CountyScore

Fergus County

Montana · MT

#35 in Montana
71.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Fergus County, Montana

Solidly above the national mark

Fergus County's score of 71.2 runs 42% higher than the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 71st percentile of U.S. counties. It offers livability conditions better than the vast majority of American regions.

Near Montana's middle tier

Fergus ranks sixth among the eight profiled Montana counties with a score of 71.2, just slightly below the state average of 72.1. The county holds a respectable, near-average position within Montana.

Tax-friendly and affordable housing

Fergus offers an effective tax rate of 0.843% with a tax score of 78.6, keeping tax burdens low. Housing costs are also reasonable, with a cost score of 82.0 and median home values of $202,700.

Moderate income and risk concerns

The income score of 22.4 reflects a median household income of $59,731, limiting earning potential. The risk score of 54.9 also suggests moderate exposure to economic or environmental uncertainties.

Balanced option for rural families

Fergus County suits families seeking a balanced rural lifestyle with reasonable taxes and affordable housing. It's a solid middle-ground choice—not exceptional in any one area, but competent across the board.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax78.6Cost82SafetyComing SoonHealth71.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome22.4Risk54.9WaterComing Soon
🏛78.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠82
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼22.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤71.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡54.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Fergus County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Alamosa County
Colorado
71.2
Median income: $51,445
Grand County
Colorado
71.2
Median income: $84,558
Bingham County
Idaho
71.2
Median income: $76,842
Hamilton County
Illinois
71.2
Median income: $61,520
Hancock County
Indiana
71.2
Median income: $91,326

Deep Dives

Fergus County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Fergus County

via TaxByCounty

Fergus County taxes hover near national median

With an effective tax rate of 0.843%, Fergus County sits just slightly below the U.S. median of 0.84%, landing it near the 50th percentile nationally. The median annual tax of $1,709 is substantially lower than the national figure of $2,690, reflecting the county's lower median home value of $202,700.

Moderate rates within the Montana average

Fergus County's 0.843% effective tax rate runs slightly above Montana's state average of 0.767%, placing it in the lower-to-middle range among the state's 56 counties. The median property tax of $1,709 sits just below the statewide median of $1,802.

Fergus rates fall in the regional middle

Fergus County's 0.843% rate exceeds lower-tax neighbors like Fallon (0.573%) but trails higher-tax Custer (1.098%) and Dawson (1.173%) in central Montana. The county occupies a balanced position within its tax landscape.

Typical Fergus County annual property tax

A median-valued home of $202,700 generates an annual property tax of approximately $1,709 in Fergus County. Homeowners with mortgages typically see this rise to $1,756, while those with outright ownership pay around $1,636.

Appeal inflated assessments when needed

Property assessments in Fergus County, like all counties, can occasionally miss the mark and overvalue homes. Filing a formal appeal with the assessor is a straightforward process that costs nothing and can significantly reduce your annual tax bill if your home is overvalued.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Fergus County

via CostByCounty

Fergus: Rents Rising Faster Than Wages

Fergus County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.4% exceeds both the national and state averages, signaling housing strain despite modest absolute costs. Median household income of $59,731 trails the national median by $15,000, while rents of $868 monthly push affordability pressure higher than nearby counties. This pattern suggests rents are rising faster than local wage growth in Fergus.

Fergus Ranks Among Montana's Least Affordable

At 17.4%, Fergus County's rent-to-income ratio is the highest in this Montana sample, exceeding the state average of 15.9% and indicating real affordability challenges. Local median income of $59,731 is below state averages, compounding the strain from rents that run above many comparable counties. Fergus faces the dual pressure of low wages and rising rents.

Fergus Rents Outpace Similar County Wages

Fergus's $868 monthly rent is $280 cheaper than Custer ($918) but higher than Fallon ($772), yet its median income of $59,731 is lower than both neighbors. This unfavorable ratio creates the state's highest rent-to-income burden in this sample, suggesting Fergus renters face tighter budgets than peers in comparable eastern Montana counties. Wage and rent dynamics have diverged significantly here.

Fergus: Budget Squeezed by Rental Burden

Fergus renters earn a median of $59,731 annually ($4,978 monthly) but spend $868 on rent—17.4% of income, well above the 15% comfort threshold. Homeowners fare slightly better at $710 monthly (14.2% of income), suggesting ownership is more accessible than renting here. The rental market has grown increasingly strained relative to local wages.

Fergus: Renters Should Explore Alternatives

Fergus County's 17.4% rent-to-income ratio is the highest in central Montana, leaving renters with less discretionary income than neighbors like Fallon or Daniels. Prospective residents earning wages locally should strongly consider homeownership or look to nearby Fallon County ($772 rent) for better rental affordability. The county suits those with outside income sources more than those depending on Fergus employment.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Fergus County

via IncomeByCounty

Fergus falls behind national income

Fergus County's median household income of $59,731 lags the U.S. median of $74,755 by roughly $15,000. This reflects rural Montana's broader income challenges relative to national averages.

Below Montana's state average

Fergus's $59,731 median sits about $2,560 below the state average of $62,295, placing it among Montana's lower-income counties. The county reflects economic patterns typical of rural central Montana.

Fergus struggles among peers

Fergus trails neighboring Custer ($63,585), Fallon ($72,284), and Flathead ($71,327), ranking among the lowest in its region. Only Daniels ($58,000) and Deer Lodge ($49,533) earn less among nearby comparisons.

Housing costs bite at income

Fergus's 17.4% rent-to-income ratio signals moderate housing pressure on lower income—approaching the affordability stress zone. With a median home value of $202,700, households must budget carefully to balance housing and other needs.

Build wealth through intention

Fergus residents at $59,731 can build wealth by prioritizing employer retirement matches and automating even small monthly investments. Focus on increasing income through skill development or side opportunities while keeping housing costs in check.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Fergus County

via HealthByCounty

Fergus exceeds national health average

At 76.7 years, Fergus County residents live 0.3 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years, a modest but meaningful advantage. Just 15.1% report poor or fair health, slightly below national levels and suggesting effective chronic disease management in the county.

Central Montana's health performer

Fergus County's life expectancy of 76.7 years runs 0.4 years above Montana's state average of 76.3 years, placing it in the upper tier of county health outcomes. The uninsured rate of 11.3% sits just below the state average of 11.9%, indicating solid coverage stability.

Strong primary and mental health resources

Fergus County provides 86 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 289 mental health providers per 100,000, both well above rural averages and supporting comprehensive care. This balanced provider supply enables residents to manage both physical and behavioral health needs locally.

Coverage and access align well

Fergus County's 11.3% uninsured rate is slightly better than the state average, meaning most residents can access the 86 primary care providers available per 100,000. This alignment between insurance and provider supply creates conditions for reliable, continuous health care.

Secure your health coverage

If you're uninsured in Fergus County, enrollment through Healthcare.gov or Montana's marketplace can connect you with affordable plans matching your health needs. With strong local providers and good community health outcomes, coverage is your gateway to the same care quality your neighbors enjoy.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Fergus County

via RiskByCounty

Fergus Risk Exceeds National Average

Fergus County's composite risk score of 45.10 surpasses the national average baseline, earning a "Relatively Low" rating. Your county faces substantial natural disaster exposure, particularly from wildfire.

Above-State-Average Risk Profile

At 45.10, Fergus ranks well above Montana's state average of 33.31, placing it in the upper-middle tier for risk. Your county faces notably elevated hazard concentration compared to most Montana communities.

Higher Risk Than Eastern Peers

Fergus County (45.10) significantly exceeds Daniels (1.81) and Fallon (5.41) to the east, approaching Custer County (42.14) to the south. Your central location and wildfire exposure drive this elevated risk profile.

Wildfire Dominates Fergus Threats

Wildfire at 80.41 is Fergus County's primary hazard, making it your critical concern. Flood risk (36.48) presents a secondary threat, while tornadoes (15.71) and earthquakes (25.89) pose lower but measurable dangers.

Prioritize Fire and Flood Insurance

Fergus County residents should ensure comprehensive fire insurance and flood coverage, especially in riparian zones. Given your 80.41 wildfire score, investing in defensible space and fire-resistant materials provides essential protection beyond insurance.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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