countyscore
75.1
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.

2040608010084.36474.367.790.675.794.68630.1Tax84.3Cost64Safety74.3Health67.7Schools90.6Income75.7Risk94.6Water86Weather30.175.1/100
This county
National avg
8 above average1 below average

Fallon County DNA

C+overall

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

Fallon County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Disaster Risk (94.6/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
84.3+32.3
Cost
64+16
Safety
74.3+19.299999999999997
Health
67.7+17.700000000000003
Schools
90.6+36.599999999999994
Income
75.7+24.700000000000003
Risk
94.6+47.599999999999994
Water
86+28
Weather
30.1-25.9
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Compare mortgage rates in Fallon County

Whether buying or refinancing in Fallon County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$244,800

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$779/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$244,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,160/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $76,250/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

35.5

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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Counties with similar scores

Burke County
North Dakota
Median income: $91,591
75.2
Lake of the Woods County
Minnesota
Median income: $77,546
74.9
Lac qui Parle County
Minnesota
Median income: $74,432
74.8
Wayne County
Utah
Median income: $76,607
75.8
Bath County
Virginia
Median income: $56,184
75.8
Nuckolls County
Nebraska
Median income: $73,976
76.2
Gilmer County
West Virginia
Median income: $47,981
73.9
Rich County
Utah
Median income: $79,009
73.8

Nearby counties

Slope County
North Dakota
80
Bowman County
North Dakota
67.2
Golden Valley County
North Dakota
71.6
Wibaux County
Montana
65.7
Carter County
Montana
71.4
Custer County
Montana
49.7
Harding County
South Dakota
70.9
Prairie County
Montana
65.6

Deep Dives

Fallon County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 75.1 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 Fallon County rank among counties in Montana?
Fallon County ranks #3 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 $1,220, with an effective tax rate of 0.50%. This earns Fallon County a tax score of 84.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Fallon County?
The median household income in Fallon County, Montana is $76,250 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Fallon County earns an income score of 75.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Fallon County, Montana a good place to live?
Fallon County scores 75.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #3 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.
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.