countyscore
34.1
County Score
Cost of Living 68Soil Quality 55Disaster Risk 49.6

County Report Card

About Hill County, Montana

Hill County Faces Significant Headwinds

Hill County's composite score of 34.1 falls well below the national median of 50.0. This indicates several areas where the county struggles to compete for residents compared to national averages.

Struggling to Match State Standards

The county's score of 34.1 is significantly lower than the Montana state average of 56.4. This gap highlights a need for investment in community safety and local infrastructure.

Affordable Housing Market

The county's bright spot is its cost score of 68.0, supported by a median home value of $187,600. Renters find relief here as well, with median gross rent sitting at $752.

Critical Safety and Tax Concerns

Safety is a major concern with a score of 4.0, indicating high crime rates relative to the state. Residents also face a higher tax burden than many neighbors, with an effective rate of 1.080%.

A Strategic Choice for Value

Hill County is best suited for those looking for low-cost entry into the housing market who can navigate its safety challenges. It provides a base for workers in local industries who prioritize affordable rents over community amenities.

2040608010032.468434.930.825.749.626.531.9Tax32.4Cost68Safety4Health34.9Schools30.8Income25.7Risk49.6Water26.5Weather31.934.1/100
This county
National avg
1 above average7 below average

Hill County DNA

Foverall

How Hill County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Hill County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Safety (4/100), though Cost of Living (68/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
32.4-19.6
Cost
68+20
Safety
4-51
Health
34.9-15.100000000000001
Schools
30.8-23.2
Income
25.7-25.3
Risk
49.6
Water
26.5-31.5
Weather
31.9-24.1
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Hill County?

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

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$187,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$752/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$187,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$30,080/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $55,313/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

18.5

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
Compare Hill County with Montgomery County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Montgomery County
Georgia
Median income: $51,188
34.1
Tangipahoa Parish
Louisiana
Median income: $57,256
34.1
Schenectady County
New York
Median income: $76,989
34.1
Durham County
North Carolina
Median income: $79,501
34.1
Volusia County
Florida
Median income: $66,581
34.2
Jefferson Parish
Louisiana
Median income: $65,246
34.2
Washoe County
Nevada
Median income: $85,600
34.2
Allen County
Ohio
Median income: $62,001
34

Nearby counties

Liberty County
Montana
57.1
Blaine County
Montana
54.1
Chouteau County
Montana
65.7
Toole County
Montana
49.1
Fergus County
Montana
56.6
Phillips County
Montana
62.3
Pondera County
Montana
51.5
Judith Basin County
Montana
77.5

Deep Dives

Hill County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Hill County

via TaxByCounty

Hill County taxes rank above national average

Hill County's effective rate of 1.080% significantly exceeds the national median of 0.84%, placing it in the upper quartile of U.S. counties. The median tax of $2,026 approaches the national median despite a lower median home value of $187,600.

Highest tax rate in Montana

Hill County leads all 56 Montana counties with a 1.080% effective rate—41% higher than the state average of 0.767%. Homeowners here pay roughly $224 more annually than typical Montanans on median-value properties.

Significantly above surrounding counties

Hill County's 1.080% rate towers over Glacier (0.812%) and Garfield (0.656%), making it the costliest option in north-central Montana. Only a handful of other states' counties match this tax burden.

About $2,026 yearly on median home

A median Hill County home valued at $187,600 generates annual property taxes of $2,026, or roughly $169 per month. Mortgaged properties incur an additional $217 in annual escrow taxes.

Appeal your assessment to reduce burden

With Montana's highest tax rate, even modest overassessments compound quickly for Hill County homeowners. If your property's assessed value exceeds comparable sales, filing a formal appeal could return hundreds of dollars to your pocket annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Hill County

via CostByCounty

Hill County's housing squeeze is real

Hill County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.3% is the highest among these eight counties and well above the national standard, with median household income of $55,313 trailing the nation by $19,442. Residents here dedicate the most income to housing relative to their earnings.

Most strained affordability in this survey

At 16.3%, Hill County posts the highest rent-to-income ratio among these Montana counties, placing significant pressure on local budgets. The median rent of $752 pairs with below-state-average incomes, creating the crunch.

Neither cheap nor well-paying

Hill County's $752 rent sits between Glacier's $553 and Lake's $884, and at $187,600, median home values are modest compared to Granite's $339,500. Owner costs of $754 monthly are notably high relative to the county's modest income base.

Owner and renter costs nearly equal

Hill County renters pay $752 monthly while owners pay $754—nearly identical—on a median income of $55,313. This rare symmetry masks an uncomfortable truth: both paths to housing consume 16.3% of income.

High costs for a rural county

Hill County's 16.3% housing ratio is the highest in this group, suggesting your paycheck will stretch further almost anywhere else in rural Montana. Compare closely to Glacier or Judith Basin before committing.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hill County

via IncomeByCounty

Hill County earns below the national standard

Hill County's median household income of $55,313 falls $19,442 short of the $74,755 national median. The county earns approximately 74% of what U.S. households earn on average.

Lower income within Montana's county ranks

Hill County's $55,313 median household income trails Montana's state average of $62,295 by $6,982, placing it among the lower-earning counties in this analysis. Its per capita income of $29,497 is the second-lowest in the group.

Challenged economy compared to peers

Hill County's $55,313 median income ranks below most surveyed neighbors, beating only Glacier County ($45,129) by a narrow margin. The county significantly underperforms Garfield County ($61,750) and Jefferson County ($76,576).

Housing costs consume more of income here

At 16.3%, Hill County's rent-to-income ratio is the highest in this group, edging toward the affordability threshold. The median home value of $187,600 represents 3.4 years of median household income, a substantial burden for working families.

Build income security before investing

Hill County residents facing above-average housing burdens should prioritize stable employment and side-income opportunities before aggressive investing. Creating financial flexibility through emergency savings and employer benefits positions households to invest once income-to-housing ratios improve.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Hill County

via CrimeByCounty

Above Average Crime Rates

Hill County reports a total crime rate of 3,787.4 per 100K, which is significantly higher than the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a safety score of 94.0.

Higher Activity Than Most

The county's safety score of 94.0 is well below the Montana average of 98.2. Its crime rate is more than triple the state average of 1,112.5 per 100K residents.

Comparing the Local Corridor

Hill's crime rate of 3,787.4 per 100K is higher than Lake County's 2,640.5. It faces more significant law enforcement challenges than the quieter surrounding rural counties.

Significant Property Crime Rates

Property crime is high at 3,128.5 per 100K, accompanied by 658.9 violent crimes. Both metrics exceed national levels, indicating a frequent need for community vigilance.

Protecting Your Assets

Given the higher property crime rates, a comprehensive home security system is a wise investment. Smart cameras and alarms act as powerful deterrents in more active areas.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Hill County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Large Network in North-Central Montana

Hill County manages a significant infrastructure of 18 public schools serving 3,043 students. These schools are spread across 11 districts and include 10 elementary, four middle, and four high schools.

Striving for Results with Lean Funding

Hill County’s graduation rate is 74.6%, roughly nine points below the state average of 83.7%. The county operates on a lean budget of $7,774 per pupil, which is significantly lower than the national average of $13,000.

Havre Elementary Leads the County

The Havre Elementary district is the county's largest, educating 1,199 students across four schools. All 18 schools are traditional public institutions, as there are no charter schools in the region.

A Blend of Town and Rural Living

The county features 13 rural schools and 5 town-based schools, with an average enrollment of 169. Havre High School is the largest campus with 531 students, while many of the rural schools maintain much smaller enrollments.

Living Near Havre's Top Schools

Havre serves as the educational and residential hub of Hill County, offering the widest variety of school levels. Families often target this area for its consolidated school services and community amenities when searching for a home.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hill County

via RiskByCounty

Hill County faces moderate risk

Hill County's composite risk score of 50.45 sits above the national average, placing it in the relatively low risk category. Your county experiences more natural hazard exposure than typical American counties, driven by flood and wildfire risk.

Above-average risk for Montana

At 50.45, Hill County exceeds Montana's state average of 33.31 by about 50%. Your county ranks in the upper-middle tier of Montana counties for natural disaster risk.

Similar risk to Glacier County

Hill County's score of 50.45 nearly matches Glacier County (51.49), making them among the riskier counties in north-central Montana. Both face elevated flood and wildfire exposure compared to neighboring counties.

Flood and wildfire threaten county

Flood risk (43.42) and wildfire risk (62.79) are your county's dominant hazards. Tornado risk (8.33) is elevated for Montana, while earthquake risk (20.48) remains relatively modest.

Secure flood and wildfire coverage

Your homeowner's insurance must cover both wildfire and flood damage—standard policies often exclude flood, requiring separate coverage. Review your policy immediately and consider flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program if you're in a flood zone.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Hill County

via WaterByCounty

Drinking Water Systems Underperform

Hill County holds an F grade for drinking water compliance, having recorded 10 health violations over five years. However, its violation rate of 81.8 per 100,000 residents is actually lower than the Montana state average of 393.8. While the grade is low, the per-capita impact is less severe than in many neighboring counties.

Watershed Meeting Federal Standards

The 13 water bodies assessed in Hill County during the 2022 cycle show a 0.0% impairment rate. These segments currently meet the standards set by the Clean Water Act §303(d). The surface water ecosystem remains healthy and capable of supporting its intended uses.

Steady Water Quality Tracking

Agencies have gathered 468 measurements from 34 different monitoring sites throughout the county over the last five years. The data primarily tracks physical properties, nutrients, and microbiological indicators. This breadth of sites helps ensure coverage across the county's varied landscape.

Milk River Flows Doubled

The Milk River at Havre is currently discharging 804 cfs, reaching 214% of its long-term mean. This significant increase in flow indicates high volume through the 5,655 square mile drainage area. High water levels are currently the defining feature of the local hydrologic system.

Monitor High Flow Impacts

With the Milk River flowing at 214% of its typical rate, residents should watch for increased sediment in their water sources. The county's 'F' grade for drinking water suggests that even with a lower-than-average violation rate, households should remain cautious. Consider using water filters, especially during these periods of high river discharge.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Hill County

via WeatherByCounty

Cold and exceptionally dry northern plains

Hill County is one of the drier spots in the U.S., receiving just 11.5 inches of precipitation annually. Its average annual temperature of 42.1°F is significantly lower than the national median.

Cooler than the Montana state norm

At 42.1°F, Hill County sits below the state average of 43.7°F. Its location on the northern border subjects it to more frequent arctic blasts than the central or southern counties.

Warmer than Glacier, colder than Garfield

Hill County is warmer than Glacier County to its west (39.9°F) but significantly cooler than Garfield County (44.9°F). It experiences a more continental climate than its neighbors.

Frigid winters and 25 hot days

January is particularly harsh with an average temperature of just 16.6°F and 30.3 inches of snow. Conversely, summers bring 25 days of heat over 90°F, with July averaging 67.9°F.

Insulate for deep winter freezes

The 16.6°F January average requires high-performance home insulation and reliable heating sources. Residents should also plan for water conservation given the very low 11.5 inches of annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Hill County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced Chemistry on the Hi-Line

Hill County boasts a pH of 7.23, which is more neutral than the Montana average of 7.43. While still above the national median of 6.5, this profile is highly favorable for the region's productive agricultural industry.

Sand-Rich Soils Offer Great Workability

The soil is comprised of 40.0% sand, 31.8% silt, and 24.5% clay. This high sand content provides excellent drainage and makes the soil easier to work with than the heavy clay found in neighboring regions.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

With an organic matter content of 4.33%, Hill County far exceeds the state average of 2.54% and the national average of 2.0%. This rich biological foundation earns the county an impressive overall soil score of 55.0.

Efficient Water Management Potential

While dominant drainage classes are not specifically listed, the 40% sand content typically indicates well-drained conditions. This structure helps prevent waterlogging, making it ideal for the county's famous wheat and pulse crop production.

Hardy Growing in Zone 3b

The 3b hardiness zone requires tough, frost-hardy plants like spring wheat, flax, and cold-season vegetables. Leverage your high-quality soil to grow a bumper crop of nutrient-dense greens and roots.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Hill County

via LawnByCounty

Frigid Winters and Hill County Lawns

Hill County presents a difficulty score of 31.9, placing it slightly below the state average of 33.4. In this cold Zone 3b environment, only the toughest grass varieties can survive the extreme temperature swings.

Extreme Aridity and Bitter Cold

Annual precipitation of just 11.5 inches makes this one of the driest counties in the state. Paired with 25 extreme heat days, turf managers must be prepared for a rigorous irrigation schedule to avoid dormant, brown grass.

Sandy Foundations and High pH

The soil contains 40.0% sand, which offers excellent drainage but may struggle to retain moisture. With a pH of 7.23, the soil is slightly more alkaline than ideal, potentially requiring sulfur applications to bring it into the 6.0-7.0 range.

Severe Drought Strains Local Turf

With 42 weeks in drought last year and 28.1% of the area in severe drought, water conservation is a top priority. Use a rain gauge to ensure your lawn receives exactly what it needs without wasting precious local water resources.

Planting for a Zone 3b Climate

Only the most cold-hardy grasses, such as Kentucky Bluegrass, should be planted in this northern region. Plan your seeding for late May, once the danger of the May 24th frost has passed, to ensure a successful start.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hill County's county score?
Hill County, Montana has a composite county score of 34.1 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 Hill County rank among counties in Montana?
Hill County ranks #54 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 Hill County, Montana?
The median annual property tax in Hill County is $2,026, with an effective tax rate of 1.08%. This earns Hill County a tax score of 32.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hill County?
The median household income in Hill County, Montana is $55,313 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hill County earns an income score of 25.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hill County, Montana a good place to live?
Hill County scores 34.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #54 in Montana. The best way to evaluate Hill 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 Hill 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.