countyscore
67.7
County Score
Disaster Risk 97.6Safety 92.8Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Garfield County, Montana

Garfield County Surpasses National Norms

Garfield County earns a strong composite score of 67.7, comfortably outpacing the national median score of 50.0. This ranking places the county in a high tier of livability compared to its peers across the country.

A Top Performer in Big Sky Country

With an overall score of 67.7, Garfield County sits well above the Montana state average of 56.4. It stands out as one of the state's more balanced rural jurisdictions for quality of life.

Peace of Mind and Resilience

Safety and environmental stability are Garfield's greatest assets, boasting an elite safety score of 92.8 and a risk score of 97.6. These figures reflect an incredibly low crime rate and minimal vulnerability to natural disasters.

Room to Grow in Local Services

While housing remains affordable, the county faces hurdles in schools and healthcare, with scores of 47.9 and 50.0 respectively. A median household income of $61,750 also trails behind some of the state's more industrial or recreational hubs.

The Ultimate Safe Haven

Garfield County is an ideal fit for remote workers or retirees who prioritize safety and low environmental risk over urban amenities. The combination of modest rent at $802 and high security offers a quiet, predictable lifestyle.

2040608010067.973.192.85047.944.497.68630.3Tax67.9Cost73.1Safety92.8Health50Schools47.9Income44.4Risk97.6Water86Weather30.367.7/100
This county
National avg
5 above average1 below average

Garfield County DNA

C-overall

How Garfield County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Garfield County excels in 5 of 9 measured dimensions, led by Disaster Risk (97.6/100). A few areas trail the national average, including Weather & Climate (30.3/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
67.9+15.900000000000006
Cost
73.1+25.099999999999994
Safety
92.8+37.8
Health
50
Schools
47.9
Income
44.4
Risk
97.6+50.599999999999994
Water
86+28
Weather
30.3-25.7
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Think property taxes are too high in Garfield County?

Many homeowners in Garfield County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$178,300

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$802/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$178,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$32,080/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $61,750/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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

McCone County
Montana
75.3
Valley County
Montana
56.1
Petroleum County
Montana
80.1
Phillips County
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62.3
Rosebud County
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Treasure County
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Prairie County
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Musselshell County
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59.7

Deep Dives

Garfield County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Garfield County

via TaxByCounty

Garfield taxes well below national average

Garfield County's effective tax rate of 0.656% sits well beneath the national median of 0.84%, putting it in the lower half of U.S. counties. The median property tax here is $1,169, less than half the national median of $2,690, making homeownership more affordable on the tax side.

Below-average taxes across Montana

Garfield ranks in the lower third of Montana's 56 counties for effective tax rate, paying 0.656% versus the state average of 0.767%. This 15% tax advantage translates to $633 less per year than the typical Montana homeowner pays.

Competitive with nearby rural counties

Garfield's 0.656% rate edges out Golden Valley (0.509%) but sits above Judith Basin (0.453%), the region's tax bargains. Compared to Glacier County to the north at 0.812%, Garfield offers modest savings for similar rural properties.

About $1,169 annually on median home

The median Garfield County home valued at $178,300 generates an annual property tax of $1,169—or about $97 per month. This estimate assumes no mortgage; those with mortgages typically pay an additional $216 annually in escrow.

Check your assessment—appeal if overvalued

Many Montana homeowners pay taxes on properties assessed above market value. Garfield County allows formal appeals; if your home's assessment seems inflated, a challenge could lower your tax bill by hundreds of dollars annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Garfield County

via CostByCounty

Garfield stays below the national threshold

Garfield County residents spend 15.6% of their income on rent, edging below the national 15.9% benchmark that experts consider affordable. With a median household income of $61,750—about 17% below the national average of $74,755—locals are managing housing costs more efficiently than most Americans.

Better than average across Montana

Garfield's rent-to-income ratio of 15.6% beats Montana's state average of 15.9%, placing it among the more affordable counties statewide. The median rent of $802 is just slightly below the state average of $825, suggesting balanced housing costs for rural Montana.

Competitive with rural Montana peers

Garfield's $802 monthly rent sits between Glacier County's lower $553 and Granite County's $734, offering a middle ground among sparsely populated counties. Homeownership costs $594 monthly, comparable to Glacier's $468 but notably cheaper than Granite's $608.

Rent and ownership split fairly evenly

Renters in Garfield dedicate $802 monthly to housing while owners pay $594, with median home values at $178,300. The county's 15.6% rent-to-income ratio means the typical household has room in their budget for other necessities.

A stable choice for rural Montana living

If you're weighing Montana counties, Garfield offers below-state-average affordability without the income demands of booming areas. Compare its $802 rent to neighbors and ask: can you build a life where housing doesn't squeeze your paycheck?

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Garfield County

via IncomeByCounty

Garfield trails the nation on income

Garfield County's median household income of $61,750 falls short of the national median of $74,755, a gap of $13,005. This places the county below the national average, though it remains competitive within rural Montana.

Middle of the pack in Montana

Garfield ranks near the state average, with a median household income slightly below Montana's $62,295 state mean. The county's per capita income of $35,206 mirrors the state average of $35,700, reflecting typical earnings patterns for central Montana.

Outpacing nearby rural counties

Garfield's $61,750 median income beats Glacier County ($45,129) and Hill County ($55,313), positioning it as a stronger earner in the region. The county outperforms most neighbors while remaining below the prosperity of Jefferson County's $76,576.

Housing costs are manageable here

At 15.6%, Garfield's rent-to-income ratio stays well below the 30% affordability threshold, making housing accessible for most households. The median home value of $178,300 aligns reasonably with local incomes, though the income-to-home-value gap suggests homeownership requires significant saving.

Build savings while housing is affordable

Garfield's favorable rent-to-income ratio creates opportunity to redirect 15%+ of income toward retirement and investment accounts. With median incomes solid for the region, households here are well-positioned to benefit from early financial planning and diversified savings strategies.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Garfield County

via CrimeByCounty

One of the Nation's Safest Counties

Garfield County boasts an exceptional safety score of 99.8 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 102.5 per 100K is over 20 times lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Leading the State in Safety

Garfield easily outpaces the Montana average safety score of 98.2. While the state average total crime rate is 1,112.5 per 100K, Garfield remains a distinct outlier for its low activity.

A Quiet Rural Profile

Garfield's crime rate of 102.5 per 100K is lower than neighboring Judith Basin at 147.1. It offers a level of security that is rare even among Montana's peaceful rural areas.

Zero Reported Violent Crimes

The county reported no violent crimes in 2022, with property crime making up the entire 102.5 per 100K rate. This data, reported by a single agency, reflects a highly secure environment.

Maintaining a Secure Community

Low crime rates offer peace of mind, but basic home security helps maintain this standard. Simple deterrents like motion lighting are effective ways to keep local incidents rare.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Garfield County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small-Scale Education Infrastructure

Garfield County manages its 186 students across eight public schools, including six elementary, one middle, and one high school. This sparse network is overseen by seven different school districts, ensuring highly localized control in this vast region.

Evaluating Performance and Investment

The county's graduation rate stands at 75.0%, which is below the state average of 83.7% and the national mark of 87.0%. Despite the lower graduation rate, per-pupil expenditure is $10,884, significantly higher than the Montana state average of $9,334.

Spotlight on Jordan Elementary District

Jordan Elementary is the largest district in the county, serving 106 students across two schools. There are currently no charter schools in operation here, meaning all local students attend traditional public institutions.

Intimate Rural Learning Environments

Every school in Garfield County is classified as rural, with an exceptionally small average school size of only 23 students. Jordan Elementary School is the largest campus with 79 students, while Pine Grove School offers a tiny environment for just 6 students.

Finding Your Home in Jordan

Families seeking small class sizes and a dedicated rural community often look toward Jordan and the surrounding areas. When researching homes in Garfield County, consider how these intimate school settings might benefit your child's education.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Garfield County

via RiskByCounty

Garfield ranks among safest counties

With a composite risk score of 2.48, Garfield County sits well below the national average and experiences very low overall natural disaster risk. Your county faces significantly less composite hazard exposure than most American counties, though wildfire remains a notable regional concern.

One of Montana's lowest-risk counties

Garfield County's composite score of 2.48 ranks it among the safest in Montana, where the state average is 33.31. This places your county in the bottom quartile for natural disaster risk across the state.

Safer than Golden Valley and Granite

Garfield's risk score of 2.48 is lower than neighboring Golden Valley (0.99) and Granite (9.38), making it among the most protected areas in central Montana. Your county enjoys greater resilience than most surrounding counties in the region.

Wildfire dominates your risk profile

Wildfire risk at 78.34 is your primary natural hazard, reflecting Montana's dry landscape and fire season intensity. Flood (5.38), earthquake (6.42), and tornado (4.23) risks remain minimal by comparison.

Prioritize wildfire coverage today

Review your homeowner's insurance to ensure wildfire damage is covered, as this is your county's dominant risk. Consider a hazard mitigation assessment and defensible space around your property to reduce exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Garfield County

via WaterByCounty

Perfect Drinking Water Compliance

Garfield County earns a perfect water quality grade of A, recording zero health violations over the last five years. This pristine record stands in sharp contrast to the Montana state average of 393.8 violations per 100,000 residents. Local systems consistently meet all Safe Drinking Water Act standards for safety.

Pristine Watershed Conditions

In the 2022 reporting cycle, 100% of the 10 assessed water bodies in the county met federal standards. No impairments were identified under Clean Water Act §303(d), matching the current state average for assessed waters. The local watershed maintains high health scores across all monitored segments.

Targeted Quality Monitoring

Environmental agencies maintain 4 active monitoring sites across the county, collecting 1,226 measurements in the last five years. These efforts focus heavily on inorganics, metals, and PFAS compounds to ensure long-term safety. While the site count is low, the data density per site provides a clear picture of local chemical profiles.

Streamflow Data Unavailable

There is currently no representative USGS streamgage active within Garfield County to provide real-time discharge data. Residents should rely on the county's strong drinking water compliance record as the primary signal for water stability. The lack of live flow data emphasizes the importance of the county's perfect 'A' quality grade.

Maintain Your Water Advantage

With zero violations and a clean watershed, residents should focus on maintaining this high baseline of water health. Although compliance is perfect, the presence of PFAS monitoring suggests staying informed about emerging contaminant trends. Protecting the local watershed remains the best strategy for preserving these high standards.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Garfield County

via WeatherByCounty

A dry, temperate climate in the High Plains

Garfield County maintains an average annual temperature of 44.9°F, sitting nearly 10 degrees below the national median. With only 14.0 inches of annual precipitation, it operates as a semi-arid environment compared to wetter regions across the country.

Warmer than the Montana state average

While Montana averages 43.7°F annually, Garfield County is slightly warmer at 44.9°F. This makes it one of the more temperate areas in a state known for its harsh northern climate.

Matching temperatures with Golden Valley neighbors

Garfield County shares an identical 44.9°F average with Golden Valley County to the southwest. However, it remains significantly warmer than Hill County to the northwest, which averages just 42.1°F.

Hot summers meet standard northern winters

Summers are intense with 35 days reaching 90°F or higher and a July average of 71.5°F. Winters bring a sharp contrast, with temperatures dropping to a January average of 19.5°F alongside 28.1 inches of annual snowfall.

Prepare for extreme summer heat peaks

Residents should invest in robust cooling systems to handle the five weeks of extreme heat each year. Winter preparations must include reliable heating and snow removal for the consistent sub-20 degree January nights.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Garfield County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Soils in the Big Open

Garfield County features an average soil pH of 7.53, which is more alkaline than the Montana average of 7.43 and significantly higher than the national median of 6.5. While specific taxonomic data is limited, this pH level often requires careful management for acid-loving crops.

Silty Texture Defines the Land

The soil composition is a mix of 41.8% silt, 32.8% sand, and 25.4% clay. This high silt content provides a smooth texture that balances water retention with decent workability for agricultural equipment.

Steady Moisture with Moderate Organic Matter

Organic matter sits at 1.67%, falling below the state average of 2.54% and the national benchmark of 2.0%. However, the available water capacity of 0.165 in/in matches the state average, ensuring the soil holds onto critical moisture during dry spells.

Management Challenges in Semi-Arid Ground

While specific drainage classes are not currently mapped, the soil's silty-clay balance suggests moderate water movement. Growers should monitor for surface crusting, a common trait in soils with these specific proportions.

Hardy Crops for Zone 4b

With a 4b hardiness rating, Garfield County is prime territory for spring wheat, barley, and cold-hardy root vegetables. Start your garden today with frost-resistant varieties that can handle the wide temperature swings of the high plains.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Garfield County

via LawnByCounty

A Challenging Climate for Garfield County Lawns

Garfield County earns a lawn difficulty score of 31.8, significantly tougher than the national median of 50.0. In this Zone 4b environment, homeowners struggle against conditions that are slightly more demanding than the Montana state average of 33.4.

High Heat and Limited Rainfall

The county receives just 14.0 inches of annual precipitation, less than half the ideal 30-50 inches for turf. With 35 extreme heat days exceeding 90°F, lawns require aggressive irrigation to survive the summer sun.

Alkaline Soils and Clay Foundations

The soil pH of 7.53 is more alkaline than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, which can limit nutrient uptake. With 25.4% clay content, these soils often require aeration to prevent compaction and improve water infiltration.

Managing Water During Persistent Dry Spells

Garfield County spent 33 weeks in drought over the last year, and 100% of the area currently experiences abnormally dry conditions. Homeowners should prioritize deep, infrequent watering at dawn to maintain root health while conserving resources.

Planting for Success in Zone 4b

Cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass or Sheep Fescue are best suited for the local hardiness zone. Aim to seed after the last expected frost on May 21st to give new growth the best chance before the summer heat arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Garfield County's county score?
Garfield County, Montana has a composite county score of 67.7 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 Garfield County rank among counties in Montana?
Garfield County ranks #9 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 Garfield County, Montana?
The median annual property tax in Garfield County is $1,169, with an effective tax rate of 0.66%. This earns Garfield County a tax score of 67.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Garfield County?
The median household income in Garfield County, Montana is $61,750 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Garfield County earns an income score of 44.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Garfield County, Montana a good place to live?
Garfield County scores 67.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #9 in Montana. The best way to evaluate Garfield 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 Garfield 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.