countyscore
72.4
County Score
Disaster Risk 94.6Schools 90.6Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Fallon County, Montana

A national leader in livability

Fallon County achieves an elite composite score of 72.4, far surpassing the national median of 50.0. This score ranks it as one of the most desirable counties in the country based on the CountyScore index.

Top-tier ranking in Montana

Fallon County dramatically outperforms the Montana state average of 56.4. It sets the standard for the state in categories like education, safety, and fiscal management.

Excellence in schools and taxes

The county boasts a near-perfect risk score of 94.6 and an exceptional school score of 90.6. Residents also benefit from a very low tax burden, with a tax score of 77.5 and an effective tax rate of only 0.573%.

Balanced but cost-conscious

While housing is decent, the cost score of 56.8 is its lowest major dimension, with home values reaching $237,000. Health services score at 67.7, which is strong but offers room for growth compared to its elite school ratings.

The gold standard for families

Fallon County is the premier choice for families seeking top-notch education, low taxes, and high safety. It attracts those looking for a high-functioning community where economic stability and quality of life are guaranteed.

Score breakdown

Tax77.5Cost56.8Safety74.3Health67.7Schools90.6Income71.8Risk94.6Water86Weather30.1
🏛77.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠56.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼71.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡74.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤67.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓90.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡94.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤30.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨43.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱41.1
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

Slope County
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Bowman County
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64.9
Golden Valley County
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Wibaux County
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Carter County
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Custer County
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Harding County
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Prairie County
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Deep Dives

Fallon County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Fallon County

via TaxByCounty

Fallon County taxes are among lowest nationally

Fallon County's effective tax rate of 0.573% ranks in the 25th percentile nationwide, putting it among America's lowest-tax counties. The median annual tax of $1,359 trails the national median of $2,690, thanks partly to both low rates and moderate home values averaging $237,000.

Montana's most tax-friendly county

At 0.573%, Fallon County has the lowest effective tax rate of any Montana county, 25% below the state average of 0.767%. The median property tax of $1,359 represents the lowest in the state, offering homeowners significant savings compared to peers statewide.

Fallon leads the region in tax relief

Fallon County's 0.573% rate dramatically undercuts every neighboring county, including Custer (1.098%), Dawson (1.173%), and Fergus (0.843%). The county stands as a tax haven within eastern and central Montana.

Annual taxes on a Fallon County property

A median-valued home of $237,000 carries an annual property tax of roughly $1,359 in Fallon County. The figure drops slightly to $1,346 for mortgaged properties and rises modestly to $1,379 for properties owned outright.

Ensure your Fallon assessment stays accurate

Even in low-tax counties, overassessment can occur, eroding the natural tax advantage Fallon residents enjoy. Periodically confirming your assessed value with the assessor keeps your tax bill fair and may reveal savings you're leaving on the table.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Fallon County

via CostByCounty

Fallon: Affordable Rents, Strong Local Wages

Fallon County delivers excellent affordability, with renters spending just 12.8% of income on housing while earning a healthy median of $72,284. Monthly rent of $772 remains modest, and local wages are nearly at national median levels, creating favorable conditions for renters and buyers. This county demonstrates how balanced economic conditions produce genuine housing affordability.

Fallon Beats Montana on Affordability Metrics

At 12.8%, Fallon County's rent-to-income ratio significantly outperforms Montana's 15.9% state average, placing it among the state's most livable counties. Median household income of $72,284 ranks in the upper tier for Montana rural counties, supporting the county's strong affordability position. Fallon represents economic stability and balanced housing markets in eastern Montana.

Fallon: The Value Leader of Eastern Montana

Fallon's $772 monthly rent is the cheapest among its eastern neighbors, undercutting Custer ($918) by $146 and matching Daniels County as an affordability champion. Home values of $237,000 are notably higher than neighboring Custer and Dawson, yet affordability remains strong due to Fallon's above-average income levels. The county offers excellent value-to-income ratios across both rental and ownership markets.

Fallon's Sustainable Housing-Income Balance

With median income of $72,284 annually ($6,024 monthly), Fallon renters spending $772 on rent consume only 12.8%—well below the 15% affordability benchmark. Homeowners pay $878 monthly, just 14.6% of median income, making both rental and ownership highly accessible relative to local earnings. Fallon demonstrates what happens when wages and housing costs align favorably.

Fallon: Eastern Montana's Sweet Spot

Fallon County combines exceptional affordability (12.8% rent-to-income ratio) with above-average local wages, making it ideal for families prioritizing both stability and low housing costs. Home values averaging $237,000 are higher than neighboring counties, but remain manageable given strong median income, suggesting solid long-term investment potential. If you're relocating to eastern Montana, Fallon's economic fundamentals are among the strongest in the region.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Fallon County

via IncomeByCounty

Fallon income rivals national median

Fallon County's median household income of $72,284 falls just $2,471 below the U.S. median of $74,755. This places Fallon in the upper-middle tier nationally and represents strong regional performance.

Among Montana's top earners

At $72,284, Fallon ranks roughly $10,000 above the state average of $62,295, placing it in Montana's upper tier for household income. The county boasts one of the strongest median incomes statewide.

Fallon leads the eastern region

Fallon's $72,284 tops neighboring Custer ($63,585), Fergus ($59,731), and Daniels ($58,000), though trails Flathead ($71,327). The county anchors eastern Montana's higher-income communities.

Excellent affordability and income mix

Fallon's 12.8% rent-to-income ratio is excellent, giving households comfortable affordability even with a median home value of $237,000. The combination of strong income and manageable housing costs creates genuine financial security.

Accelerate wealth-building strategies

Fallon residents earning $72,284 have substantial capacity to save, invest, and plan for retirement. With housing costs well-controlled, households can allocate 15–20% of income to retirement accounts, education funds, and long-term investments.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Fallon County

via CrimeByCounty

Fallon County Ranks Among the Safest

Fallon County earns an impressive safety score of 99.0, with a total crime rate of only 612.0 per 100,000. This is approximately one-fourth of the national average crime rate of 2,385.5.

Exceeding Montana Safety Standards

Fallon County's crime rate of 612.0 is roughly half of the Montana state average of 1,112.5. Its safety score of 99.0 significantly outperforms the state average of 98.2.

A Leader in Regional Security

Fallon County is significantly safer than neighboring Custer County, which has a crime rate of 1,011.9. It serves as a model of public safety for the eastern Montana region.

Minimal Violent Crime Activity

The county reports a violent crime rate of 170.0, which is less than half the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also low at 442.0, compared to the national rate of 2,015.7.

Staying Safe in Fallon County

A safety score of 99.0 indicates a very low risk to residents, but basic precautions are always wise. Maintain good lighting around your property to keep these low crime numbers stable.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Fallon County

via HealthByCounty

Fallon outpaces national health benchmarks

At 76.8 years, Fallon County residents live 0.4 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years, reflecting strong community health outcomes. Only 14.8% report poor or fair health—below national averages—indicating lower chronic disease prevalence in this resilient county.

Montana's health leader

Fallon County's life expectancy of 76.8 years ranks among Montana's best, exceeding the state average of 76.3 years by half a year. The county's uninsured rate of 9.3% also beats the state average of 11.9%, showing strong insurance coverage and health stability.

Exceptional primary care infrastructure

Fallon County leads its region with 99 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, the highest density among these eight counties and ensuring quick access to routine care. Mental health provider data is unavailable, but primary care strength suggests a well-resourced health system.

Strong coverage fuels preventive care

With only 9.3% uninsured—the lowest rate in this county group—nearly all Fallon residents have insurance access and can pursue preventive care. The county's 99 primary care providers per 100,000 ensures short waits and continuous care relationships that boost health outcomes.

Join Fallon's insured majority

If you're among the 9.3% of Fallon County residents without health insurance, coverage is within reach through Healthcare.gov or state marketplace options. Fallon's strong health outcomes show what insurance access and provider availability can achieve—you deserve the same protection.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Fallon County

via SchoolsByCounty

Elite School Performance in Rural Fallon

Fallon County supports seven public schools across two districts, providing education for 546 total students. The school system includes three elementary, two middle, and two high schools. Despite the small population, the infrastructure is robust and focuses entirely on traditional public schooling without any charter options.

Top-Tier Graduation and Investment

The county achieves an exceptional 95.0% graduation rate, far surpassing the state average of 83.7% and national average of 87.0%. It also boasts the highest school score in the region at 66.8 and invests $11,932 per pupil, which is nearly $3,000 more than the Montana state average. This high level of funding correlates directly with some of the best academic outcomes in the state.

Baker and Plevna Lead Education

Baker K-12 Schools is the larger of the two districts, managing four schools and 451 students. Plevna K-12 Schools serves a smaller segment of the community with three schools and 95 students. Both districts operate integrated campuses that guide students from preschool through high school graduation.

Intimate Rural Learning Environments

Every school in the county is located in a rural setting, offering students a quiet and highly personalized academic experience. With an average school size of just 78 students, children receive significant individual attention from educators. Longfellow School is the largest campus with 158 students, while Plevna School serves as a small, vital community hub.

Invest in a High-Performing District

Families prioritizing academic excellence should strongly consider Fallon County for its 95% graduation rate and high per-pupil investment. Real estate in Baker provides direct access to the county's most prominent schools. Choosing a home here means joining a community that clearly values and funds its educational infrastructure.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Fallon County

via RiskByCounty

Fallon Among Nation's Safest Counties

Fallon County's composite risk score of 5.41 ranks it among America's lowest-risk jurisdictions. Your "Very Low" rating reflects minimal exposure across the full spectrum of natural disasters.

Montana's Second-Safest County

At 5.41, Fallon ranks as Montana's second-safest county after Daniels (1.81), with a score far below the state average of 33.31. This exceptional safety profile distinguishes Fallon across all metrics.

Safest in Eastern Montana

Fallon County (5.41) far outpaces Custer (42.14), Fergus (45.10), and Dawson (63.80), establishing it as eastern Montana's risk leader. Your plains location and distance from seismic zones provide substantial natural protection.

Wildfire Alone Merits Attention

Wildfire at 56.52 is Fallon's only elevated hazard, though it remains moderate in absolute terms. Floods (5.53), tornadoes (10.53), and earthquakes (7.82) pose minimal threats.

Standard Coverage Provides Solid Protection

Fallon residents benefit from minimal disaster risk; standard homeowners insurance adequately covers your exposure. Basic fire precautions and standard policies position you well against Montana's natural hazards.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Fallon County

via WeatherByCounty

A balanced plains climate

Fallon County averages 44.0°F annually, placing it firmly in the cold-temperate zone of the American North. It receives 15.0 inches of precipitation, typical for the semi-arid grasslands of the Great Plains.

Right on the state average

With an average temperature of 44.0°F, Fallon sits just 0.3°F above the Montana state average. Its annual precipitation of 15.0 inches also closely mirrors the state average of 15.4 inches.

Cooler than the southern valley

Fallon is notably cooler than Dawson County (46.6°F) but much warmer than Daniels County (40.2°F). Its 34.2 inches of snowfall is higher than its immediate neighbors to the west and north.

Warm summers and snowy stretches

The county sees 33 days of 90°F heat, with July temperatures averaging a warm 71.2°F. Winters are cold and snowy, with 34.2 inches of accumulation and a winter average of 20.0°F.

Prepare for seasonal swings

Residents need versatile HVAC systems to handle both the 33 days of heat and the 20.0°F winter average. Sturdy winter clothing is essential for the 34.2 inches of snow that covers the plains annually.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Fallon County

via SoilByCounty

Consistent Alkaline Profiles

Fallon County features an average pH of 7.31, which is comfortably close to the Montana state average of 7.43. While more alkaline than the national median of 6.5, it is relatively balanced for the region. This pH level supports a wide variety of prairie grasses and cereal crops.

Sand-Heavy Loamy Mix

The soil is comprised of 39.2% sand, 37.4% silt, and 23.2% clay. This higher sand percentage improves drainage and makes the soil easier to warm up in the spring. It strikes a functional balance between workability and the nutrient-holding capacity of clay.

Above Average Water Capacity

Organic matter levels stand at 2.03%, matching the national average and trailing only slightly behind the state average of 2.54%. The available water capacity of 0.167 in/in is a bright spot, exceeding the Montana average. This helps Fallon County achieve a respectable soil score of 43.9.

Efficient Water Movement

Although specific drainage classes are not listed, the nearly 40% sand content suggests efficient water movement through the soil profile. This reduces the risk of root rot but may require more frequent irrigation during peak summer heat. Farmers should focus on maintaining cover to prevent moisture loss.

Mid-Northern Growing in Zone 4b

Fallon County resides in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b, supporting a reliable range of northern-hardy plants. The soil's great water capacity makes it excellent for drought-resistant varieties and native shrubs. Get outside and plant some sunflowers or flax—they love this well-balanced environment!

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Fallon County

via LawnByCounty

Fallon County Leads the State

Fallon County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 41.1, the highest in this group and well above the Montana average of 33.4. While still more difficult than the national average, the conditions in Zone 4b are relatively favorable for the region.

Balancing 33 Days of Heat

The county sees 15.0 inches of annual precipitation, which is typical for Montana but requires careful management during the 33 days of extreme heat. With 2,253 growing degree days, there is ample warmth to support robust grass growth through the summer.

Sandy Loam Advantages

A soil profile of 39.2% sand provides better drainage than many neighboring counties, though the 7.31 pH remains slightly alkaline. Regular applications of organic mulch can help lower the pH and improve the 23.2% clay structure.

Relatively Resilient Conditions

Only 4.5% of the county is currently abnormally dry, a major advantage compared to its neighbors. Despite 21 weeks of drought over the last year, Fallon County currently enjoys some of the best moisture conditions in the state.

Planting for Fallon's Climate

Cool-season blends like Perennial Ryegrass mixed with Bluegrass perform well here. Aim to seed after May 16, ensuring the lawn is mature enough to withstand the first frost on September 26.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fallon County's county score?
Fallon County, Montana has a composite county score of 72.4 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 Fallon County rank among counties in Montana?
Fallon County ranks #5 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 Fallon County, Montana?
The median annual property tax in Fallon County is $1,359, with an effective tax rate of 0.57%. This earns Fallon County a tax score of 77.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Fallon County?
The median household income in Fallon County, Montana is $72,284 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Fallon County earns an income score of 71.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Fallon County, Montana a good place to live?
Fallon County scores 72.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #5 in Montana. The best way to evaluate Fallon 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 Fallon County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

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