countyscore
69.9
County Score
Disaster Risk 99Schools 96.5Property Tax 84.8

County Report Card

About Golden Valley County, Montana

High National Standing for Golden Valley

Golden Valley County delivers a robust composite score of 69.9, significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. This puts the county in a favorable position for residents looking for a high-value rural lifestyle.

Leading the Pack in Montana

The county's 69.9 score puts it far ahead of the state average of 56.4. It serves as a model for rural Montana counties that provide high-quality services with a low tax burden.

Exceptional Schools and Low Risk

The county shines with a school score of 96.5 and a near-perfect risk score of 99.0. Residents also benefit from a low 0.509% effective tax rate, which helps keep money in their pockets.

Water and Income Hurdles

Infrastructure is a primary concern, as evidenced by a low water score of 2.2. Additionally, an income score of 31.3 suggests that high-paying local career opportunities are relatively scarce.

Perfect for Young Rural Families

This county is a premier choice for families who value top-tier education and safety above all else. Its low taxes and high school performance offer a compelling trade-off for its infrastructure limitations.

Score breakdown

Tax84.8Cost73.1Safety79.9Health36Schools96.5Income31.3Risk99Water2.2Weather36
🏛84.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠73.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼31.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡79.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤36
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓96.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡99
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧2.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤36
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱46.3
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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Explore this county

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Compare Golden Valley County with Clay County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Wheatland County
Montana
63.2
Musselshell County
Montana
59.7
Sweet Grass County
Montana
64.6
Stillwater County
Montana
58.8
Yellowstone County
Montana
32.6
Fergus County
Montana
56.6
Judith Basin County
Montana
77.5
Carbon County
Montana
64.8

Deep Dives

Golden Valley County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Golden Valley County

via TaxByCounty

Golden Valley offers Montana's lowest taxes

Golden Valley's effective rate of 0.509% ranks among the lowest in the nation, well below the 0.84% national median. At just $1,038 in median property taxes, it delivers exceptional tax relief compared to the $2,690 national median.

Second-lowest tax rate in Montana

Golden Valley's 0.509% effective rate ranks second-best statewide, trailing only Judith Basin's 0.453%. Montana homeowners save roughly $764 annually compared to this county, making it a tax haven for budget-conscious property owners.

Best rate in the central Montana region

Golden Valley's 0.509% tax rate beats every neighboring county, edging out Judith Basin (0.453%) and Garfield (0.656%). Only Judith Basin offers comparable relief in this part of the state.

About $1,038 yearly on median home

The median Golden Valley property, valued at $203,900, generates annual taxes of just $1,038—less than $87 per month. Homeowners with mortgages pay an additional $485 annually through escrow.

Still verify your assessment annually

Even in low-tax counties, property assessments can drift above fair market value, inflating your bill. Review Golden Valley's assessment notices and consider filing an appeal if your home's valuation exceeds recent arm's-length sales nearby.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Golden Valley County

via CostByCounty

Housing eats a bigger slice here

Golden Valley's rent-to-income ratio of 16.1% exceeds both the national threshold and Montana's average, signaling tighter affordability. The median household income of $57,353 sits $17,402 below the national average, making the higher housing cost burden more acute.

Below-average wages, above-average ratios

At 16.1%, Golden Valley's rent-to-income ratio ranks among Montana's worst, indicating housing costs consume more income here than statewide. The median rent of $769 is competitive, but local incomes lag, creating the squeeze.

Pricier than Judith Basin, tighter budgets

Golden Valley's $769 rent falls between Judith Basin's bargain $502 and Granite County's $734, but lower local wages make that difference more painful. Homeowners face $664 monthly costs, comparable to Granite but with lower earning power.

Rent rises, income stays flat

Renters spend $769 monthly while owners pay $664 on a median household income of just $57,353, leaving limited flexibility for other costs. The 16.1% ratio means housing stress is a real issue for Golden Valley residents.

Only relocate if income travels with you

Golden Valley's rents are reasonable, but local wages won't stretch far—this is a county to consider only if you bring steady outside income or remote work. Compare to Judith Basin's exceptional affordability just nearby.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Golden Valley County

via IncomeByCounty

Golden Valley below national income average

Golden Valley County's median household income of $57,353 falls $17,402 short of the $74,755 national median. The county earns roughly 77% of the national average, typical of rural Montana communities.

Below-average earnings within Montana

Golden Valley's $57,353 median household income sits noticeably below Montana's $62,295 state average, placing it in the lower half of these eight surveyed counties. Its per capita income of $33,523 also trails the state mean of $35,700.

Mixed standing among nearby counties

Golden Valley outearns Glacier County ($45,129) and Hill County ($55,313) but trails Garfield County ($61,750) and significantly lags Jefferson County ($76,576). The county represents mid-range earnings within this rural Montana region.

Rent is affordable; homes are pricier

At 16.1%, Golden Valley's rent-to-income ratio remains comfortably below the 30% threshold, supporting affordability for renters. However, the median home value of $203,900 represents 3.6 years of median income, requiring substantial savings for homeownership.

Leverage affordable housing for investment

Golden Valley's manageable rent burden creates space to direct savings toward down payments or retirement accounts. With moderate incomes, residents should focus on consistent, low-cost investment strategies like employer 401(k) plans and index funds.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Golden Valley County

via CrimeByCounty

Safety Far Above National Norms

Golden Valley County earns a safety score of 99.2. Its total crime rate of 475.6 per 100K is far below the national average of 2,385.5.

Outperforming State Averages

The county's safety score of 99.2 is a full point higher than the Montana average of 98.2. Law enforcement activity here is much lower than the state average crime rate of 1,112.5.

Relatively Safe Regional Neighbor

With 475.6 crimes per 100K, Golden Valley is significantly quieter than Granite County's 1,276.8. It stands as one of the more secure counties in its regional cluster.

Only Property Crimes Reported

Violent crime is non-existent in the 2022 data, while property crime sits at 475.6 per 100K. This single-agency report suggests that person-to-person crime is extremely rare here.

Practical Security for Peace

Even in low-crime areas, keeping doors locked and valuables hidden prevents opportunistic theft. These small actions help Golden Valley maintain its high level of community safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Golden Valley County

via HealthByCounty

Health status above national average

While life expectancy data for Golden Valley County isn't currently available, the 20.4% poor/fair health rate is below the national average of 21%. This suggests residents generally enjoy better health outcomes than the typical American county.

Moderate health outcomes statewide

Golden Valley County's 20.4% poor/fair health rate falls in the middle range for this Montana sample, and its 11.8% uninsured rate is virtually identical to the state average of 11.9%. The county's 120 primary care providers per 100,000 residents is the highest among the eight counties.

Best primary care access in region

Golden Valley's 120 primary care providers per 100,000 residents significantly exceeds Granite County's 30 and Judith Basin's missing data, making it a primary care hub. However, its 20.4% poor/fair health rate trails better-performing neighbors like Jefferson County at 13.8%.

Strong primary care, limited mental health data

Golden Valley stands out with 120 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, ensuring most people have access to routine care and preventive services. Mental health provider data isn't available, but the robust primary care network positions residents well for managing chronic conditions.

Maintain coverage with primary care

Golden Valley's excellent primary care infrastructure means regular checkups and preventive services are accessible—but only if you're insured. Check Healthcare.gov or contact 1-800-318-2596 to ensure your coverage stays current and take advantage of the county's strong provider network.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Golden Valley County

via SchoolsByCounty

Highly Concentrated Rural Schooling

Golden Valley County serves just 125 students across six public schools within two primary school districts. The infrastructure is evenly split between two elementary, two middle, and two high schools.

High Spending in a Small System

While graduation data is currently unavailable, the county invests heavily with a per-pupil expenditure of $13,208. This spending exceeds both the state average and the national benchmark of $13,000 per student.

Lavina K-12 Schools Take the Lead

Lavina K-12 Schools is the largest district, educating 81 students across its three campus levels. No charter schools exist in the county, ensuring all 125 students receive an education through the two local K-12 districts.

One of Montana’s Smallest Rural Systems

With an average school size of just 21 students, Golden Valley offers an incredibly personalized rural learning experience. Lavina Elementary is the largest campus with 38 students, while Ryegate High School operates with a very small cohort of 10 students.

Rural Living in Lavina and Ryegate

Prospective residents are often drawn to the low student-to-teacher ratios found in Lavina and Ryegate. If you value a close-knit community where every teacher knows every student, this county is a strong candidate for your next home.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Golden Valley County

via RiskByCounty

Golden Valley is exceptionally safe

With a composite risk score of just 0.99, Golden Valley County ranks among the safest counties in the entire nation. Your county experiences very low natural disaster risk across all hazard types.

Montana's safest county overall

Golden Valley's composite score of 0.99 is the lowest in Montana, far below the state average of 33.31. Your county represents the gold standard for natural disaster resilience in the state.

Safest in its region by far

Golden Valley (0.99) is significantly safer than neighboring Garfield (2.48), Granite (9.38), and Judith Basin (5.50). Your county enjoys exceptional protection compared to all surrounding counties.

Wildfire poses modest regional concern

Wildfire risk (57.44) is your county's most significant hazard, though it remains below state and national averages. Flood (5.60), earthquake (11.42), and tornado (3.82) risks all stay well below typical thresholds.

Maintain basic wildfire protection

Confirm your homeowner's policy covers wildfire, and maintain defensible space around structures as a precaution. Your low overall risk means standard homeowner's insurance typically provides adequate protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Golden Valley County

via WeatherByCounty

High-altitude dryness with cool averages

Golden Valley County averages 44.9°F annually, trailing the national median by roughly 9 degrees. Its low annual precipitation of 14.3 inches marks it as a semi-arid climate.

Slightly warmer than the state mean

The county's 44.9°F average temperature puts it just above the Montana state average of 43.7°F. It offers a slightly more moderate climate than the more mountainous or northern counties.

Warmer than nearby Judith Basin

Golden Valley is warmer than Judith Basin County, which averages 43.4°F, and Hill County at 42.1°F. It shares a similar temperature profile with Garfield County to the northeast.

Snowy winters and active summer heat

The county faces significant winter weather with 52.9 inches of annual snowfall and a January average of 25.0°F. Summer brings 25 days of extreme heat over 90°F, centering around a July average of 68.2°F.

Equip for heavy snow and heat

Residents need serious snow removal equipment to handle the 50-plus inches of annual snowfall. Dual-purpose HVAC systems are recommended to manage both the 25 days of extreme heat and the freezing winter lows.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Golden Valley County

via SoilByCounty

Central Montana's Mysterious Profile

Comprehensive soil pH and taxonomic order data for Golden Valley remain unmapped in the current survey. Most central Montana soils trend toward the state average pH of 7.43, staying well above the national median of 6.5.

Managing Soil Texture for Success

Specific sand, silt, and clay distributions are currently not recorded for this area. Local observations suggest a mix that demands careful monitoring of drainage to maximize crop yields and landscape health.

Potential for High-Yield Growth

While local organic matter levels are not yet measured, Montana's state average of 2.54% serves as a useful benchmark for improvement. Adding organic amendments can help your land exceed the national organic matter average of 2.0%.

Local Hydrology Observation is Key

The county lacks a dominant drainage class in its current data set. Observing how your land handles runoff during spring snowmelt is the best way to determine suitability for building and gardening.

Productive Gardening in Zone 4b

This 4b hardiness zone supports a wide range of hardy vegetables and grains. Take advantage of the sunny summers by planting drought-resistant varieties that thrive in Montana's wide-open spaces.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Golden Valley County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Growing in Golden Valley

Golden Valley County stands out with a lawn difficulty score of 46.3, which is significantly easier than the state average of 33.4. While it still sits just below the national median of 50.0, it offers some of the best growing conditions in Montana.

Balanced Heat and Moderate Growth

The area experiences 25 extreme heat days and 1906 growing degree days, providing ample energy for turf development. Annual precipitation of 14.3 inches is low, meaning supplemental watering remains a necessity during the peak summer months.

Test Before You Treat

Comprehensive soil data is not currently available for this county, though regional trends suggest a need for organic matter. Testing your backyard soil for pH balance and texture will help you tailor a fertilization plan that works.

Resilient Landscapes in Dry Times

The county only experienced 6 weeks of drought over the past year, though the entire area currently remains abnormally dry. To maintain this resilience, keep grass height at 3 inches or taller to shade the soil and reduce evaporation.

Timing Your Golden Valley Lawn

Hardy cool-season grasses thrive in this Zone 4b environment if planted after the final frost on May 26th. Focus on establishing a strong root system in the fall to prepare your lawn for the winter freeze.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Golden Valley County's county score?
Golden Valley County, Montana has a composite county score of 69.9 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 Golden Valley County rank among counties in Montana?
Golden Valley County ranks #6 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 Golden Valley County, Montana?
The median annual property tax in Golden Valley County is $1,038, with an effective tax rate of 0.51%. This earns Golden Valley County a tax score of 84.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Golden Valley County?
The median household income in Golden Valley County, Montana is $57,353 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Golden Valley County earns an income score of 31.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Golden Valley County, Montana a good place to live?
Golden Valley County scores 69.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #6 in Montana. The best way to evaluate Golden Valley 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 Golden Valley 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.