countyscore
49.3
County Score
Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 82.4Cost of Living 69.6

County Report Card

About Deer Lodge County, Montana

Deer Lodge matches national standards

With a composite score of 48.9, Deer Lodge County performs nearly at the national median of 50.0. It offers a competitive lifestyle compared to many other rural counties across the United States.

Closing in on state averages

The county score of 48.9 is slightly below the Montana state average of 56.4. While it trails the state leaders, its strong performance in environmental risk helps it maintain a solid regional standing.

Superior water and risk resilience

Deer Lodge shines in natural security with a risk score of 82.4 and a high water score of 86.0. Housing also remains a strong point, with a cost score of 71.4 and a median gross rent of only $661.

Economic and safety hurdles

Low local earnings are a concern, with an income score of 13.5 and a median household income of $49,533. The safety score of 23.3 is also significantly lower than state and national averages, impacting the overall score.

Perfect for low-cost living

This county is a great fit for individuals seeking low housing costs and high environmental safety. It appeals to those who prioritize affordability and natural resource quality over high-income career paths.

2040608010052.669.623.351.643.326.982.48645.4Tax52.6Cost69.6Safety23.3Health51.6Schools43.3Income26.9Risk82.4Water86Weather45.449.3/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Deer Lodge County DNA

Foverall

How Deer Lodge County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Deer Lodge County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (82.4/100) but notably weak in Safety (23.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
52.6
Cost
69.6+21.599999999999994
Safety
23.3-31.7
Health
51.6
Schools
43.3-10.700000000000003
Income
26.9-24.1
Risk
82.4+35.400000000000006
Water
86+28
Weather
45.4-10.600000000000001
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Think property taxes are too high in Deer Lodge County?

Many homeowners in Deer Lodge 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

$231,700

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$696/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$231,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$27,840/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $57,527/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

21.0

per 100K

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

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Silver Bow County
Montana
36.7
Granite County
Montana
58.5
Jefferson County
Montana
58
Ravalli County
Montana
59.2
Powell County
Montana
58.6
Madison County
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68.8
Beaverhead County
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64.6
Broadwater County
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56.4

Deep Dives

Deer Lodge County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Deer Lodge County

via TaxByCounty

Deer Lodge taxes below the nation's average

With an effective tax rate of 0.814%, Deer Lodge County sits slightly below the U.S. median of 0.84%, placing it near the 50th percentile nationally. The median annual tax of $1,706 is notably lower than the national median of $2,690, reflecting the county's more modest home valuations.

Below-average rates within Montana

Deer Lodge County's 0.814% effective tax rate runs modestly above Montana's state average of 0.767%, making it a relatively mild-tax county within the state's 56 counties. The median property tax of $1,706 falls short of the statewide median of $1,802, offering some relief to property owners.

Deer Lodge sits in the middle regionally

Deer Lodge's 0.814% rate falls between Custer (1.098%) to the east and the lower-tax western counties, positioning it as moderate within its region. The county's rate exceeds Fallon (0.573%) and Fergus (0.843%) in comparable range.

What Deer Lodge property taxes typically cost

A median-valued home of $209,700 results in an annual property tax of approximately $1,706 in Deer Lodge County. Homeowners with mortgages face a total of roughly $1,942 when mortgage-related assessments are included.

Review your assessment for accuracy

Inaccurate property assessments affect homeowners across all tax rates, and Deer Lodge County is no exception. Contact your county assessor to verify your home's assessed value matches the current market, potentially reducing your annual tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Deer Lodge County

via IncomeByCounty

Deer Lodge faces income headwinds

Deer Lodge County's median household income of $49,533 ranks nearly $25,000 below the U.S. median of $74,755. This places it among Montana's most economically challenged counties.

Montana's lowest-earning county

Deer Lodge's $49,533 median sits nearly $13,000 below the state average of $62,295, making it among the lowest-income counties statewide. The county's economy struggles with legacy industries and limited diversification.

Significantly behind regional peers

Deer Lodge trails all nearby comparison counties, falling $14,000+ behind Fallon ($72,284) and well behind Fergus ($59,731). The income gap signals deeper structural economic challenges in the county.

Housing pressures mount despite low prices

Though Deer Lodge's median home value is $209,700, the 16% rent-to-income ratio compresses household budgets on lower absolute income. Families here feel housing pressure more acutely than their stronger-earning neighbors.

Small steps toward financial stability

At $49,533, building wealth requires discipline and patience, but it's still achievable through employer benefits and micro-investing. Focus on debt reduction, emergency savings, and exploring workforce development opportunities to raise earning potential.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Deer Lodge County

via CrimeByCounty

Deer Lodge Below National Averages

Deer Lodge County reports a total crime rate of 1,950.2 per 100,000, which remains safer than the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a safety score of 96.9 despite being more active than its rural neighbors.

Higher Activity Than State Averages

The county's total crime rate of 1,950.2 is notably higher than the Montana state average of 1,112.5. This results in a safety score of 96.9, which is slightly below the state's average score of 98.2.

Comparing Regional Safety Hubs

Deer Lodge County is more active than eastern counties like Dawson, yet it remains safer than Flathead County's 2,119.8 rate. Residents should view these numbers with caution as they come from a single reporting agency.

Property Crimes Drive Local Statistics

Property crime is the primary concern here, with a rate of 1,695.8 per 100,000 residents. Conversely, the violent crime rate of 254.4 is significantly lower than the national benchmark of 369.8.

Focus on Property Protection

With property crime representing the vast majority of local incidents, securing valuables is essential. Consider joining or starting a neighborhood watch to help lower the 1,695.8 property crime rate.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Deer Lodge County

via WeatherByCounty

Cool mountain air and heavy snow

Deer Lodge County averages 43.8°F annually, reflecting its high-altitude mountain environment. It is a snowy destination, receiving 75.1 inches of snowfall, which is significantly higher than the national median.

Typical Montana mountain weather

The county's 43.8°F average aligns almost perfectly with the Montana state average of 43.7°F. However, its 75.1 inches of snow more than doubles the totals seen in the eastern plains counties.

Snowier than the eastern plains

Compared to Fallon County’s 34.2 inches of snow, Deer Lodge is a winter wonderland with 75.1 inches. Its average temperature is nearly identical to Fergus County, but its mountainous terrain creates more dramatic local variations.

Mild summers and steady winters

Summer is brief and cool, with only 10 days reaching 90°F and a July average of 65.7°F. Winters are surprisingly stable, with a December through February average of 26.2°F, which is milder than many eastern Montana counties.

Gear up for snow

Residents should invest in high-quality snow removal equipment and winter tires to manage the 75.1 inches of annual snowfall. Air conditioning is rarely a necessity given that only 10 days a year reach extreme heat levels.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Deer Lodge County

via SoilByCounty

High Altitude Soil Characteristics

Specific pH and taxonomic data for Deer Lodge County are not presently cataloged in the primary dataset. In this mountainous region, soil chemistry can vary wildly between valley floors and timbered slopes. Soil tests are vital for anyone looking to establish a garden or pasture.

Texture Varies by Elevation

Data for sand, silt, and clay percentages is currently unavailable for this county. The complex topography likely creates a mosaic of rocky, well-draining soils and heavier valley sediments. Understanding your specific microclimate is just as important as knowing the soil texture here.

Growing in the Rockies

Information on organic matter and available water capacity is not currently listed. Given the state average soil score of 43.1, local growers often find success by focusing on native soil amendments. Adding well-rotted manure or compost can significantly improve unknown soil productivity.

Hydrology in a Mountain Landscape

Drainage classes for this county remain unrecorded in the current survey. Because of the rugged terrain, water often moves quickly down slopes, making erosion control a primary concern. Flat valley areas may experience slower drainage depending on the local clay content.

Resilient Gardening in Zone 5a

Deer Lodge County enjoys a slightly milder USDA Hardiness Zone of 5a compared to its neighbors. This allows for a wider range of perennials and even some hardier fruit trees. Start a garden with confidence by choosing varieties that thrive in cool mountain nights.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Deer Lodge County

via LawnByCounty

High Elevation Challenges in Deer Lodge

Deer Lodge County presents a difficult landscape with a lawn score of 29.3, trailing both the state and national averages. Despite being in Zone 5a, the short summers and persistent dry conditions make lawn care a labor-intensive hobby.

Cool Summers and Limited Rain

With only 10 extreme heat days, heat stress is low, but the 14.9 inches of rain is still insufficient for healthy grass. The low 1,559 growing degree days mean turf grows slowly and takes longer to recover from foot traffic or disease.

Foundation for Alpine Growth

Detailed soil metrics are unavailable for this county, but mountain valley soils often require organic matter to improve water retention. Local gardeners typically add compost to combat the rocky or sandy textures common in the region.

Nearly a Year of Drought

Deer Lodge has suffered through 49 weeks of drought in the last year, making water conservation a top priority. Current data shows 83.4% of the county is abnormally dry, necessitating very efficient irrigation strategies.

A Very Late Spring Start

Wait until after June 1 to seed, as late frosts can easily kill young sprouts. You must act fast to establish roots before the first fall frost returns as early as September 14.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Deer Lodge County's county score?
Deer Lodge County, Montana has a composite county score of 49.3 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 Deer Lodge County rank among counties in Montana?
Deer Lodge County ranks #43 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 Deer Lodge County, Montana?
The median annual property tax in Deer Lodge County is $1,803, with an effective tax rate of 0.78%. This earns Deer Lodge County a tax score of 52.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Deer Lodge County?
The median household income in Deer Lodge County, Montana is $57,527 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Deer Lodge County earns an income score of 26.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Deer Lodge County, Montana a good place to live?
Deer Lodge County scores 49.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #43 in Montana. The best way to evaluate Deer Lodge 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 Deer Lodge 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.