countyscore
67.1
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.

2040608010045.280.597.554.153.122.798.28634.2Tax45.2Cost80.5Safety97.5Health54.1Schools53.1Income22.7Risk98.2Water86Weather34.267.1/100
This county
National avg
4 above average2 below average

Daniels County DNA

C-overall

How Daniels County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Daniels County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (98.2/100) but notably weak in Income (22.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
45.2
Cost
80.5+32.5
Safety
97.5+42.5
Health
54.1
Schools
53.1
Income
22.7-28.3
Risk
98.2+51.2
Water
86+28
Weather
34.2-21.799999999999997
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$184,800

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$581/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$184,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$23,240/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $55,625/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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Counties with similar scores

Cherokee County
Iowa
Median income: $71,269
67.1
Casey County
Kentucky
Median income: $45,510
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Grant County
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Ransom County
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Deuel County
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Ohio County
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Median income: $70,392
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Washington County
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Yancey County
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Median income: $58,709
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Nearby counties

Sheridan County
Montana
50.2
Roosevelt County
Montana
46.7
Valley County
Montana
56.3
McCone County
Montana
73.7
Richland County
Montana
52.3
Divide County
North Dakota
72.4
Williams County
North Dakota
43.2
Dawson County
Montana
49.8

Deep Dives

Daniels County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 67.1 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 #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 Daniels County, Montana?
The median annual property tax in Daniels County is $1,610, with an effective tax rate of 0.87%. This earns Daniels County a tax score of 45.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Daniels County?
The median household income in Daniels County, Montana is $55,625 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Daniels County earns an income score of 22.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Daniels County, Montana a good place to live?
Daniels County scores 67.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #11 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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