CountyScore

Flathead County

Montana · MT

#52 in Montana
65.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Flathead County, Montana

Above-average livability nationwide

Flathead County's score of 65.5 runs 31% higher than the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 63rd percentile. It delivers solid livability despite some regional challenges.

Montana's livability laggard

Flathead ranks seventh of eight counties profiled, with a score of 65.5 below the state average of 72.1. It is Montana's weakest performer among these counties on the composite index.

Low taxes and strong incomes

Flathead offers the second-lowest effective tax rate at 0.613% with a tax score of 85.0, and a solid median household income of $71,327. Health outcomes are also respectable at a score of 70.4.

Housing costs soar, risk plummets

Flathead's cost score of 69.2 is among the lowest, driven by median home values of $467,700 and rent at $1,094/month—by far the highest in this group. The risk score of 13.6 signals significant economic or environmental vulnerability.

For affluent, tax-conscious newcomers

Flathead County suits high-income professionals and retirees willing to pay premium housing prices in exchange for low taxes and natural amenities. It's best for those with substantial wealth and remote income.

Score breakdown

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

Tax85Cost69.2SafetyComing SoonHealth70.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome29.9Risk13.6WaterComing Soon
🏛85
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠69.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼29.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤70.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡13.6
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 Flathead County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Kenai Peninsula Borough
Alaska
65.5
Median income: $77,722
La Paz County
Arizona
65.5
Median income: $49,506
Mississippi County
Arkansas
65.5
Median income: $53,428
Bulloch County
Georgia
65.5
Median income: $56,832
Marshall County
Illinois
65.5
Median income: $69,818

Deep Dives

Flathead County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Flathead County

via TaxByCounty

Flathead's low rate despite high home values

Flathead County's effective tax rate of 0.613% places it in the 20th percentile nationally—among the lowest-taxing counties in America. Despite a median home value of $467,700 (far above the national median of $281,900), the annual tax of $2,867 remains relatively modest due to the county's favorable rate.

Montana's second-lowest tax rate

Flathead County's 0.613% effective tax rate ranks second-lowest in Montana, just above Gallatin at 0.599% and well below the state average of 0.767%. Despite this, the median property tax of $2,867 ranks among the highest statewide due to exceptionally high home values.

Flathead offers the western Montana advantage

Flathead County's 0.613% rate undercuts most neighbors significantly, rivaling only Gallatin (0.599%) in the region. Compared to eastern and central Montana counties like Custer (1.098%) and Dawson (1.173%), Flathead provides substantial tax relief for its higher-priced properties.

Annual taxes on a Flathead County home

A median-valued home of $467,700 carries an annual property tax of approximately $2,867 in Flathead County. With mortgage assessments included, homeowners typically pay $2,928, while outright owners pay closer to $2,767.

Verify your assessment in strong markets

Rapidly appreciating housing markets like Flathead's can sometimes lead to inflated assessments that lag behind actual fair market values. Reviewing your assessment and appealing if necessary ensures you're only paying tax on your home's true market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Flathead County

via CostByCounty

Flathead: Mountain Growth Strains Affordability

Flathead County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.4% ranks among the most strained in the nation, driven by aggressive home value inflation that far exceeds wage growth. Median monthly rent of $1,094 is nearly double eastern Montana counties, while median household income of $71,327 hasn't kept pace with surging real estate values. The county's scenic appeal has turbocharged housing costs beyond local earning capacity.

Flathead: Montana's Western Housing Pressure

At 18.4%, Flathead's rent-to-income ratio is Montana's highest in this sample, significantly exceeding the state average of 15.9%. Median home values of $467,700 reflect Flathead's status as Montana's premier mountain destination, creating affordability pressures that ripple through both rental and ownership markets. The county represents Montana's Western Slope squeeze.

Flathead's Costs Tower Above Eastern Peers

Flathead's $1,094 monthly rent is more than $300 higher than Custer County, the previous renter in this sample, while home values ($467,700) dwarf eastern Montana's $180,000–$240,000 range. Even Gallatin County, Montana's most expensive market, has marginally lower median home values, though Gallatin's higher incomes make it slightly more affordable by ratio. Flathead represents the collision of mountain tourism and local worker wages.

Flathead Renters Face Outsized Burden

Renters earning $71,327 annually ($5,944 monthly) spend $1,094 on rent—18.4% of income, pushing well above affordability thresholds and leaving limited budget for other essentials. Homeowners paying $1,268 monthly face 21.4% of median income going to housing, also unsustainable without partner incomes or outside wealth. Flathead's housing market increasingly excludes local wage earners.

Flathead: Beautiful But Budget-Straining

Flathead County's stunning natural beauty comes with Montana's highest rent-to-income burden outside Gallatin, making it risky for relocating families relying on local employment. Remote workers with outside income can afford Flathead's lifestyle, but those seeking jobs in the county should expect tight housing budgets and competition from wealthier migrants. The county's tourism-fueled growth has priced out many locals.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Flathead County

via IncomeByCounty

Flathead close to national benchmark

Flathead County's median household income of $71,327 sits just $3,428 below the U.S. median of $74,755. The county ranks comfortably in the upper-middle tier nationally, well above typical rural performance.

Montana's second-strongest county

At $71,327, Flathead ranks second only to Gallatin ($87,454) among Montana counties and exceeds the state average of $62,295 by nearly $9,000. The county anchors Montana's strongest regional economy.

Leads western Montana earnings

Flathead's $71,327 trails only Gallatin ($87,454) and slightly beats Fallon ($72,284) among comparison counties. The county is a major economic hub for the northwestern region.

High incomes meet housing costs

Flathead's 18.4% rent-to-income ratio reflects housing cost pressure despite strong income—median home values reach $467,700. The county's booming real estate market strains affordability even for above-average earners.

Invest aggressively for the future

Flathead residents earning $71,327 should capitalize on strong income despite housing costs, allocating 15–20% to retirement and investment accounts. Consider diversified portfolios and long-term strategies to build wealth in this high-opportunity market.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Flathead County

via HealthByCounty

Flathead leads nation in longevity

At 77.4 years, Flathead County residents live 1.0 year longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years, among the nation's best health outcomes. Despite this longevity advantage, 16.6% report poor or fair health, suggesting that living longer doesn't guarantee living well without careful disease management.

Montana's top longevity champion

Flathead County's life expectancy of 77.4 years ranks at the top of Montana, outpacing the state average of 76.3 years by 1.1 years. The county's uninsured rate of 11.5% aligns closely with the state average, showing balanced insurance coverage.

Excellent provider availability

Flathead County offers 92 primary care providers and 383 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, strong densities supporting comprehensive local care. This robust infrastructure enables residents to manage acute and chronic conditions without distant travel or long appointment waits.

Healthcare access meets high life expectancy

With 11.5% uninsured and 92 primary care providers per 100,000, Flathead County residents have both the insurance and the access needed for preventive and continuous care. This combination directly supports the county's exceptional life expectancy of 77.4 years—proof that health systems and coverage matter.

Stay insured, stay healthy

If you're among the 11.5% of Flathead County residents without health insurance, coverage options are available through Healthcare.gov and Montana's marketplace. Flathead's outstanding health outcomes demonstrate the difference that insurance and regular care access make—your future self will thank you.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Flathead County

via RiskByCounty

Flathead's Risk Among Nation's Highest

Flathead County's composite risk score of 86.45 places it in America's highest-risk tier, earning a "Relatively Moderate" rating. Your county faces substantial natural disaster exposure from multiple concurrent hazards.

Montana's Highest-Risk County

At 86.45, Flathead ranks as Montana's riskiest county, far exceeding the state average of 33.31. Your county concentrates the state's most significant natural disaster exposure.

Significantly Riskier Than All Neighbors

Flathead County (86.45) substantially exceeds every neighboring jurisdiction, including Gallatin (80.98) to the south and all eastern and central counties. Your northwestern location in Montana's most hazard-prone region drives this elevated profile.

Earthquake and Wildfire Converge

Earthquake risk at 95.77 and wildfire at 95.45 are nearly tied as Flathead's dominant threats, both exceeding 95. Flood risk (79.80) rounds out your triple threat, while tornadoes (4.61) present minimal danger.

Bundle Earthquake, Fire, and Flood Coverage

Flathead County residents must prioritize earthquake, wildfire, and flood insurance as essential protection—not optional add-ons. Given your county's exceptional risk profile, comprehensive coverage is critical to protecting your home and finances.

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.