countyscore
40.5
County Score
Property Tax 67.7Schools 60Weather & Climate 45.5

County Report Card

About Lake County, Montana

Lake County Trails National Averages

Lake County's composite score of 40.5 is lower than the national median of 50.0. While it boasts natural beauty, the data suggests significant room for improvement in socioeconomic metrics.

Below the Montana Average

The county's score of 40.5 sits well under the state average of 56.4. Residents face higher-than-average challenges regarding safety and environmental risk compared to other Montanans.

Reliable School Quality

The school score of 60.0 is a bright spot, indicating a solid foundation for families. Additionally, the income score of 45.1 is moderate, with a median household income of $61,965.

Safety and Housing Pressure

The safety score of 11.5 is remarkably low, while a median home value of $369,200 makes housing less accessible. Environmental risk also remains a concern with a score of 32.4.

A Choice for Active Families

Lake County suits families who prioritize decent schooling and have the resources to enter a more expensive housing market. It is best for those who can navigate localized safety concerns to enjoy the area's scenic lifestyle.

2040608010067.73711.538.96045.132.430.745.5Tax67.7Cost37Safety11.5Health38.9Schools60Income45.1Risk32.4Water30.7Weather45.540.5/100
This county
National avg
1 above average6 below average

Lake County DNA

Foverall

How Lake County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Lake County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Safety (11.5/100), though Property Tax (67.7/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
67.7+15.700000000000003
Cost
37-11
Safety
11.5-43.5
Health
38.9-11.100000000000001
Schools
60
Income
45.1
Risk
32.4-14.600000000000001
Water
30.7-27.3
Weather
45.5-10.5
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Compare mortgage rates in Lake County

Whether buying or refinancing in Lake County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$369,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$884/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$369,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$35,360/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum6.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $61,965/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

46.8

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

Missoula County
Montana
35.1
Flathead County
Montana
39.8
Mineral County
Montana
54.1
Sanders County
Montana
60.6
Powell County
Montana
59.4
Shoshone County
Idaho
47.6
Glacier County
Montana
52.6
Lincoln County
Montana
57.7

Deep Dives

Lake County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lake County

via TaxByCounty

Lake County taxes below national average

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lake County

via CostByCounty

Recreational living carries a premium

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lake County

via IncomeByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lake County

via CrimeByCounty

Higher Than National Average

Lake County's total crime rate of 2,640.5 per 100K sits above the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a safety score of 95.8 out of 100.

Below the Montana Average

Lake County's safety score of 95.8 is lower than the state average of 98.2. Its crime rate is more than double the Montana average of 1,112.5 per 100K residents.

More Active Than Neighbors

Lake's crime rate of 2,640.5 is significantly higher than neighboring Glacier's 994.1. This indicates a much more active law enforcement environment than surrounding rural counties.

Significant Property and Violent Crime

Property crime reaches 2,040.7 per 100K, while violent crime is 599.8. Both rates are higher than national averages, making property security a top priority for locals.

Prioritizing Home Safety

With property crime above the national average, installing high-quality security cameras is recommended. Visible security measures can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a target.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Lake County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Major Educational Hub in Western Montana

Lake County supports a large student population of 4,438 across 20 public schools. The diverse system is managed by 12 districts and includes 10 elementary, five middle, and five high schools.

High Achievement and Efficient Spending

Lake County achieves an excellent 89.6% graduation rate, which is significantly higher than both the state and national averages. This high performance is maintained with a per-pupil expenditure of $8,551, below the state average of $9,334.

Polson and Ronan Districts Excel

Polson Elementary is the largest district, serving 1,173 students, while Ronan Elementary follows closely with 1,105. All 20 schools are traditional public schools, with no charter options currently available in the county.

Dynamic Town and Rural Schools

The county features 16 rural schools and 4 town schools, with a relatively large average school size of 222 students. Polson Middle School and Polson High School are the largest campuses, each enrolling 524 students.

Investing in Lake County Real Estate

With some of the highest graduation rates in the region, Lake County is a premier destination for families. Consider the vibrant communities of Polson and Ronan when looking for a home near top-performing public schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lake County

via RiskByCounty

Lake County faces elevated risk

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Lake County

via WaterByCounty

Drinking Water Compliance Struggles

Lake County earns an F grade after recording 9 health violations over a five-year period. Despite the low grade, the violation rate of 63.4 per 100,000 residents remains well below the Montana state average of 393.8. This suggests that while violations occur, they affect a smaller portion of the population than in many other counties.

Surface Waters Pass Inspection

The 12 water bodies assessed in the 2022 cycle show no impairments, achieving a perfect 0.0% impairment rate. This matches the state average and indicates that local water bodies are healthy enough for their designated uses. The watershed's health provides a strong foundation for the county's water needs.

Extensive Quality Data Network

Lake County features a dense network of 84 monitoring sites that have generated 21,455 measurements over the last five years. The data collection is notably diverse, with a strong emphasis on organics, pesticides, and physical traits. This is one of the most comprehensive monitoring footprints in the region.

Flathead River in High Flow

The Flathead River near Polson is currently discharging a massive 30,100 cfs, which is 263% of its long-term mean. This high volume reflects significant runoff activity across the 7,079 square mile drainage area. The river is flowing at more than double its typical rate for this time of year.

Be Cautious During High Runoff

With the Flathead River at 263% of its mean, residents should be wary of increased runoff affecting water quality. Given the county's 'F' grade and the presence of pesticide monitoring, using a water filter can provide an extra layer of safety. Monitor local reports as high flows can sometimes introduce contaminants into source water.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lake County

via WeatherByCounty

A temperate pocket in the Rockies

Lake County averages 45.9°F annually, making it warmer than most of its Montana peers but still below the national median. It receives 17.2 inches of annual precipitation, providing a semi-moist mountain environment.

Among the warmest counties in Montana

Lake County's 45.9°F average is over two degrees higher than the Montana state average of 43.7°F. This makes it one of the more temperate regions in the state.

Warmer than Granite and Glacier

Lake County is notably warmer than nearby Granite (42.5°F) and much milder than Glacier County (39.9°F). It enjoys some of the most moderate temperatures in western Montana.

Milder winters and manageable summers

Winters are relatively mild for Montana, with a January average of 27.5°F and 33.6 inches of snow. Summers stay pleasant with only 14 days over 90°F and a July average of 67.4°F.

Plan for a balanced, four-season climate

With 14 extreme heat days and 33.6 inches of snow, residents need a versatile gear set for all seasons. The 28.3°F winter average makes it slightly easier to heat homes than in the state's colder northern counties.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lake County

via SoilByCounty

Lakeside Soils and Unique Chemistry

Lake County soil pH and taxonomic data are not currently listed in the regional dataset. Given its unique geography, pH levels may differ from the state average of 7.43, influenced by the proximity to Flathead Lake.

Glacial Influence on Soil Texture

Specific sand, silt, and clay distributions are currently unrecorded for Lake County. The local terrain, shaped by glacial activity, likely contains a diverse mix of textures that benefit from individualized testing.

High Potential in a Mild Climate

Organic matter and water capacity data are currently unavailable for the county. Local growers can aim to exceed the state organic matter average of 2.54% by utilizing the region's abundant natural resources.

Managing Water Near the Lake

The current dataset does not include a dominant drainage class for Lake County. Residents should carefully monitor groundwater levels and soil saturation, especially in low-lying areas near the shoreline.

Orchard Paradise in Zone 6a

As one of Montana's warmest regions in zone 6a, Lake County is famous for cherries and other stone fruits. Start your own orchard or garden today to take full advantage of this exceptional microclimate.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lake County

via LawnByCounty

Zone 6a Challenges in Lake County

Lake County carries a difficulty score of 29.5, which is lower than the Montana state average of 33.4. Despite being in the slightly warmer Zone 6a, maintaining a lawn here requires more effort than the national median of 50.0.

Extended Growth with Limited Water

The county benefits from 1787 growing degree days, offering a solid window for turf growth and repair. However, 17.2 inches of annual precipitation is not enough to sustain a lush lawn without significant supplemental irrigation.

Local Soil Testing is Crucial

With no centralized data on soil pH or drainage class, Lake County residents should perform their own site assessments. Improving soil structure with organic matter can help compensate for the region's frequent dry spells.

Managing Constant Dry Conditions

The county has experienced 43 weeks of drought in the last year, and nearly the entire area is currently abnormally dry. Homeowners should use mulch in garden beds and mow high to keep the soil beneath the turf as cool as possible.

Spring Start for Lake County Lawns

The warmer Zone 6a allows for a variety of cool-season grass types, including some perennial ryegrass blends. You can get an earlier start than most neighbors, with the last frost typically occurring around May 12th.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lake County's county score?
Lake County, Montana has a composite county score of 40.5 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 Lake County rank among counties in Montana?
Lake County ranks #49 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 Lake County, Montana?
The median annual property tax in Lake County is $2,436, with an effective tax rate of 0.66%. This earns Lake County a tax score of 67.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lake County?
The median household income in Lake County, Montana is $61,965 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lake County earns an income score of 45.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lake County, Montana a good place to live?
Lake County scores 40.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #49 in Montana. The best way to evaluate Lake 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 Lake 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.