countyscore
54.9
County Score
Safety 86.4Health 61.9Soil Quality 59.4

County Report Card

About Fergus County, Montana

Outperforming the national average

Fergus County earns a composite score of 56.6, placing it comfortably above the national median of 50.0. This score suggests a higher quality of life than many comparable rural counties nationwide.

Aligning with Montana's average

The county's score of 56.6 sits almost exactly at the Montana state average of 56.4. This indicates that Fergus County provides a quintessentially balanced Montana living experience.

High safety and health standards

Safety is a hallmark of this county, reflected in an impressive safety score of 86.4. Residents also enjoy a solid health score of 61.9 and a fair tax score of 49.5, supported by an effective tax rate of 0.843%.

Infrastructure and school needs

The county faces a critical challenge with a water score of only 1.5, suggesting significant infrastructure concerns. Additionally, the school score of 39.1 and income score of 38.1 indicate a need for educational and economic investment.

Ideal for safety-conscious residents

Fergus County is perfect for those who prioritize community safety and moderate living costs above all else. It suits individuals who value a secure, mid-sized community with median home values around $202,700.

2040608010055.242.886.461.939.14554.91.538.3Tax55.2Cost42.8Safety86.4Health61.9Schools39.1Income45Risk54.9Water1.5Weather38.354.9/100
This county
National avg
2 above average3 below average

Fergus County DNA

Foverall

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

Fergus County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (86.4/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (1.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
55.2
Cost
42.8
Safety
86.4+31.400000000000006
Health
61.9+11.899999999999999
Schools
39.1-14.899999999999999
Income
45
Risk
54.9
Water
1.5-56.5
Weather
38.3-17.700000000000003
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Compare mortgage rates in Fergus County

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$236,100

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$954/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$236,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$38,160/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $63,706/yr
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Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

43.2

per 100K

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

Deep Dives

Fergus County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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.

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.

Safety in Fergus County

via CrimeByCounty

Fergus County: A National Safety Leader

Fergus County features an elite safety score of 99.5 and a total crime rate of just 304.5 per 100,000. This represents a massive reduction in crime compared to the national rate of 2,385.5.

Top-Tier Safety in Big Sky Country

With a crime rate of 304.5, Fergus County is nearly four times safer than the average Montana county. Its 99.5 safety score makes it one of the premier locations for public safety in the state.

Setting the Standard for Neighbors

Fergus County's rate of 304.5 is far lower than nearby Custer County at 1,011.9. This makes Fergus one of the quietest and most secure jurisdictions in central Montana.

Property Crimes are Exceptionally Rare

Property crime in Fergus County is nearly non-existent at 43.5 per 100,000, while the violent crime rate is 261.0. This violent crime rate remains well below the national average of 369.8.

Preserving Your Safe Environment

With a safety score of 99.5, Fergus County is exceptionally secure. Simple community engagement and keeping an eye on your neighborhood are the most effective ways to maintain this high level of safety.

Weather & Climate in Fergus County

via WeatherByCounty

Cool, snowy central Montana

Fergus County maintains an annual average of 44.0°F, characteristic of the high-elevation central Montana plains. It receives a robust 57.9 inches of snowfall, making it significantly snowier than the national average.

Abundant precipitation for Montana

Fergus averages 16.9 inches of total precipitation, exceeding the state average of 15.4 inches. This extra moisture often falls as snow, with 57.9 inches recorded annually compared to the lighter totals in the east.

Wetter than eastern neighbors

Compared to Fallon County, Fergus receives about 2 inches more precipitation and 23 inches more snow annually. Its average temperature of 44.0°F is identical to Fallon, despite the difference in moisture.

Moderate summers, snowy winters

July stays comfortable with an average of 68.0°F and only 19 days of extreme heat. However, winter is significant, with a December-February average of 23.7°F and nearly five feet of total annual snow.

Focus on snow management

With 57.9 inches of snow, reliable four-wheel drive and snow-clearing tools are essential for residents. Moderate summer temperatures mean that natural ventilation often suffices for cooling during the 19 days of heat.

Soil Quality in Fergus County

via SoilByCounty

Superior Soils in Central Montana

Fergus County boasts a pH of 7.17, which is remarkably close to the national median of 6.5 compared to other Montana counties. This near-neutrality makes it one of the most versatile counties in the state for diverse agriculture. It is significantly less alkaline than the state average of 7.43.

Clay-Rich and Nutrient Dense

The composition includes 32.4% sand, 35.6% silt, and a robust 28.4% clay. This high clay content acts as a reservoir for nutrients, though it can make the ground heavy to work when wet. The mix provides exceptional structural support for deep-rooted plants.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

At a staggering 5.98%, the organic matter in Fergus County is more than double both the national and state averages. This incredible fertility drives a high soil score of 59.4, well above the state average of 43.1. The soil efficiently manages moisture with an available water capacity of 0.165 in/in.

High-Capacity Nutrient Storage

While specific drainage classes are unavailable, the high clay and organic content suggest a soil that holds water and nutrients tightly. This is a dream for high-yield farming but requires careful management to avoid compaction. Proper drainage will be key for any residential garden projects.

A Gardener’s Paradise in Zone 4b

Zone 4b gardeners in Fergus County have a massive advantage with such rich organic soil. This land is perfect for nutrient-hungry vegetables like heavy-feeding squash or heirloom tomatoes. Take advantage of this natural fertility and start your most ambitious garden yet.

Lawn Care in Fergus County

via LawnByCounty

Central Montana Lawn Logistics

Fergus County sits at a 36.5 lawn difficulty score, outperforming the state average. In Hardiness Zone 4b, gardeners must balance slightly better rainfall against significant drought volatility in the heart of Montana.

Manageable Heat, Better Rain

Fergus receives 16.9 inches of annual precipitation, which is higher than the state average of 15.4. With only 19 extreme heat days, the 1,869 growing degree days are generally mild, making it easier to keep cool-season grasses from scorching.

Rich Clay Soil Management

The soil contains 28.4% clay, the highest in this group, which holds moisture well but can easily compact. A pH of 7.17 is very close to the ideal range, meaning nutrients are more accessible here than in more alkaline counties.

Severe Drought Warnings

Despite 100% of the county being dry, 64.9% of the area is currently in severe drought (D2+). This high level of water stress requires strict adherence to local watering restrictions to maintain lawn health.

Targeting the May Window

The safe window for seeding starts after the May 20 frost date. Your lawn has until September 23 to establish itself before the freezing temperatures of fall arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fergus County's county score?
Fergus County, Montana has a composite county score of 54.9 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 Fergus County rank among counties in Montana?
Fergus County ranks #36 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 Fergus County, Montana?
The median annual property tax in Fergus County is $1,769, with an effective tax rate of 0.75%. This earns Fergus County a tax score of 55.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Fergus County?
The median household income in Fergus County, Montana is $63,706 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Fergus County earns an income score of 45/100 on CountyScore.
Is Fergus County, Montana a good place to live?
Fergus County scores 54.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #36 in Montana. The best way to evaluate Fergus 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 Fergus County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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