countyscore
39.8
County Score
Property Tax 72.9Income & Jobs 69.6Health 59.7

County Report Card

About Flathead County, Montana

Flathead County faces national headwinds

Flathead County has a composite score of 39.8, which falls significantly below the national median of 50.0. High costs and environmental risks are the primary drivers of this lower-than-average ranking.

Behind the Montana state average

With a score of 39.8, Flathead County trails the Montana average of 56.4 by a wide margin. While it is a popular destination, the data highlights significant livability trade-offs compared to other Montana counties.

Strong income and low taxes

The county offers strong economic incentives, including an income score of 69.6 and a tax score of 72.9. Residents benefit from a low effective tax rate of 0.613% and high median household incomes of $71,327.

High costs and natural risks

Living here is expensive, as seen in a cost score of 18.0 and median home values of $467,700. Furthermore, a very low risk score of 13.6 indicates high vulnerability to natural disasters and environmental hazards.

Best for high-earning adventurers

Flathead County is a prime choice for high-income earners who can afford the steep housing prices and want to minimize their tax burden. It attracts those who value scenery and lifestyle enough to accept higher environmental risks.

2040608010072.91819.159.736.769.613.65542.9Tax72.9Cost18Safety19.1Health59.7Schools36.7Income69.6Risk13.6Water55Weather42.939.8/100
This county
National avg
2 above average5 below average

Flathead County DNA

Foverall

How Flathead County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Flathead County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (72.9/100) but notably weak in Safety (19.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
72.9+20.900000000000006
Cost
18-30
Safety
19.1-35.9
Health
59.7+9.700000000000003
Schools
36.7-17.299999999999997
Income
69.6+18.599999999999994
Risk
13.6-33.4
Water
55
Weather
42.9-13.100000000000001
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$467,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,094/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$467,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$43,760/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum6.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $71,327/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

24.0

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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Nearby counties

Glacier County
Montana
52.6
Lake County
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40.5
Lincoln County
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Sanders County
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Pondera County
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Teton County
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Missoula County
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Deep Dives

Flathead County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Safety in Flathead County

via CrimeByCounty

Flathead County Remains Below National Rates

Flathead County has a total crime rate of 2,119.8 per 100,000, which stays below the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a respectable safety score of 96.7 for this high-growth region.

Above-Average Activity in Flathead

The county's crime rate of 2,119.8 is nearly double the Montana state average of 1,112.5. This makes it one of the more active areas in the state, falling below the average state safety score of 98.2.

Higher Crime Than Neighboring Gallatin

Flathead County's crime rate is higher than Gallatin County's 1,800.6, reflecting the challenges of its popular tourist destinations. Local authorities manage four reporting agencies to handle this increased volume.

Property Crime Dominates the Data

Property crime sits at 1,733.8 per 100,000, which is the primary driver of local statistics. The violent crime rate is 386.0, which is slightly above the national average of 369.8.

Smart Security for Growing Areas

Given the higher property crime rate, residents should invest in smart home security systems. Always lock vehicles and secure outdoor equipment to deter opportunistic theft in the valley.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Flathead County

via SchoolsByCounty

Massive School Infrastructure in the West

Flathead County operates a large-scale system of 46 public schools serving 15,270 students across 23 districts. The infrastructure includes 25 elementary schools, 16 middle schools, and five high schools. While the county handles high enrollment, it currently operates zero charter schools, relying on its expansive public network.

High Graduation Rates with Efficient Spending

Students here achieve an 85.6% graduation rate, outperforming the state average of 83.7%. The county operates efficiently with a per-pupil expenditure of $7,328, which is lower than both the state and national averages. Despite the leaner spending, the school score of 51.9 remains competitive with state benchmarks.

Kalispell and Columbia Falls Drive Growth

Kalispell Elementary is the largest district, managing seven schools and over 3,000 students. Flathead High School is the county's largest single campus with 1,626 students, followed closely by Glacier High School. These major districts provide a wide array of specialized programs and competitive sports that smaller districts cannot offer.

Blending Rural Vistas with Large Campuses

The county features 30 rural schools and 16 town schools, reflecting its mix of wild landscapes and growing urban centers. The average school size is 332 students, significantly larger than the Montana average. Students can experience everything from massive high schools of 1,600 peers to smaller rural elementary schools.

Live Near Top-Rated Northwest Schools

For families looking for the best amenities, homes in Kalispell or Whitefish provide access to some of the state's largest and most diverse schools. Graduation rates above the state average make this a premier destination for education-focused homebuyers. Consider the school district boundaries carefully as you explore the booming Flathead Valley real estate market.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Flathead County

via WaterByCounty

Moderate Drinking Water Compliance in Flathead

Flathead County earns a water quality grade of C based on 8 health violations over the past five years. However, its violation rate of 10.5 per 100,000 people remains far lower than the Montana state average of 393.8.

High Success Rate in Large Watershed Assessment

Out of 57 assessed water bodies, 0% were found to be impaired during the 2022 reporting cycle. Flathead County maintains a healthy watershed profile according to federal Clean Water Act standards.

Extensive Monitoring Network Tracks Over 30,000 Points

With 175 monitoring sites, Flathead County has recorded 31,989 measurements in the last five years. The data primarily focuses on physical parameters, nutrients, and organic compounds to safeguard its vast water resources.

Flathead River Surges at Three Times Normal Flow

The Flathead River at Columbia Falls is flowing at 34,400 cfs, a massive 355% of its long-term mean. This extreme discharge indicates significant runoff or seasonal surge from its 4,473 square mile drainage area.

Monitor for Runoff and Sediment During Surges

The current flow at 355% of normal suggests residents should watch for increased turbidity or sediment in their water supply. While compliance is relatively high, extreme river surges can strain treatment systems and source water quality.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Flathead County

via WeatherByCounty

Cool, wet mountain living

Flathead County averages 42.4°F, kept cool by its northern latitude and mountainous terrain. It is much wetter than the national median, receiving 23.6 inches of precipitation and 70.8 inches of snow.

A moisture-rich mountain haven

At 23.6 inches of precipitation, Flathead is significantly wetter than the Montana average of 15.4 inches. It is also cooler than the state average, sitting at 42.4°F compared to 43.7°F.

Wetter than the central plains

Flathead receives nearly 7 inches more precipitation than Fergus County and is much snowier than the eastern plains. Its 70.8 inches of snow is typical for the western side of the Continental Divide.

Mild summers and deep snow

Summers are exceptionally mild with only 11 days above 90°F and a July average of 64.4°F. Winter is defined by 70.8 inches of snow and a consistent winter average of 24.0°F.

Manage the moisture

Waterproofing and moisture-wicking gear are essential for the 23.6 inches of annual precipitation. Homeowners should prioritize roof maintenance and snow load capacity to handle the 70.8 inches of annual snowfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Flathead County

via SoilByCounty

Diverse Soils of the Flathead Valley

Specific pH data and taxonomic orders for Flathead County are not available in the current dataset. Because this region includes both glacial deposits and forest soils, pH levels can vary significantly from neutral to acidic. Local testing is the best way to determine your specific soil identity.

Glacial and Alluvial Textures

Texture data for sand, silt, and clay percentages is currently unrecorded for the county. The region's history of glacial movement and river activity typically creates a mix of gravelly loams and fine silts. These varied textures offer diverse opportunities for different types of land use.

Unlocking Growing Potential

Data for organic matter and water capacity is missing from the state summary for this area. Despite the lack of numbers, the region is famous for its productivity, especially regarding famous local cherries. Growers should supplement with organic materials to match the state average of 2.54%.

Complex Hydrology Near the Lake

Official drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not listed in this survey. Proximity to Flathead Lake and various mountain ranges means water tables can be high in some areas and deep in others. Site-specific drainage planning is essential for any construction or orchard planting.

Fruit and Flowers in Zone 5a

Flathead County sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a, making it one of the most forgiving climates in Montana. This zone is perfect for the world-famous Flathead cherries and a wide variety of berries. Get into the garden and take advantage of the milder winters and long summer days!

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Flathead County

via LawnByCounty

The Wettest Challenge in Flathead

Flathead County has a lawn score of 30.3, proving that even higher rainfall doesn't make Montana lawn care easy. Though it sits in Zone 5a, the county's unique climate requires different management than the arid eastern plains.

Abundant Rain and Cool Skies

With 23.6 inches of annual precipitation, Flathead is the wettest county in this group, though it still falls below the 30-inch national ideal. Only 11 heat days and 1,374 growing degree days mean a slow, steady pace for lawn development.

Testing the Mountain Soil

Specific soil data for Flathead is limited, but mountain soils in this region often vary wildly from valley floor to hillside. Homeowners are encouraged to test for drainage, as the higher rainfall can lead to pooling in heavy clay pockets.

A Year-Long Dry Spell

Surprisingly, the county has spent 53 weeks in drought conditions, and 94% of the area remains abnormally dry. Even with higher average rain, the lack of consistent moisture over the last year has stressed local landscapes.

Taking Advantage of Zone 5a

The relatively mild Zone 5a allows for a variety of cool-season grasses like Fine Fescue, which thrives in the shade of Flathead's many trees. Plant after May 18 to avoid the last spring frost and prepare for a September 25 cutoff.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Flathead County's county score?
Flathead County, Montana has a composite county score of 39.8 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 Flathead County rank among counties in Montana?
Flathead County ranks #50 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 Flathead County, Montana?
The median annual property tax in Flathead County is $2,867, with an effective tax rate of 0.61%. This earns Flathead County a tax score of 72.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Flathead County?
The median household income in Flathead County, Montana is $71,327 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Flathead County earns an income score of 69.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Flathead County, Montana a good place to live?
Flathead County scores 39.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #50 in Montana. The best way to evaluate Flathead 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 Flathead County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.