CountyScore

Judith Basin County

Montana · MT

#1 in Montana
81
County Score

County Report Card

About Judith Basin County, Montana

Judith Basin ranks highest nationally

Judith Basin's composite score of 81.0 places it at approximately the 62nd percentile nationally, well above the national median of 50.0. The county delivers livability that surpasses most American peers.

Montana's standout county

At 81.0, Judith Basin ranks in the top tier of Montana's 56 counties, well above the state average of 72.1. The county represents one of Montana's most livable rural destinations.

Exceptional affordability and tax advantage

Judith Basin boasts the lowest effective tax rate at 0.453%, exceptional housing affordability (90.6 cost score), and the lowest rent in the cohort at just $502/month. The county also maintains strong health (75.8) and risk management (94.5) scores.

Income potential remains modest

The income score of 19.6 reflects a median household income of $55,417, limiting wealth accumulation despite remarkable affordability. This is the county's only meaningful constraint on livability.

Best-kept secret in rural Montana

Judith Basin County suits value-conscious families, retirees, and entrepreneurs seeking maximum bang for their buck. It's ideal for those with remote income or business ownership who prioritize low cost of living and minimal tax exposure.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax89.5Cost90.6SafetyComing SoonHealth75.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome19.6Risk94.5WaterComing Soon
🏛89.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠90.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼19.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤75.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡94.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Judith Basin County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Daggett County
Utah
81
Median income: $58,750
Greenlee County
Arizona
80.9
Median income: $75,239
Loup County
Nebraska
81.1
Median income: $60,156
Harding County
South Dakota
80.9
Median income: $74,766
Glasscock County
Texas
81.1
Median income: $106,806

Deep Dives

Judith Basin County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Judith Basin County

via TaxByCounty

Judith Basin: Montana's tax bargain leader

Judith Basin County's effective rate of 0.453% ranks among the absolute lowest in the nation, nearly half the national median of 0.84%. The median tax of just $971 offers exceptional affordability even as property values climb toward $214,200.

Lowest tax rate in Montana

Judith Basin's 0.453% effective rate is the best deal in all 56 Montana counties, undercutting the state average of 0.767% by 41%. Homeowners save roughly $831 annually compared to typical Montanans on median-value properties.

Unmatched tax relief in central Montana

Judith Basin's 0.453% rate beats every surrounding county, including Golden Valley (0.509%), Garfield (0.656%), and Granite (0.607%). It stands alone as the region's premier tax destination.

About $971 yearly on median home

A median Judith Basin home valued at $214,200 results in annual property taxes of just $971, or roughly $81 per month. Homeowners with mortgages pay an additional $100 annually in escrow.

Verify your assessment even at low rates

Assessment errors affect all counties equally—even Judith Basin's bargain rates don't protect against overvaluation. Review your assessment notice and consider appealing if the valuation exceeds recent arm's-length sales in your area.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Judith Basin County

via CostByCounty

The affordability champion of the group

Judith Basin County's rent-to-income ratio of 10.9% is the lowest among all eight counties and dramatically outperforms the national average, despite median household income of $55,417 that trails the nation by $19,338. At just $502 monthly rent, Judith Basin offers extraordinary housing accessibility.

Best rent value in rural Montana

Judith Basin's 10.9% rent-to-income ratio and $502 median rent are exceptional even by Montana standards, far outpacing the state average of 15.9% and $825. This small county packs Montana's most affordable housing market.

Unbeaten on price, everywhere else

Judith Basin's $502 rent is $251 cheaper than Garfield's $802 and $232 cheaper than Glacier's $553—the lowest in the entire group. Owner costs of $598 are similarly rock-bottom, making Judith Basin a genuine outlier for affordability.

Housing barely touches the budget

Renters spend just $502 monthly and owners $598 on a median income of $55,417, consuming only 10.9% of income—leaving substantial room for other needs. Judith Basin is where housing expenses stop being a struggle.

Montana's hidden affordability gem

Judith Basin County is the rare rural Montana county where housing costs won't dominate your budget, even on modest income. If you're relocating to trade city costs for rural peace, Judith Basin delivers unmatched affordability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Judith Basin County

via IncomeByCounty

Judith Basin trails the national income pace

Judith Basin County's median household income of $55,417 falls $19,338 below the national median of $74,755. The county earns roughly 74% of what the average U.S. household brings in.

Below-average earnings for Montana

Judith Basin's $55,417 median household income sits $6,878 below Montana's $62,295 state average, ranking it among the lower-earning counties in this survey. However, its per capita income of $38,715 is notably strong, suggesting concentrated wealth among working adults.

Middle income with strong per-capita earnings

Judith Basin's $55,417 median household income ranks below Garfield County ($61,750) but above Glacier County ($45,129) and Hill County ($55,313). Its per capita income of $38,715 ranks second-highest in the group, indicating well-compensated residents.

Exceptional affordability supports saving

Judith Basin's 10.9% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest in this entire group, offering remarkable housing affordability. This advantage—nearly half the national threshold—creates substantial opportunity to redirect income toward savings and investment.

Leverage exceptional affordability for growth

Judith Basin residents enjoy the best rent-to-income ratio in this survey, freeing up significant income for wealth-building activities. With such favorable housing economics, households should aggressively fund retirement accounts, build investment portfolios, and create long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Judith Basin County

via HealthByCounty

Longest life expectancy in sample

At 82.0 years, Judith Basin County residents live 3.1 years above Montana's state average and 3.1 years above the national average of 78.9 years. Just 15.2% report poor or fair health, well below the national average of 21%, reflecting a notably healthy population.

Montana's longest life expectancy

Judith Basin County's 82.0-year life expectancy is the highest in this eight-county Montana sample and well above the state average of 76.3 years. The 15.2% poor/fair health rate and 11.1% uninsured rate both position it in the healthiest tier of Montana counties.

Clear longevity leader region

Judith Basin's 82.0-year life expectancy exceeds every other county in the profile, nearly 10 years ahead of Hill County's 72.9 and 15 years ahead of Glacier County's 66.9. The 11.1% uninsured rate ties with Garfield County as the lowest in the region.

Limited data, strong outcomes

While primary care provider numbers aren't available for Judith Basin County, the strong life expectancy and low poor/fair health rates suggest residents have adequate access to care. Mental health support at 48 per 100,000 is modest but may reflect a smaller population base.

Keep coverage for lifetime wellness

Judith Basin County's exceptional longevity and low uninsured rate demonstrate how coverage supports health across the lifespan. If you're among the 11% uninsured, visit Healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to ensure you're covered and can access the preventive and primary care that builds long, healthy lives.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Judith Basin County

via RiskByCounty

Judith Basin enjoys very low risk

Judith Basin County's composite risk score of 5.50 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 5.50, Judith Basin County ranks well below Montana's state average of 33.31. Your county is one of the more resilient areas in Montana for overall natural disaster risk.

Safest in central Montana region

Judith Basin's risk score of 5.50 is lower than neighboring Garfield (2.48), Golden Valley (0.99), and Granite (9.38), positioning it among the safest in central Montana. Your county enjoys strong protection across the region.

Wildfire is primary concern

Wildfire risk (63.68) is your county's main hazard, followed by tornado risk (7.35) and earthquake risk (18.77). Flood risk (12.63) remains minimal, reflecting the semi-arid landscape.

Focus on wildfire preparedness

Ensure your homeowner's policy covers wildfire and maintain defensible space around your property. Your low overall risk profile means standard homeowner's insurance typically provides adequate protection across hazards.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.