countyscore
44.2
County Score
Income & Jobs 90.4Health 85Property Tax 74.6

County Report Card

About Gallatin County, Montana

Economic power vs. high costs

Gallatin County scores a 44.2 overall, placing it below the national median of 50.0. The county's elite income levels are offset by some of the highest living costs in the mountain west.

Trailing the Montana state average

Despite being an economic engine, Gallatin's score of 44.2 is lower than the state average of 56.4. This discrepancy is driven by extreme housing unaffordability that affects the broader community's livability.

Exceptional income and health

The county is an outlier in wealth with an income score of 90.4 and a median household income of $87,454. It also provides top-tier medical access, reflected in a robust health score of 85.0.

Extreme cost and risk hurdles

Affordability is a major crisis, with a cost score of only 6.1 and median home values soaring to $604,900. Natural risk is also a significant concern, with a score of 19.0 indicating vulnerability to environmental factors.

A magnet for affluent professionals

Gallatin County is ideal for high-earning professionals and entrepreneurs who can navigate a median gross rent of $1,574. It offers an unparalleled combination of health services and economic vitality for those with the means to stay.

2040608010074.66.126.2853890.41954.340.1Tax74.6Cost6.1Safety26.2Health85Schools38Income90.4Risk19Water54.3Weather40.144.2/100
This county
National avg
3 above average5 below average

Gallatin County DNA

Foverall

How Gallatin County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Gallatin County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (90.4/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (6.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
74.6+22.599999999999994
Cost
6.1-41.9
Safety
26.2-28.8
Health
85+35
Schools
38-16
Income
90.4+39.400000000000006
Risk
19-28
Water
54.3
Weather
40.1-15.899999999999999
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$604,900

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,574/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$604,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$62,960/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum6.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $87,454/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

5.7

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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Deep Dives

Gallatin County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Gallatin County

via TaxByCounty

Gallatin's lowest rate with highest values

Gallatin County's effective tax rate of 0.599% ranks in the 15th percentile nationally, among America's most tax-friendly counties. With a median home value of $604,900—more than double the national median of $281,900—the annual tax of $3,625 reflects remarkable tax efficiency on high-value properties.

Montana's lowest property tax rate

Gallatin County has Montana's lowest effective tax rate at 0.599%, 22% below the state average of 0.767%. Despite this advantage, the median property tax of $3,625 is the highest in the state, driven by the county's exceptionally high median home value of $604,900.

Gallatin leads western Montana in tax relief

Gallatin County's 0.599% rate edges out even Flathead (0.613%), making it the most tax-efficient county in western Montana. The rate far outpaces all eastern and central Montana counties, including Custer (1.098%), Dawson (1.173%), and Fergus (0.843%).

Annual taxes on a Gallatin County property

A median-valued home of $604,900 results in an annual property tax of approximately $3,625 in Gallatin County. Homeowners with mortgages pay roughly $3,641, while those with outright ownership pay closer to $3,593.

Protect your low-rate advantage through appeals

Even in the state's lowest-tax county, overassessment happens and can strip away Gallatin's competitive advantage. Periodic assessment reviews and swift appeals when values drift above fair market ensure your family maximizes savings in this tax-efficient county.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Gallatin County

via CostByCounty

Gallatin: Montana's Most Expensive Housing Market

Gallatin County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.6% is the highest in this Montana sample, driven by median home values of $604,900 and rents averaging $1,574 monthly. Median household income of $87,454—the highest in this sample—still falls short of housing cost growth, reflecting Gallatin's status as Montana's premier destination for wealth and tourism. Even well-earning households here devote over one-fifth of income to housing, a stressful ratio nationwide.

Gallatin: Montana's Housing Affordability Crisis

At 21.6%, Gallatin County's rent-to-income ratio is a staggering 5.7 percentage points above Montana's state average, marking the state's most constrained housing market. Median home values of $604,900 are nearly three times the state's eastern county average, driven by Bozeman's growth as a tech hub and resort destination. Gallatin exemplifies how rapid migration and investment have decoupled housing from local income.

Gallatin Dominates as Montana's Priciest Market

Gallatin's $1,574 monthly rent eclipses Flathead County's $1,094 and every other county in this sample, while home values of $604,900 top even Flathead's $467,700. Despite Gallatin's higher median income ($87,454 vs. Flathead's $71,327), its rent-to-income ratio (21.6% vs. 18.4%) signals even tighter affordability. Gallatin represents the extreme end of Montana's housing pressure spectrum.

Gallatin: Extreme Affordability Squeeze

Renters in Gallatin earning $87,454 annually ($7,288 monthly) spend $1,574 on rent—21.6% of income, nearly 45% above the 15% affordability benchmark. Homeowners paying $1,610 monthly face 22.1% of median income devoted to housing costs—an unsustainable burden that locks out single-income households and forces out long-term locals. Gallatin's housing market is fundamentally misaligned with local earning capacity.

Gallatin: Only for Outside-Income Relocators

Gallatin County's 21.6% rent-to-income ratio makes it unsuitable for families relying solely on local employment; remote workers and retirees with outside income are the only practical residents. Home values exceeding $600,000 demand significant down payments and mortgage capacity beyond what local wages support, ensuring housing remains a top household expense. If you're relocating to Gallatin, financial self-sufficiency is non-negotiable.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Gallatin County

via IncomeByCounty

Gallatin leads the nation's middle class

Gallatin County's median household income of $87,454 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by $12,699, placing it well above the national average. This ranks Gallatin among the strongest-earning counties in rural America.

Montana's highest-earning county

Gallatin's $87,454 income sits $25,159 above the state average of $62,295, making it Montana's undisputed economic leader. The county's per capita income of $51,148 also leads the state by a wide margin.

Gallatin dominates regional earnings

Gallatin's $87,454 substantially outpaces all nearby counties—Flathead ($71,327), Fallon ($72,284), and all others. The county stands alone as Montana's premier economic center.

Income struggles with housing inflation

Despite the highest income in Montana, Gallatin's 21.6% rent-to-income ratio and $604,900 median home value signal acute housing pressure. Strong earners face significant affordability challenges in this booming, supply-constrained market.

Build sophisticated wealth strategies

Gallatin's $87,454 income provides exceptional capacity for wealth-building despite housing costs. Residents should maximize retirement contributions, explore real estate investment, and pursue diversified portfolios to compound long-term financial success.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Gallatin County

via CrimeByCounty

Gallatin County Safer Than National Average

Gallatin County reports a total crime rate of 1,800.6 per 100,000, significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This earns the county a safety score of 97.2.

Navigating Safety in a Growing County

Gallatin's crime rate of 1,800.6 exceeds the state average of 1,112.5 as the population continues to surge. Its safety score of 97.2 is slightly lower than the statewide average of 98.2.

Comparing Gallatin to Flathead County

Gallatin County is safer than Flathead County, with 319 fewer crimes per 100,000 residents. With six reporting agencies, Gallatin provides some of the most comprehensive crime data in the state.

Property Crime is the Primary Issue

Property crime accounts for 1,478.9 incidents per 100,000, while violent crime remains at 321.7. This violent crime rate is lower than both the national average and several other major Montana counties.

Vigilance in a Busy Region

Residents can lower the property crime rate by securing homes and using smart lighting. In a high-traffic area like Gallatin, being proactive with home security is the best way to prevent common thefts.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Gallatin County

via SchoolsByCounty

Fast-Growing Districts in Gallatin Valley

Gallatin County supports 47 public schools and 21 districts to serve a student population of 14,236. The network is composed of 27 elementary schools, 12 middle schools, and eight high schools. There are no charter schools currently in operation, as the public system continues to expand to meet rapid population growth.

Academic Excellence Despite Lean Budgets

Students in Gallatin County boast an 88.2% graduation rate, exceeding both state and national averages. The county achieves this with a per-pupil expenditure of only $6,894, significantly lower than the $13,000 national benchmark. A school score of 52.4 indicates that local schools are performing well while maintaining high fiscal efficiency.

Bozeman and Belgrade Lead the Region

Bozeman Elementary is the largest district, overseeing 11 schools and 4,651 students. Belgrade Elementary also plays a major role, serving 2,374 students across four schools. Gallatin High School and Bozeman High School are the largest individual institutions, each enrolling over 1,200 students.

A Dynamic Mix of Rural and Town Life

The county balances 34 rural schools with 13 town-based facilities, offering diverse environments for families. While the average school size is 303 students, the largest high schools exceed 1,300 students, creating a collegiate atmosphere. This variety allows families to choose between quiet rural settings and large, resource-rich town schools.

Settling in Montana's Education Hub

Families moving to Bozeman or Belgrade will find some of the highest graduation rates in the state. Proximity to major campuses like Gallatin High or Belgrade Middle School is a top priority for many local homebuyers. The area's strong schools and efficient spending make it one of the most attractive markets for growing families.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Gallatin County

via RiskByCounty

Gallatin's Risk Among Nation's Highest

Gallatin County's composite risk score of 80.98 places it well above the national average, earning a "Relatively Moderate" rating. Your county faces significant natural disaster exposure from earthquakes and wildfires.

Second-Riskiest County in Montana

At 80.98, Gallatin ranks as Montana's second-highest-risk county after Flathead (86.45), far exceeding the state average of 33.31. Your county concentrates substantial natural disaster hazards across multiple threat types.

Significantly Elevated Regional Risk

Gallatin County (80.98) approaches Flathead's extreme exposure (86.45) while vastly exceeding central and eastern counties like Fergus (45.10) and Dawson (63.80). Your southwestern mountain location amplifies earthquake and wildfire risks.

Earthquakes and Wildfire Dominate

Earthquake risk at 94.15 and wildfire at 91.38 are nearly identical as Gallatin's top threats, both exceeding 90. Flood risk (64.25) presents a significant secondary hazard, while tornadoes (16.67) pose minimal danger.

Comprehensive Coverage Is Non-Negotiable

Gallatin County residents must secure earthquake, wildfire, and flood insurance as core protections, not optional add-ons. Your county's exceptional risk profile demands comprehensive coverage to safeguard your home and financial security.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Gallatin County

via WaterByCounty

Gallatin Maintains Favorable Water Violation Rate

Gallatin County receives a water quality grade of C with 11 health violations reported over five years. At 11.0 violations per 100,000 residents, the county remains well below the state's average violation rate of 393.8.

Watershed Assessments Confirm Meeting Standards

The 2022 ATTAINS reporting cycle shows that all 49 assessed water bodies in Gallatin County meet federal standards. No impairments were recorded, matching the current Montana state average for assessed segments.

Diverse Monitoring Network Covers 219 Active Sites

Gallatin County features 219 monitoring sites with 36,360 measurements recorded over the last five years. This high density of monitoring covers physical characteristics, nutrients, and biological counts to ensure resource protection.

Gallatin River Flow Healthy Above Long-Term Mean

The Gallatin River at Logan is discharging 1,390 cfs, which is 132% of its historical typical flow. This robust discharge supports a 1,789 square mile drainage area and maintains healthy aquatic environments.

Stay Vigilant Despite Low Violation Rates

Gallatin County's high monitoring density provides early warning signals, though the Grade C compliance suggests residents should stay informed. Current river flows are 132% of normal, providing stable source water conditions for the time being.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Gallatin County

via WeatherByCounty

High altitude and heavy snow

Gallatin County is a cold, high-elevation region with an annual average temperature of 41.2°F. It is famous for its 96.6 inches of annual snowfall, which ranks it among the snowiest populated counties in the nation.

Cold and snowy state leader

Gallatin is 2.5°F colder than the Montana average and receives significantly more precipitation at 19.3 inches. Its 96.6 inches of snow is nearly triple the amount seen in eastern Montana counties like Fallon.

Snowier than its mountain peers

Gallatin’s 96.6 inches of snow dwarfs the 70.8 inches found in Flathead County. It is also nearly 3 degrees colder on average than Deer Lodge County, reflecting its higher mountain basins.

Brief summers and long winters

July averages a cool 64.7°F with only 13 days of extreme heat. The winter season is long and intense, with a 21.1°F average from December to February and almost 100 inches of snow.

Total winter preparation

Residents must have professional-grade snow removal equipment and mountain-rated winter tires. Home heating systems should be robust enough to handle the 20.3°F January average and the heavy, persistent snowpack.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Gallatin County

via SoilByCounty

Bozeman Area Soil Foundations

National datasets do not currently list a specific average pH or taxonomic order for Gallatin County. In this mountain-valley system, soils are often influenced by limestone parent materials, leading to slightly alkaline conditions. Residents should conduct individual tests to find their exact pH levels.

Loamy Valleys and Rocky Slopes

Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not provided in the current county-level data. The Gallatin Valley is known for its rich loamy soils, which have historically supported intense agriculture and ranching. These soils are generally prized for their balance of drainage and nutrient retention.

Rich Valley Growing Potential

Organic matter and water capacity figures are unavailable for this county-wide survey. However, the region's agricultural success suggests a fertility level that competes well with the state average of 2.54%. Local gardeners often find that the soil responds very well to minimal amendments.

Watershed Influences on Soil

Drainage and hydrologic data are not currently cataloged for Gallatin County in this dataset. The presence of major river systems like the Gallatin and Madison means many areas have well-drained, gravelly subsoils. Always check the water table depth before planning any basement or large garden structure.

Abundant Gardening in Zone 5a

Gallatin County’s Zone 5a status allows for a vibrant gardening scene with a longer season than much of the state. You can successfully grow everything from leafy greens to hardy fruit trees and vibrant perennials. It is a fantastic place to start a backyard garden or a small-scale farm.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Gallatin County

via LawnByCounty

Gallatin's Uphill Lawn Battle

Gallatin County holds a lawn difficulty score of 28.9, making it the most challenging county in this list. Despite its popularity, the high-altitude climate of Zone 5a requires expert-level maintenance to achieve a traditional green lawn.

Moderate Rain, Short Season

The county receives 19.3 inches of rain annually, which helps, but the very low 1,411 growing degree days limit growth. With only 13 days of extreme heat, the primary challenge is the short growing window rather than mid-summer sun.

Preparing Your Soil Foundation

While detailed soil data isn't available, local Gallatin Valley lawns often struggle with rocky subsoil and variable pH levels. Amending your soil with high-quality topsoil and organic compost is a standard requirement for new developments.

Facing Persistent Drought

The county has spent every week of the past year in drought, with 100% of the land currently marked as abnormally dry. Water conservation is critical here, making drought-resistant cultivars and smart irrigation controllers essential tools.

Timing the Gallatin Bloom

Wait until May 26 to seed to avoid the high-altitude spring frosts. You have a narrow window to get grass established before the first fall frost consistently arrives around September 23.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gallatin County's county score?
Gallatin County, Montana has a composite county score of 44.2 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 Gallatin County rank among counties in Montana?
Gallatin County ranks #47 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 Gallatin County, Montana?
The median annual property tax in Gallatin County is $3,625, with an effective tax rate of 0.60%. This earns Gallatin County a tax score of 74.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Gallatin County?
The median household income in Gallatin County, Montana is $87,454 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Gallatin County earns an income score of 90.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Gallatin County, Montana a good place to live?
Gallatin County scores 44.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #47 in Montana. The best way to evaluate Gallatin 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 Gallatin County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.