countyscore
47.7
County Score
Income & Jobs 68.7Health 60.1Safety 57.1

County Report Card

About Dawson County, Montana

Dawson County nears the national median

Dawson County holds a composite score of 47.7, sitting just below the national benchmark of 50.0. This score reflects a community that balances strong individual earnings against significant infrastructure challenges.

Trailing the Montana state average

At 47.7, Dawson County ranks lower than the Montana average score of 56.4. The county faces specific hurdles in taxation and school performance that pull its ranking below state leaders.

Strong earnings and health access

High earning potential is a major draw, evidenced by an income score of 68.7 and a median household income of $70,953. Residents also benefit from a solid health score of 60.1, indicating reliable access to medical services.

Infrastructure and tax concerns

The county faces a difficult water score of 13.2 and a low tax score of 26.8, driven by an effective tax rate of 1.173%. Additionally, the school score of 38.8 suggests room for improvement in the local educational system.

A hub for working professionals

Dawson County is best suited for working professionals who prioritize higher incomes and affordable $187,400 homes. It appeals to those willing to trade higher taxes and infrastructure scores for strong local economic opportunities.

Score breakdown

Tax26.8Cost56Safety57.1Health60.1Schools38.8Income68.7Risk36.2Water13.2Weather32
🏛26.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠56
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼68.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡57.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤60.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓38.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡36.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧13.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤32
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨41.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱35.5
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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Nearby counties

Wibaux County
Montana
63.2
Prairie County
Montana
60.2
Richland County
Montana
52.7
McCone County
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Golden Valley County
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Custer County
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Roosevelt County
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Fallon County
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Deep Dives

Dawson County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Dawson County

via TaxByCounty

Dawson's taxes among the nation's highest

Dawson County's effective tax rate of 1.173% ranks in the 85th percentile nationally, placing it squarely in the upper tier of American counties. Though the median annual tax of $2,199 trails the national median of $2,690, the rate itself is markedly steeper due to Dawson's lower home values.

Dawson ranks highest in Montana

At 1.173%, Dawson County has the highest effective tax rate among Montana's 56 counties, 53% above the state average of 0.767%. The median property tax of $2,199 ranks second statewide, exceeded only by Flathead and Gallatin counties.

Dawson leads the region in tax burden

Dawson County's 1.173% rate significantly outpaces every neighboring county in eastern and central Montana, including Custer (1.098%), Fergus (0.843%), and Fallon (0.573%). The county stands out as the regional tax leader by a substantial margin.

Annual taxes on a Dawson County home

A median-valued home of $187,400 carries an estimated annual property tax of $2,199 in Dawson County. With mortgage-related assessments, this climbs to approximately $2,493 for financed properties.

Appeal your assessment in high-tax counties

Counties with rates as high as Dawson's often see higher rates of overassessment; many homeowners never challenge inflated values. Filing an appeal with the assessor's office is free and can substantially lower your tax bill if your home's valuation exceeds fair market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Dawson County

via CostByCounty

Dawson: Balanced Housing-to-Income Equation

Dawson County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.9% sits comfortably below both the national and Montana state average, reflecting solid affordability for renters. Median household income of $70,953 is closer to the national median ($74,755) than most Montana rural counties, while rents of $823 remain moderate. This combination positions Dawson as an accessible housing market for working families.

Dawson Outperforms Montana on Affordability

At 13.9%, Dawson County beats Montana's state average of 15.9% for rent-to-income ratios, placing it among the more livable counties statewide. Monthly rents near the state median ($823 vs. $825) pair with above-average local income, creating favorable conditions for renters. Dawson represents the sweet spot of Montana's housing market—not inflated by tourism, but economically stable.

Dawson Sits Between Custer and Fallon

Dawson's $823 monthly rent falls between Custer County's pricier $918 and Fallon County's $772, offering a middle ground in eastern Montana. Home values of $187,400 are the lowest among these eastern peers, making Dawson competitive for both renters and homebuyers. The county balances affordability with relative economic stability in this regional cluster.

Dawson's Housing: Sustainable for Local Wages

Renters in Dawson spend $823 monthly on an income of $70,953 annually, consuming just 13.9% of earnings—a healthy ratio that leaves room for savings and other costs. Homeowners pay $796 monthly, slightly less than renters, reflecting an unusual dynamic where ownership remains more accessible than renting. This dual affordability makes Dawson attractive to mixed-income households.

Dawson: Eastern Montana's Balanced Choice

Dawson County offers solid affordability without the extreme isolation of far-eastern counties, with reasonable rents and ownership costs aligned to local wages. The county's energy sector provides economic diversity and stability, appealing to those seeking job security beyond seasonal tourism. If you want Montana without extreme remoteness or inflated costs, Dawson deserves serious consideration.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Dawson County

via IncomeByCounty

Dawson nears the U.S. benchmark

Dawson County's median household income of $70,953 sits $3,802 below the national median of $74,755, putting it in the upper-middle tier for the country. The county significantly outpaces Montana's state average of $62,295.

Among Montana's stronger earners

At $70,953, Dawson ranks above the state average by roughly $8,650, placing it in Montana's upper third for household income. This reflects a more diverse economy and higher average wages in the region.

Outearns most nearby counties

Dawson's $70,953 median beats Custer ($63,585) and Fergus ($59,731), trailing only Fallon ($72,284) and Flathead ($71,327) among nearby counties. The county enjoys one of the strongest income profiles in northeastern Montana.

Housing costs stay manageable

Dawson's 13.9% rent-to-income ratio signals healthy affordability, well below the 30% warning threshold. With a median home value of $187,400 and relatively strong income, households enjoy solid financial breathing room.

Invest in tomorrow today

Dawson residents earning $70,953 can comfortably cover basics and still allocate 10–15% of income to retirement savings and investments. Leverage this advantage to build long-term wealth through consistent, diversified investing.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Dawson County

via CrimeByCounty

Dawson County Offers Strong Protection

Dawson County boasts a safety score of 98.4, reflecting a total crime rate of only 987.1 per 100,000. This is remarkably lower than the national average of 2,385.5, indicating a very secure local environment.

Leading the State in Public Safety

Dawson County is safer than the average Montana county, with a crime rate of 987.1 compared to the state average of 1,112.5. Its safety score matches the high standards of neighboring Custer County.

Steady Safety in the Region

Dawson County's crime rate of 987.1 is slightly lower than Custer County's 1,011.9, showing regional consistency in safety. Both counties perform significantly better than the state's larger urban hubs.

Violent Crime Remains Relatively Low

The violent crime rate of 302.9 per 100,000 is below the national average of 369.8. Property crime makes up the bulk of local reports at 684.2, though this is still a fraction of the national property crime rate of 2,015.7.

Proactive Steps for Homeowners

Because property crime is the most common local issue, residents should ensure homes and vehicles are always locked. Simple deterrents like visible security cameras can help keep Dawson County's crime rates trending downward.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Dawson County

via HealthByCounty

Dawson lags national life expectancy

At 75.3 years, Dawson County residents live more than a year less than the U.S. average of 76.4 years, reflecting chronic health challenges in this rural area. Nearly one in six residents (16.3%) report poor or fair health, above national benchmarks and signaling higher disease burden.

Among Montana's shortest-lived counties

Dawson County's life expectancy of 75.3 years ranks significantly below Montana's state average of 76.3 years, placing it in the lower tier of health outcomes statewide. The county's uninsured rate of 8.4% stands well below the state average of 11.9%, a rare bright spot in coverage.

Primary care supply lags, mental health moderate

Dawson County provides just 45 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, among the lowest in eastern Montana and suggesting longer waits for routine care. Mental health provider availability at 261 per 100,000 is reasonable, though below state averages for behavioral health resources.

Strong insurance coverage, weak provider access

Only 8.4% of Dawson County residents lack insurance—the best coverage rate among these eight counties—yet primary care availability remains constrained at 45 providers per 100,000. This mismatch means many insured residents still struggle to find and schedule appointments with local doctors.

Protect yourself with health insurance

If you're among the 8.4% of Dawson County residents without coverage, enrollment assistance is available through Montana's state portal and local community health centers. Quality insurance today helps prevent the high-cost emergency care that strains rural health systems tomorrow.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Dawson County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse Districts Serve Dawson Students

Dawson County hosts 10 public schools managed across seven different districts for its 1,240 students. The system includes six elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools to serve a wide geographic area. While the county offers traditional public education, it currently features no charter school options.

Opportunities to Improve Student Outcomes

The county's graduation rate stands at 77.0%, which is lower than both the Montana average of 83.7% and the national rate of 87.0%. Per-pupil expenditure of $8,409 trails the state average, and the overall school score is 49.7. These metrics indicate a need for targeted investment to bring academic results in line with broader regional trends.

Glendive Elementary Leads Local Enrollment

Glendive Elementary is the largest district, serving 782 students across three schools. In contrast, the Bloomfield Elementary district operates a single school with only seven students, highlighting the vast difference in district sizes. Dawson High School remains the largest single campus with 343 students enrolled.

Blending Town Life and Rural Tradition

Education here is split between six rural schools and four town-based facilities, offering different environments for families. The average school size is 124 students, but actual enrollment varies from 343 at the high school to fewer than 10 at rural outposts. This mix ensures that families can choose between centralized town schools or highly individualized rural classrooms.

Relocating to the Glendive Area

If you are researching homes in Dawson County, focusing on the Glendive area provides the most direct access to the county's largest schools. Proximity to Jefferson and Lincoln schools offers convenient options for families with younger children. Evaluating school performance is a vital step when choosing where to settle in this eastern Montana community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Dawson County

via RiskByCounty

Dawson's Risk Exceeds National Norms

Dawson County's composite risk score of 63.80 places it well above the national average baseline. Your "Relatively Low" rating reflects significant natural disaster exposure, particularly from wildfire and flood events.

Above-Average Risk for Montana

At 63.80, Dawson ranks in Montana's upper-middle risk tier, nearly double the state average of 33.31. Your county faces notably elevated hazard exposure compared to most Montana communities.

Elevated Risk in Regional Context

Dawson County (63.80) significantly outpaces Fallon County (5.41) and Daniels County (1.81) to the north and east, though it remains safer than Flathead (86.45) and Gallatin (80.98) counties. Your central-eastern location exposes you to moderate wildfire and flood threats.

Wildfire and Flood Lead Your Threats

Wildfire at 59.57 is Dawson's dominant hazard, followed closely by flood risk at 28.15. Tornadoes (25.13) present a secondary but noteworthy threat, while earthquake risk (15.01) remains minimal.

Bundle Fire and Flood Protection

Dawson County residents should prioritize both wildfire and flood insurance, especially those in riparian zones or fire-prone areas. Adding earthquake coverage to your policy costs little and provides comprehensive protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Dawson County

via WeatherByCounty

Moderate temperatures for the north

Dawson County averages 46.6°F annually, positioned as a relatively temperate zone within the context of the northern United States. The area is quite dry, receiving only 14.7 inches of precipitation per year.

Warmest in the region

Dawson sits 2.9°F above the Montana state average of 43.7°F, making it one of the state's warmer counties. Its annual precipitation is nearly identical to the state average, providing a representative look at Montana's plains climate.

Leading the eastern pack

At 46.6°F, Dawson is slightly warmer than its neighbor Custer County at 46.4°F. It is significantly more temperate than Daniels County to the north, which averages over 6 degrees colder.

Hot summers and dry snow

July brings intense heat with 38 days topping 90°F and an average temperature of 74.0°F. Snowfall is modest at 23.1 inches, often arriving in dry, wind-blown bursts during the 21.6°F average winter months.

Equipping for the sun

Summer cooling is a major consideration, as the county experiences over a month's worth of extreme heat days. High-SPF sun protection and ventilated gear are necessary for outdoor work during the 71.0°F average summer season.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Dawson County

via SoilByCounty

Slightly Alkaline Eastern Montana Soil

Dawson County has an average pH of 7.52, which is more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. This figure also slightly exceeds the Montana state average of 7.43. These levels are common for the region and generally require minimal lime but may need sulfur for acid-loving plants.

A Silty Foundation for Farming

The soil mix contains 35.1% sand, 42.3% silt, and 22.6% clay. This silty profile makes the ground relatively easy to work while maintaining enough clay to hold onto essential nutrients. It provides a stable base for both native grasses and cultivated crops.

Strong Water Retention Capabilities

Organic matter sits at 2.14%, which is higher than the national average of 2.0% but below the state's 2.54%. Interestingly, its available water capacity of 0.168 in/in is better than the state average of 0.165. This helps the county maintain a soil score of 41.2, nearing the state average.

Managing Water in Silty Terrain

Official drainage class data is currently unavailable, but the high silt content suggests moderate water movement. Farmers should be aware that silty soils can sometimes crust over after heavy rains, potentially impacting seed emergence. Proper residue management can help mitigate these surface issues.

Hardy Options for Zone 4a

In USDA Hardiness Zone 4a, growers should focus on crops that can withstand late spring frosts. Wheat, barley, and hardy root vegetables perform well in this soil and climate combination. The slightly above-average water capacity gives your plants a fighting chance during dry spells.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Dawson County

via LawnByCounty

Hardy Lawns for Dawson County

Dawson County scores 35.5 on the lawn difficulty index, placing it just above the state average of 33.4. Residents in Hardiness Zone 4a must manage a climate that is significantly more arid and volatile than the national average.

High Heat and Thirsty Turf

At 14.7 inches of annual rain, the county falls far short of the 30-inch ideal for standard lawns. With 38 days of extreme heat, cool-season grasses will likely go dormant in mid-summer without supplemental irrigation during the 2,733 growing degree days.

Navigating Alkaline Clay Mixes

The soil pH of 7.52 is slightly high for turf, often requiring sulfur amendments to unlock nutrients. A composition of 22.6% clay and 35.1% sand means the ground can become quite hard, making core aeration a vital annual task.

Managing 32 Weeks of Drought

The county has endured 32 weeks of drought over the past year, with 70.3% of the land remaining abnormally dry. Implementing xeriscaping around lawn edges can reduce the overall water demand for your property.

Optimizing the Growing Season

The growing season kicks off after the last frost on May 3 and stretches until October 4, providing a decent window for establishment. Hardened varieties of Bluegrass or Crested Wheatgrass are recommended for these specific Montana conditions.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dawson County's county score?
Dawson County, Montana has a composite county score of 47.7 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 Dawson County rank among counties in Montana?
Dawson County ranks #45 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 Dawson County, Montana?
The median annual property tax in Dawson County is $2,199, with an effective tax rate of 1.17%. This earns Dawson County a tax score of 26.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Dawson County?
The median household income in Dawson County, Montana is $70,953 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Dawson County earns an income score of 68.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Dawson County, Montana a good place to live?
Dawson County scores 47.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #45 in Montana. The best way to evaluate Dawson 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 Dawson 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.