Granite County's composite score of 76.5 places it at the 53rd percentile nationally, meaningfully above the national median of 50.0. The county demonstrates above-average livability by American standards.
2 / 5
Strong performer within Montana
Granite's 76.5 score exceeds Montana's state average of 72.1, positioning it in the upper half of the state's 56 counties. The county delivers competitive livability for rural Montana residents.
3 / 5
Low taxes and housing costs
Granite maintains a favorable tax environment at 0.607% and scores 86.0 on affordability with rent at $734/month. The county also demonstrates solid risk management (90.6) and health outcomes (69.6).
4 / 5
Income growth and housing values concern
The income score of 19.1 reflects a median household income of $54,646, one of the lowest in this cohort. Despite low affordability, the median home value of $339,500 is notably higher, reducing buying power for locals.
5 / 5
Suits those valuing stability over growth
Granite County appeals to established residents and retirees prioritizing low taxes and safe communities over wealth building. It's ideal for people with existing assets seeking a mountain lifestyle without aggressive career ambitions.
Granite County's composite score of 76.5 places it at the 53rd percentile nationally, meaningfully above the national median of 50.0. The county demonstrates above-average livability by American standards.
Strong performer within Montana
Granite's 76.5 score exceeds Montana's state average of 72.1, positioning it in the upper half of the state's 56 counties. The county delivers competitive livability for rural Montana residents.
Low taxes and housing costs
Granite maintains a favorable tax environment at 0.607% and scores 86.0 on affordability with rent at $734/month. The county also demonstrates solid risk management (90.6) and health outcomes (69.6).
Income growth and housing values concern
The income score of 19.1 reflects a median household income of $54,646, one of the lowest in this cohort. Despite low affordability, the median home value of $339,500 is notably higher, reducing buying power for locals.
Suits those valuing stability over growth
Granite County appeals to established residents and retirees prioritizing low taxes and safe communities over wealth building. It's ideal for people with existing assets seeking a mountain lifestyle without aggressive career ambitions.
Score breakdown
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🏛85.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Granite County's effective rate of 0.607% sits comfortably below the national median of 0.84%, placing it in the lower half of U.S. counties. The median tax bill of $2,061 mirrors national patterns, though Granite homes are valued higher at $339,500 versus the national median of $281,900.
Below Montana's average across the board
At 0.607% effective rate, Granite County ranks in the lower half of Montana's 56 counties, paying less than the state average of 0.767%. The $2,061 median tax reflects higher-value properties typical of this mountainous region.
Mid-range among southwest Montana peers
Granite's 0.607% rate sits between Jefferson County's 0.557% and Lake County's 0.660%, offering moderate relief in southwest Montana. Property values here are notably higher, resulting in mid-range absolute tax bills despite favorable rates.
About $2,061 yearly on median home
A median Granite County home valued at $339,500 results in annual property taxes of $2,061, or roughly $172 per month. Mortgage-holders pay an additional $75 annually in escrow taxes.
Challenge assessments on higher-value homes
Properties valued above $300,000 can accumulate significant overassessment costs quickly—a 5% inflated valuation costs $1,000+ annually. Granite County homeowners should compare their assessments to recent comparable sales and appeal if values don't align.
Granite County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.1% exceeds the national standard, driven by a median household income of $54,646 that lags the nation by $20,109. The median home value of $339,500 signals real estate appreciation—but those gains don't match local wages.
Pricey homes in a tight market
Granite's 16.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Montana's worst, and its $339,500 median home value is the state's second-highest despite below-average incomes. This mismatch reflects outside investment and lifestyle migration reshaping rural Montana.
Expensive compared to peers
Granite's $734 rent exceeds Judith Basin's $502 and Garfield's $802 sits nearly identical, but Granite's $339,500 home values tower over neighbors—Judith Basin sits at $214,200 and Garfield at $178,300. Owners here pay $608 monthly, moderate but on pricier land.
Real estate booming, local wallets stressed
Monthly rent of $734 and owner costs of $608 consume 16.1% of a median income of just $54,646, leaving residents stretched despite being homeowners in a rising market. The $339,500 median home value reflects outside wealth flowing in, not local prosperity.
Beautiful but increasingly unaffordable
Granite County's soaring home values and tight affordability ratios make it challenging for locals earning typical county wages. Relocate here only if you're buying as an investment or bring significant outside income.
Granite County's median household income of $54,646 falls $20,109 below the national median of $74,755. The county earns roughly 73% of the national average, reflecting broader rural income challenges.
Below Montana's state average earnings
Granite County's $54,646 median household income trails Montana's $62,295 state average by about $7,650. However, its per capita income of $36,922 exceeds the state mean of $35,700, suggesting wealth is distributed among fewer, higher-earning individuals.
Lower household income, higher individual wealth
Granite County's median household income ranks below most neighbors, but its per capita income of $36,922 places it among the highest in this group. This paradox suggests the county has a smaller number of wealthier residents alongside lower-earning households.
High home values strain budget affordability
Granite's 16.1% rent-to-income ratio appears manageable, but the median home value of $339,500 tells a different story—it represents 6.2 years of median household income. This exceptional gap signals that homeownership here requires external wealth or significant financial sacrifice.
Focus on income growth strategies
Granite County residents face an unusual challenge: modest median household income paired with exceptionally high property values. Building wealth here requires prioritizing career advancement and entrepreneurial ventures to close the gap between earnings and local cost of living.
At 80.0 years, Granite County residents live longer than the Montana state average of 76.3 years and well above the national average of 78.9 years. Just 17.1% report poor or fair health, tracking well below the national average of 21%.
Among Montana's healthiest counties
Granite County's 80-year life expectancy ranks second-best in this eight-county sample, and its 17.1% poor/fair health rate is among the lowest. The 14.1% uninsured rate is slightly above the state average, a minor gap in otherwise strong health outcomes.
Longevity rival to top performers
Only Judith Basin County (82.0 years) edges out Granite's 80-year life expectancy, and both counties significantly exceed Glacier County's 66.9 years. However, Granite has the sparsest primary care infrastructure—just 30 providers per 100,000 residents, the lowest in the region.
Provider scarcity despite health gains
Granite County's residents enjoy excellent health outcomes and live longer, yet only 30 primary care providers per 100,000 residents serve them—far below the regional average. Mental health support at 56 per 100,000 is also limited, suggesting residents may travel for specialized care.
Insurance critical with sparse providers
With limited primary care and mental health providers in Granite County, having robust insurance becomes even more important for accessing care. Visit Healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to ensure coverage, and ask providers about telehealth options that can bridge geographic gaps.
Granite County's composite risk score of 9.38 is far below the national average and places it in the very low risk category. Your county experiences minimal natural disaster exposure compared to most American counties.
Among Montana's safer counties
At 9.38, Granite County ranks well below Montana's state average of 33.31. Your county is one of the better-protected areas in the state for overall natural disaster risk.
Safer than Glacier and Jefferson
Granite's risk score of 9.38 is lower than nearby Glacier (51.49) and Jefferson (21.56), making it one of the safest in the region. You have greater overall resilience than most neighboring counties.
Wildfire is your primary hazard
Wildfire risk (88.64) towers above all other hazards in Granite County, reflecting the challenging fire season in Montana's forested areas. Earthquake risk (37.69) is secondary, while flood (11.13) and tornado (2.74) risks remain low.
Prioritize wildfire insurance protection
Ensure your homeowner's policy includes wildfire coverage and maintain defensible space around your home. Given the steep wildfire risk, consider additional discussion with your agent about coverage limits and deductibles.