countyscore
52.6
County Score
Cost of Living 97.5Water Quality 86Safety 56.8

County Report Card

About Glacier County, Montana

Holding Steady Near the National Median

Glacier County achieves a composite score of 52.6, placing it slightly above the national median of 50.0. It maintains a competitive standing on the national stage despite localized economic headwinds.

Trailing the Montana Average

Glacier's score of 52.6 falls just below the state average of 56.4. While it offers unique benefits, it lags behind the average Montana county in several key development metrics.

Unmatched Housing Affordability

With a cost score of 97.5, Glacier County is one of the most affordable places in the region, featuring a median home value of just $153,400. Median gross rent sits at a remarkably low $553 per month.

Economic and Healthcare Barriers

The county faces significant challenges with an income score of 7.4 and a health score of 10.4. These low rankings reflect a median household income of $45,129 and limited access to medical resources.

A Choice for Extreme Budget-Seekers

Glacier County suits those who need the lowest possible cost of living and can navigate limited local economic opportunities. It is best for individuals with stable external income who value proximity to natural beauty over local services.

Score breakdown

Tax52.2Cost97.5Safety56.8Health10.4Schools40.1Income7.4Risk48.5Water86Weather47
🏛52.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠97.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼7.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡56.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤10.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓40.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡48.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤47
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱30.8
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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39.8
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Toole County
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Teton County
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Deep Dives

Glacier County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Glacier County

via TaxByCounty

Glacier's tax rate outpaces national average

Glacier County's effective rate of 0.812% exceeds the national median of 0.84% slightly, placing it in the middle range of U.S. counties. The $1,246 median property tax is still just 46% of the national median of $2,690, reflecting lower property values in this rural region.

Above-average for Montana rural counties

At 0.812% effective rate, Glacier ranks in the middle-to-upper tier of Montana's 56 counties, above the state average of 0.767%. Homeowners here pay about $556 more annually than the typical Montanan at median property values.

Highest among regional peers

Glacier's 0.812% tax rate tops nearby Garfield (0.656%) and Golden Valley (0.509%), making it the pricier option in this northwest corridor. Despite higher rates, the median home value of $153,400 keeps absolute tax bills moderate.

About $1,246 yearly on median home

A median Glacier County home valued at $153,400 results in an annual property tax of $1,246, or roughly $104 per month. Add approximately $170 more per year if you carry a mortgage and pay taxes in escrow.

Appeal inflated assessments to reduce bills

Overassessment is common even in lower-value counties—a property might be assessed above recent comparable sales. Glacier County property owners can file formal tax appeals to challenge valuations and potentially recover hundreds in overpaid taxes.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Glacier County

via CostByCounty

Affordable rent, stretched incomes

Glacier County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.7% sits comfortably below the national standard, but median household income of $45,129 trails the national average by $29,626. The low rent of $553 monthly is a bright spot for one of Montana's lower-income counties.

Montana's most affordable rentals

Glacier County boasts the lowest median rent in the state at $553 per month, well below Montana's $825 average. Its 14.7% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the best statewide, making housing accessible despite lower wages.

The budget option in central Montana

Glacier's $553 rent significantly undercuts Garfield County's $802 and Judith Basin's $502, making it the most affordable for renters in its peer group. Owner costs of $468 monthly are similarly rock-bottom compared to neighboring counties.

Low costs can't fully offset low wages

While Glacier renters pay just $553 monthly and owners $468, the median household income of $45,129 means housing still consumes a meaningful share of already-tight budgets. The 14.7% ratio is good, but absolute dollars matter when income lags significantly.

Best rents in Montana, but plan carefully

Glacier County offers Montana's lowest housing costs—a real advantage if you earn remote income or have savings to relocate. Just verify your job prospects here, since local wages are among the state's lowest.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Glacier County

via IncomeByCounty

Glacier faces a significant income gap

Glacier County's median household income of $45,129 lags the national median of $74,755 by nearly $30,000, placing it among the lower earners nationally. This 40% shortfall reflects the economic challenges facing rural northern Montana.

Lowest income in this Montana group

Glacier County ranks at the bottom of these eight surveyed Montana counties, with a median household income well below the state average of $62,295. Its per capita income of $22,605 is the lowest in the group, indicating limited wealth-building capacity for residents.

Struggling compared to regional peers

Glacier's $45,129 median income significantly lags all neighboring counties in this analysis, including Hill County ($55,313) and Golden Valley County ($57,353). The county faces economic headwinds that set it apart from slightly more prosperous nearby regions.

Rent burden is modest but income concerns remain

Glacier's 14.7% rent-to-income ratio is among the lowest, offering housing affordability—a bright spot in an otherwise tight budget. However, the median home value of $153,400 still represents 3.4 years of median household income, a challenging ratio for wealth accumulation.

Prioritize emergency savings and skill investment

With median income significantly below state and national averages, Glacier residents benefit from focusing on building 3–6 months of emergency reserves before pursuing investment vehicles. Investing in education and career development offers the highest return for boosting long-term earning potential.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Glacier County

via CrimeByCounty

Strong National Safety Standing

Glacier County maintains a high safety score of 98.4. Its total crime rate of 994.1 per 100K is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

Better Than the State Average

The county's safety score of 98.4 sits just above the Montana state average of 98.2. Its total crime rate is also lower than the state average of 1,112.5 per 100K.

Comparing Regional Safety Trends

Glacier's rate of 994.1 per 100K is slightly higher than Jefferson County's 806.6. However, it remains significantly safer than Lake County, which sees over 2,640 crimes per 100K.

Property Crime Leads Local Reports

Glacier reports 718.4 property crimes and 275.7 violent crimes per 100K residents. While violent crime is slightly above the state average of 261.3, it remains well below the national mark.

Securing Your Glacier Home

Since property crime is the most frequent issue, securing entry points is essential. Vigilance and modern home monitoring help protect your household against local theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Glacier County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy trails national average

Glacier County residents live to 66.9 years on average—12 years below the U.S. average of 78.9 years and well below Montana's state average of 76.3 years. Nearly 1 in 3 residents (31.5%) report poor or fair health, more than half the national average of 21%.

Worst health outcomes in Montana

Glacier County ranks as the lowest-performing county in this eight-county Montana sample for life expectancy and health status. The 31.5% poor/fair health rate is by far the highest, and the 12.7% uninsured rate edges above Montana's 11.9% state average.

Significant health gap vs neighbors

At 66.9 years, Glacier County's life expectancy is nearly 13 years below Judith Basin County's 82.0 years and 9.4 years below Hill County's 72.9 years. The 31.5% poor/fair health rate is nearly double Garfield County's 17%, highlighting profound health disparities within the region.

Healthcare access exists but gaps remain

Glacier County has 80 primary care providers and 272 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—more mental health support than most peers. Yet 12.7% of residents lack health insurance, and the region's severe health outcomes suggest systemic barriers to care extend beyond provider availability.

Access coverage and preventive care

With over 1 in 3 residents in poor or fair health, securing insurance and regular checkups is critical in Glacier County. Explore Medicaid eligibility, marketplace plans, and federally qualified health centers at Healthcare.gov or by calling 1-800-318-2596.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Glacier County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust School System on the Plains

Glacier County supports 2,681 students through a network of 18 public schools organized into six districts. The infrastructure includes 14 elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools to serve a growing student population.

Investment Lags Behind State Averages

The county reports a 77.2% graduation rate, trailing the national benchmark of 87.0%. Per-pupil expenditure sits at $8,582, which is lower than the Montana average of $9,334 and well below the national average of $13,000.

Browning and Cut Bank Districts Lead

The Browning Elementary District is the largest, managing seven schools and 1,266 students. Traditional public schools make up 100% of the landscape, as there are no charter schools within the county.

A Mix of Town and Rural Settings

The county features 10 rural schools and 8 town-based schools, with an average enrollment of 149 students per campus. Browning High School is the largest facility with 563 students, contrasting with Mountain View Elementary, which serves only 11 students.

Settling Near Glacier’s Educational Hubs

For families looking to move to the area, the communities of Browning and Cut Bank offer the most diverse school options. Explore local real estate to find a home that provides easy access to these central educational districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Glacier County

via RiskByCounty

Glacier faces above-average disaster risk

Glacier County's composite risk score of 51.49 exceeds the national average and puts it in the relatively low risk category. Your county experiences more natural hazard exposure than most American counties, driven primarily by wildfire and earthquake risk.

Higher risk than average for Montana

At 51.49, Glacier County's composite score significantly exceeds Montana's state average of 33.31. Your county ranks in the upper half of Montana counties for natural disaster risk.

Riskier than Hill and Golden Valley

Glacier's score of 51.49 is higher than neighboring Hill County (50.45) but lower than Lake County (67.65). You're in a moderate-risk zone compared to surrounding counties in northwestern Montana.

Wildfire and earthquakes drive risk

Wildfire risk (85.27) and earthquake risk (60.75) are your county's dominant hazards, together accounting for most of your composite score. Flood risk (45.48) adds additional vulnerability, while tornado risk (3.66) remains minimal.

Ensure comprehensive multi-hazard coverage

Your homeowner's insurance should cover both wildfire and earthquake damage, as these are your leading risks. Consult with an agent to confirm your policy addresses these perils and consider additional coverage for flood risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Glacier County

via WeatherByCounty

One of the nation's coldest northern outposts

Glacier County is significantly colder than the national average, posting a brisk annual mean of 39.9°F. Its 20.1 inches of annual precipitation provides more moisture than many of its eastern Montana neighbors.

Well below the Montana temperature average

At 39.9°F, Glacier County sits nearly four degrees cooler than the Montana state average of 43.7°F. It represents the colder, high-latitude bracket of the state's climate profile.

Chillier than its southern and eastern peers

Glacier County is notably colder than Hill County (42.1°F) and Lake County (45.9°F). It experiences much shorter growing seasons than most surrounding regions.

Mild summers and steady winter cold

Extreme heat is rare here, with only 5 days a year topping 90°F and a July average of 61.5°F. While specific annual snowfall data is limited, winter temperatures consistently hover near a 22.2°F average.

Focus on high-efficiency heating systems

Air conditioning is rarely a necessity given the cool 58.7°F summer average. Residents should instead prioritize heavy-duty insulation and reliable heating to manage the persistent cold that defines the region.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Glacier County

via SoilByCounty

Mountainous Terrain Limits Soil Data

Specific pH and taxonomic data for Glacier County are currently unrecorded in the regional database. Local growers typically encounter the alkaline tendencies found across Montana, which often exceed the national median pH of 6.5.

A Landscape of Varied Textures

Detailed percentages for sand, silt, and clay are currently unavailable for this rugged border county. The varied geography from plains to peaks suggests a complex mosaic of soil types that require site-specific testing.

Building Fertility in the High North

Data regarding organic matter and available water capacity is limited for this region. To reach the state average of 2.54% organic matter, local gardeners often supplement their soil with compost and mulch.

Understanding Water in Glacial Soils

Official drainage and hydrologic classifications are not yet documented for the county. Residents should perform manual drainage tests to ensure proper water management for home gardens and small-scale farming.

Short Seasons in Zone 4b

This 4b climate is ideal for fast-growing, cold-tolerant crops like kale, peas, and radishes. Use the long summer days near the Canadian border to jumpstart a productive garden of hardy greens.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Glacier County

via LawnByCounty

Rugged Conditions in Glacier County

With a difficulty score of 30.8, Glacier County is one of the more challenging places in Montana to maintain a lush lawn. This Zone 4b region falls below both the state average of 33.4 and the national median of 50.0.

Short Growing Seasons and Low Energy

The county records only 1082 growing degree days, indicating a very short window for grass to establish and thrive. While 20.1 inches of annual precipitation is higher than the state average, it still falls short of the ideal range for turf.

The Mystery Beneath the Turf

Localized soil data for Glacier County is currently limited, making home soil tests essential for any lawn project. Understanding your specific pH and drainage is critical before investing in expensive amendments or fertilizers.

Severe Drought Conditions Prevail

The county has remained in drought for the entire past year, with 57.0% of the area facing severe conditions. Strict adherence to moisture-saving techniques, such as using mulch and choosing drought-tolerant cultivars, is vital for survival.

Best Grasses for Cold Glacial Climates

Hardy varieties like Fine Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass are the top choices for this cold climate. Wait until after the late frost date of June 3rd to begin seeding to avoid losing tender new shoots to a sudden freeze.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Glacier County's county score?
Glacier County, Montana has a composite county score of 52.6 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 Glacier County rank among counties in Montana?
Glacier County ranks #38 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 Glacier County, Montana?
The median annual property tax in Glacier County is $1,246, with an effective tax rate of 0.81%. This earns Glacier County a tax score of 52.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Glacier County?
The median household income in Glacier County, Montana is $45,129 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Glacier County earns an income score of 7.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Glacier County, Montana a good place to live?
Glacier County scores 52.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #38 in Montana. The best way to evaluate Glacier 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 Glacier County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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