Jefferson County's composite score of 74.3 places it at the 48th percentile nationally, near the national median of 50.0. The county delivers mid-range American livability with particular strength in income metrics.
2 / 5
Above-average for Montana
At 74.3, Jefferson exceeds Montana's state average of 72.1, earning a solid position in the state's upper-middle tier of 56 counties. The county outperforms most rural Montana alternatives on balance.
3 / 5
Highest income in this cohort
Jefferson County leads this group with a median household income of $76,576 (income score: 33.4) and maintains low taxes at 0.557%. Health outcomes also score well at 73.7.
4 / 5
Housing costs rising significantly
The cost score of 74.7 is the lowest in this set, with a median home value of $408,000 and rent at $886/month. High property costs limit the purchasing power that the strong income provides.
5 / 5
Ideal for higher-earning professionals
Jefferson County attracts professionals and established families with above-average incomes seeking quality of life. It suits remote workers, business owners, and those relocating for well-paying positions who value health and low taxes.
Jefferson County's composite score of 74.3 places it at the 48th percentile nationally, near the national median of 50.0. The county delivers mid-range American livability with particular strength in income metrics.
Above-average for Montana
At 74.3, Jefferson exceeds Montana's state average of 72.1, earning a solid position in the state's upper-middle tier of 56 counties. The county outperforms most rural Montana alternatives on balance.
Highest income in this cohort
Jefferson County leads this group with a median household income of $76,576 (income score: 33.4) and maintains low taxes at 0.557%. Health outcomes also score well at 73.7.
Housing costs rising significantly
The cost score of 74.7 is the lowest in this set, with a median home value of $408,000 and rent at $886/month. High property costs limit the purchasing power that the strong income provides.
Ideal for higher-earning professionals
Jefferson County attracts professionals and established families with above-average incomes seeking quality of life. It suits remote workers, business owners, and those relocating for well-paying positions who value health and low taxes.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛86.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
Jefferson County residents live to 76.3 years—exactly Montana's state average but 2.6 years below the U.S. average of 78.9 years. At 13.8% poor/fair health, Jefferson has the lowest rate in this eight-county sample and trails the national average of 21%.
Healthiest outcomes in Montana sample
Jefferson County ranks as the clear health leader in this eight-county profile with the lowest poor/fair health rate (13.8%) and the lowest uninsured rate (9.7%) in the region. Life expectancy of 76.3 matches the state average exactly, supported by solid insurance coverage.
Outperforms most regional peers
Jefferson's 13.8% poor/fair health rate is significantly better than Glacier County's 31.5% and Golden Valley's 20.4%, and its 9.7% uninsured rate is the lowest in the region. Life expectancy at 76.3 years trails only Judith Basin (82.0) and Granite (80.0) counties.
Strong coverage and solid provider access
With 9.7% uninsured—nearly 3 percentage points below the state average—Jefferson County has the best insurance coverage in the region. Residents benefit from 64 primary care providers and 130 mental health providers per 100,000, providing reasonable access to both routine and behavioral health care.
Maintain the county's health edge
Jefferson County's healthiest outcomes flow from strong coverage and provider access—nearly 9 in 10 residents have insurance. If you're among the uninsured, visit Healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to secure coverage and maintain Jefferson's regional health leadership.
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.