countyscore
58
County Score
Property Tax 79.6Income & Jobs 79.5Disaster Risk 78.5

County Report Card

About Jefferson County, Montana

Jefferson County Beats the Median

Jefferson County earns a composite score of 58.0, placing it above the national median of 50.0. It offers a higher-than-average quality of life backed by strong economic data.

Outperforming the Montana Average

The county's 58.0 score edges out the Montana state average of 56.4. It distinguishes itself through higher household earnings and a favorable tax climate.

High Incomes and Low Taxes

Economic strength is a hallmark here, with an income score of 79.5 and a median household income of $76,576. Residents also enjoy a low effective tax rate of 0.557%, maximizing take-home pay.

Housing Costs and Water Issues

The housing market is competitive, with a median home value of $408,000 driving the cost score down to 31.8. Infrastructure remains a concern as the water score lags at a very low 3.7.

Best for High-Earning Professionals

Jefferson County is perfect for established professionals who can afford higher property prices in exchange for low taxes and high safety. It attracts those who want a premium rural experience with strong financial upside.

2040608010079.631.865.667.153.679.578.53.742.4Tax79.6Cost31.8Safety65.6Health67.1Schools53.6Income79.5Risk78.5Water3.7Weather42.458/100
This county
National avg
5 above average3 below average

Jefferson County DNA

Foverall

How Jefferson County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Jefferson County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (78.5/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (3.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
79.6+27.599999999999994
Cost
31.8-16.2
Safety
65.6+10.599999999999994
Health
67.1+17.099999999999994
Schools
53.6
Income
79.5+28.5
Risk
78.5+31.5
Water
3.7-54.3
Weather
42.4-13.600000000000001
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$408,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$886/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$408,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$35,440/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum5.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $76,576/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

24.0

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
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Nearby counties

Silver Bow County
Montana
36.4
Broadwater County
Montana
54.5
Deer Lodge County
Montana
48.9
Madison County
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65.6
Powell County
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Meagher County
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Gallatin County
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Granite County
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Deep Dives

Jefferson County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Jefferson County

via TaxByCounty

Jefferson offers tax relief vs national norms

Jefferson County's effective rate of 0.557% sits well below the national median of 0.84%, landing it among the lowest-taxed U.S. counties. Though the median tax of $2,274 reflects higher property values ($408,000), the rate itself provides substantial relief.

Third-lowest rate statewide

Jefferson County's 0.557% effective rate ranks third-best among Montana's 56 counties, behind only Judith Basin (0.453%) and Golden Valley (0.509%). This advantage saves homeowners roughly $210 annually compared to the state average.

Best rate for higher-value properties

Jefferson's 0.557% rate trails only Golden Valley and Judith Basin in the region, but its higher-value median home ($408,000) makes it the smartest choice for affluent buyers seeking tax efficiency. Lake County (0.660%) and Granite County (0.607%) are costlier alternatives.

About $2,274 yearly on median home

A median Jefferson County home valued at $408,000 generates annual property taxes of $2,274, or roughly $190 per month. Those with mortgages pay an additional $134 annually in escrow taxes.

Premium properties need premium reviews

High-value homes often hide assessment errors that snowball into thousands in overpaid taxes. Jefferson County owners should scrutinize their assessments against recent appraisals and comparable sales, then appeal any discrepancies to reclaim overages.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Jefferson County

via CostByCounty

Affluence unlocks housing affordability

Jefferson County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.9% beats both the national average and Montana's state average, the only county in this group below the national threshold. Median household income of $76,576 slightly exceeds the national average of $74,755, enabling residents to absorb higher absolute costs.

Montana's most affordable for the affluent

Jefferson County ranks first among these counties with a 13.9% rent-to-income ratio, well below Montana's 15.9% average. Above-state-average income makes housing accessible despite higher absolute prices.

Premium homes, premium incomes

Jefferson's $886 rent and $408,000 median home value are among the highest in this group, but its $76,576 median income dwarfs neighbors like Granite ($54,646) and Hill ($55,313), making housing proportionally affordable. Owner costs of $1,166 monthly reflect the premium market.

Wealth enables housing comfort

Jefferson County renters spend $886 monthly and owners $1,166 on a median income of $76,576, yielding the group's lowest 13.9% ratio. Higher absolute costs are manageable here because incomes have risen to match them.

Premium living for premium earners

Jefferson County offers Montana's best housing affordability ratio, but only if your income matches—median earnings here top $76,000. If you're relocating with a strong salary, this county rewards it with comfort and good value relative to income.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Jefferson County

via IncomeByCounty

Jefferson County exceeds national income average

Jefferson County's median household income of $76,576 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by $1,821, placing it above the typical U.S. household earner. This achievement marks Jefferson as one of Montana's stronger economic performers.

Montana's top earner in this survey

Jefferson County leads all eight surveyed Montana counties with a median household income of $76,576, exceeding the state average of $62,295 by $14,281. Its per capita income of $43,037 is also the highest in this group.

Outearning all regional competitors

Jefferson County's $76,576 median income significantly outpaces every neighboring county in this analysis, including Garfield County ($61,750) and Lake County ($61,965). The county stands as a regional economic leader.

Strong income supports high home values

Jefferson's 13.9% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest in the group, reflecting exceptional housing affordability relative to earnings. The median home value of $408,000 represents 5.3 years of median income—high in absolute terms but manageable for well-earning households.

Maximize investment opportunities here

Jefferson County residents enjoy above-average income and favorable rent-to-income ratios, creating substantial capacity for investment and wealth building. Households here should prioritize diversified portfolios, retirement account maximization, and long-term wealth strategies to capitalize on their economic advantage.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Jefferson County

via CrimeByCounty

High National Safety Score

Jefferson County earns a strong safety score of 98.7. Its total crime rate of 806.6 per 100K is nearly three times lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Exceeding State Safety Norms

At 98.7, Jefferson's safety score is higher than the Montana average of 98.2. Its total crime rate remains well below the statewide average of 1,112.5 per 100K.

Quiet Relative to Neighbors

Jefferson's crime rate of 806.6 per 100K is lower than Granite County's 1,276.8. It remains a tranquil alternative to the more active counties in the state.

Low Rates of Violent Crime

Property crime sits at 651.8 per 100K, while violent crime is just 154.8. Both categories are significantly lower than national averages, pointing to a secure local environment.

Simple Security Goes Far

Jefferson County is safe, but maintaining home security is always beneficial. Simple habits like locking windows and using smart doorbells help keep property theft rates low.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Jefferson County

via SchoolsByCounty

High-Performing Rural School System

Jefferson County educates 1,885 students within 12 public schools across eight districts. The system is comprised of six elementary, four middle, and two high schools serving several growing rural communities.

Outpacing State and National Averages

Jefferson County boasts an impressive 89.2% graduation rate, exceeding both the Montana state average and the national benchmark of 87.0%. They achieve these results with a per-pupil expenditure of $7,909, showing high efficiency compared to national spending.

Montana City and Clancy Lead Enrollment

Montana City Elementary is the largest district with 475 students, followed closely by Clancy Elementary with 385. Traditional public schools make up the entire landscape here, with 0% charter school participation.

Modern Rural Learning Environments

All 12 schools are classified as rural, yet they maintain a healthy average size of 157 students. Clancy School is the largest in the county with 304 students, while Whitehall Elementary also serves a significant cohort of 202.

Great Schools Near Helena and Beyond

With graduation rates higher than the state average, Jefferson County is a top choice for families. Montana City and Clancy are particularly popular for home buyers who want excellent schools within a short drive of the state capital.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Jefferson County

via RiskByCounty

Jefferson faces moderate disaster risk

Jefferson County's composite risk score of 21.56 is above the national average and places it in the very low risk category. Your county experiences moderate natural hazard exposure, with earthquake and wildfire contributing most significantly.

Below-average risk within Montana

At 21.56, Jefferson County scores below Montana's state average of 33.31, making it one of the safer counties in the state. Your county experiences less overall natural disaster risk than typical Montana communities.

Safer than Glacier but riskier than Granite

Jefferson's score of 21.56 is lower than Glacier (51.49) but higher than Granite (9.38) and Golden Valley (0.99). Your county sits in the moderate range for southwestern Montana.

Wildfire and earthquakes dominate

Wildfire risk (89.06) and earthquake risk (64.82) are your county's primary hazards, together driving most of your composite score. Flood (29.42) and tornado (5.66) risks remain secondary but still notable.

Prioritize earthquake and wildfire coverage

Confirm your homeowner's policy covers both wildfire and earthquake damage, as these are your leading risks. Earthquake insurance is often available as a rider—ask your agent about coverage options for your property.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Jefferson County

via WaterByCounty

High Violation Rate Impacts Quality

Jefferson County carries a water quality grade of F, driven by 58 health violations over the past five years. Its violation rate of 1,074.1 per 100,000 residents is nearly triple the state average of 393.8. These numbers indicate substantial and frequent challenges in maintaining Safe Drinking Water Act standards.

Watershed Remains Unimpaired

Environmental assessments of 47 water bodies in the 2022 cycle found zero impairments. The 0.0% impairment rate matches the state average and suggests that local rivers and streams are ecologically healthy. The disparity between watershed health and drinking water compliance points to issues in the treatment process.

Strong Chemical Monitoring Focus

Monitoring teams have recorded 1,255 measurements across 20 sites in the county over the last five years. Most data collection centers on physical characteristics and metals, providing a detailed look at inorganic water components. This oversight is vital for a county with 47 assessed water segments.

Boulder River Flow Surging

The Boulder River near Boulder is currently flowing at 314 cfs, which is a massive 258% of its typical long-term mean. This high-flow event is significantly above normal for this 381 square mile drainage area. Rapid water movement may be impacting local stream banks and water intake quality.

Filter Water During High Flows

The combination of 58 health violations and extreme river flow (258% of mean) makes water filtration highly recommended for residents. High discharge often increases the presence of metals and inorganics in source water, which may strain local treatment systems. Stay alert to any boil-water advisories from your local utility.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Jefferson County

via WeatherByCounty

A dry climate with cool averages

Jefferson County is notably dry, receiving only 10.8 inches of precipitation per year. Its annual average temperature of 42.6°F is roughly 12 degrees below the national median.

Slightly cooler than the state average

With an average of 42.6°F, Jefferson County is just over a degree cooler than the Montana state average of 43.7°F. It ranks among the more arid counties in the state.

Similar to Granite and Judith Basin

Jefferson County's 42.6°F temperature mirrors Granite County (42.5°F) and is slightly cooler than Judith Basin (43.4°F). It is significantly drier than its neighbor, Glacier County.

Mild summers and low heat risk

Summer heat is moderate here, with only 12 days reaching 90°F and a July average of 65.4°F. While snowfall data is limited, winters stay cold with a January average of 23.5°F.

Focus on moisture and winter heat

With only 10.8 inches of precipitation, water-wise landscaping is essential for residents. Heating remains the primary utility concern, as summer cooling needs are minimal with only 12 extreme heat days.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Jefferson County

via SoilByCounty

Intermountain Soils Await Discovery

Soil pH and taxonomic data are currently unmapped for Jefferson County. Local conditions likely range from the alkaline state average of 7.43 to more neutral levels found in forested mountain regions.

Composition Varies by Elevation

Specific sand, silt, and clay percentages are not recorded in the current survey. The mix of valley floors and rocky slopes suggests that soil workability changes dramatically depending on your specific location.

Building a Strong Nutrient Base

Local organic matter and water capacity data are currently limited. To match the state organic matter average of 2.54%, growers should focus on cover cropping and adding natural amendments to their plots.

Assess Drainage for Mountain Living

No dominant drainage class is currently documented for the county. Homeowners should investigate their local hydrologic group before starting major landscaping or building projects to ensure stable foundations.

Diverse Potential in Zone 5a

A 5a hardiness zone allows for a respectable variety of vegetables and even some hardy orchard fruits. Get your garden started now to take advantage of the milder winters found in this part of Montana.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Jefferson County

via LawnByCounty

The Arid Challenge of Jefferson County

Jefferson County faces a high lawn difficulty score of 27.3, well below the Montana state average of 33.4. This Zone 5a region requires careful planning and constant monitoring to maintain any semblance of a green lawn.

The Driest Growing Conditions

With only 10.8 inches of annual precipitation, this is one of the most water-starved counties in the region. Low growing degree days further limit the grass's ability to repair itself after a hot summer or a cold winter.

Understanding Your Jefferson Soil

There is currently no county-wide data for soil pH or texture, making individual garden tests essential. Adding organic compost is a standard recommendation in these dry climates to help the soil hold onto what little water it receives.

A Full Year of Drought

Jefferson County has spent 53 straight weeks in drought conditions, making water conservation the primary concern for every homeowner. Transitioning to xeriscaping or using buffalo grass can significantly reduce your environmental footprint in this dry zone.

Best Seeding Times for Zone 5a

Cool-season grasses should be the foundation of any lawn here to survive the Zone 5a winters. Be patient and wait for the late spring frost on June 7th to pass before you begin your seeding or sodding projects.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jefferson County's county score?
Jefferson County, Montana has a composite county score of 58 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 Jefferson County rank among counties in Montana?
Jefferson County ranks #28 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 Jefferson County, Montana?
The median annual property tax in Jefferson County is $2,274, with an effective tax rate of 0.56%. This earns Jefferson County a tax score of 79.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Jefferson County?
The median household income in Jefferson County, Montana is $76,576 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Jefferson County earns an income score of 79.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Jefferson County, Montana a good place to live?
Jefferson County scores 58/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #28 in Montana. The best way to evaluate Jefferson 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 Jefferson 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.