns an income score of 32.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Daniels County, Montana a good place to live?
Daniels County scores 67.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #8 in Montana. The best way to evaluate Daniels 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 Daniels County with other counties side by side.

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