Lake County's composite score of 67.1 places it at approximately the 34th percentile nationally, slightly above the national median of 50.0. The county matches average American livability without exceptional distinction.
2 / 5
Below Montana's county standard
At 67.1, Lake ranks below Montana's state average of 72.1, placing it in the lower-middle tier of the state's 56 counties. The county trails several peer communities on overall livability.
3 / 5
Solid tax and income positioning
Lake County maintains a favorable tax rate of 0.660% (tax score: 83.7) and offers the strongest income profile in this group at a median household income of $61,965 (income score: 23.8). The county provides decent economic stability.
4 / 5
High housing costs and risk exposure
The risk score of 32.4 is the lowest in this cohort, signaling economic fragility and vulnerability. Housing costs also burden residents, with a median home value of $369,200 and rent at $884/month despite moderate incomes.
5 / 5
For resilient professionals seeking beauty
Lake County attracts individuals with stable, above-average income willing to accept higher housing costs for lakeside living and natural amenities. It suits established professionals and outdoor-oriented families comfortable with Montana's economic constraints.
Lake County's composite score of 67.1 places it at approximately the 34th percentile nationally, slightly above the national median of 50.0. The county matches average American livability without exceptional distinction.
Below Montana's county standard
At 67.1, Lake ranks below Montana's state average of 72.1, placing it in the lower-middle tier of the state's 56 counties. The county trails several peer communities on overall livability.
Solid tax and income positioning
Lake County maintains a favorable tax rate of 0.660% (tax score: 83.7) and offers the strongest income profile in this group at a median household income of $61,965 (income score: 23.8). The county provides decent economic stability.
High housing costs and risk exposure
The risk score of 32.4 is the lowest in this cohort, signaling economic fragility and vulnerability. Housing costs also burden residents, with a median home value of $369,200 and rent at $884/month despite moderate incomes.
For resilient professionals seeking beauty
Lake County attracts individuals with stable, above-average income willing to accept higher housing costs for lakeside living and natural amenities. It suits established professionals and outdoor-oriented families comfortable with Montana's economic constraints.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛83.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Lake County's effective rate of 0.660% sits comfortably beneath the national median of 0.84%, placing it in the lower-middle range of U.S. counties. The median tax of $2,436 reflects strong property values ($369,200), yet the rate provides meaningful relief.
Below-average for Montana's higher-value areas
Lake County's 0.660% effective rate ranks in the lower half of Montana's 56 counties, paying less than the state average of 0.767%. This advantage saves homeowners roughly $107 annually on median-value properties.
Competitive with nearby resort counties
Lake County's 0.660% rate edges out Granite (0.607%) and trails only Jefferson (0.557%) among southwest Montana's higher-value communities. For waterfront and mountain properties, it offers moderate tax advantages.
About $2,436 yearly on median home
A median Lake County home valued at $369,200 generates annual property taxes of $2,436, or roughly $203 per month. Mortgaged properties incur an additional $177 in annual escrow taxes.
Challenge high-value assessments proactively
Properties exceeding $350,000 risk substantial overassessment—a 10% inflated valuation costs $2,400+ annually on Lake County homes. Compare your assessment to recent comparable sales and file an appeal if you spot discrepancies.
Lake County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.1% is the highest across all eight counties and well above the national average, with median household income of $61,965 trailing the nation by $12,790. The draw of lakefront living commands higher housing costs relative to local earnings.
Steepest housing cost burden statewide
Lake County's 17.1% rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds Montana's 15.9% average, making it one of the state's most unaffordable counties. The median rent of $884 reflects demand from recreation-focused migrants.
Premium for amenities and views
Lake's $884 rent is the second-highest in the group after Jefferson's $886, and the $369,200 median home value trails only Granite's $339,500. Owner costs of $1,012 monthly are the group's highest, reflecting the recreational premium.
Lifestyle costs eat the largest share
Lake County residents pay $884 in rent or $1,012 in ownership costs on a median income of just $61,965, consuming 17.1% of income. The county's natural beauty and recreational access command prices that strain local budgets.
Beautiful but pricey for locals
Lake County's 17.1% housing ratio is the group's highest—you're paying for views and lifestyle, not local wages. Relocate here only if you're bringing significant income to support the premium or are investing in seasonal property.
Lake County slightly below national income average
Lake County's median household income of $61,965 trails the national median of $74,755 by $12,790. The county earns approximately 83% of the national average, closer to national norms than most rural Montana peers.
Near-average earnings within Montana
Lake County's $61,965 median household income sits nearly even with Montana's $62,295 state average, placing it in the middle of these eight surveyed counties. Its per capita income of $33,786 tracks just below the state mean of $35,700.
Solid standing among regional peers
Lake County's $61,965 median income ranks second only to Jefferson County ($76,576) and compares favorably to Garfield County ($61,750). The county outperforms all other neighbors in this analysis, establishing itself as a moderate economic performer.
High home values strain housing affordability
Lake County's 17.1% rent-to-income ratio is the highest in this group, pushing toward the 30% affordability threshold and indicating housing cost stress. The median home value of $369,200 represents 6 years of median household income, among the most challenging ratios for homeownership.
Address housing costs before aggressive investing
Lake County residents face above-average housing burdens that limit investment capacity; prioritizing fixed-rate homeownership over renting could reduce long-term cost strain. Once housing becomes more manageable relative to income, households should direct freed-up resources toward retirement and diversified investment accounts.
Lake County residents live to 75.8 years, nearly 3 years below the national average of 78.9 years but just 0.5 years below Montana's state average of 76.3 years. With 19.2% reporting poor or fair health, the county is better than the national average of 21%.
Middle-tier health outcomes statewide
Lake County's 75.8-year life expectancy sits just below the Montana average, and its 19.2% poor/fair health rate places it in the middle of this eight-county sample. However, the 15.5% uninsured rate is the highest in the region, a notable gap in healthcare coverage.
Highest uninsured rate in region
Lake County's 15.5% uninsured rate exceeds every other county in the profile, including Granite County's 14.1% and Jefferson County's 9.7%. Life expectancy at 75.8 years trails only Garfield (unknown), Golden Valley (unknown), Jefferson (76.3), and Granite (80.0) counties.
Coverage gaps threaten access
With 15.5% of Lake County residents uninsured—among the worst in Montana—many lack regular access to primary care and preventive services. The county does have 75 primary care providers and 291 mental health providers per 100,000, but insurance remains a critical barrier to using these resources.
Close the coverage gap now
Lake County's high uninsured rate puts over 1 in 6 residents at risk of delayed care and medical debt. Visit Healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 today to explore Medicaid, marketplace plans, and community health center sliding-scale options.
Lake County's composite risk score of 67.65 exceeds the national average and places it in the relatively low risk category. Your county experiences above-average natural hazard exposure, driven by wildfire and earthquake risk.
Montana's highest-risk county
At 67.65, Lake County has the highest composite risk score in Montana, far exceeding the state average of 33.31. Your county faces the most significant natural disaster exposure in the state.
Riskiest county in northwestern Montana
Lake County's score of 67.65 significantly exceeds neighboring Glacier (51.49) and Hill (50.45). Your county faces considerably more natural hazard exposure than surrounding counties in the region.
Earthquake and wildfire dominate
Earthquake risk (92.30) and wildfire risk (92.65) are exceptionally high in Lake County, making them your primary concerns. Flood risk (57.16) is also elevated, while tornado risk (3.28) remains minimal.
Secure comprehensive hazard coverage now
Your homeowner's insurance must cover wildfire, earthquake, and flood—three significant risks in your county. Work with an agent immediately to ensure full coverage and consider additional liability protection given your elevated exposure profile.