countyscore
38.3
County Score
Income & Jobs 79.1Health 76.3Property Tax 51.4

County Report Card

About Lewis and Clark County, Montana

Falling Below the National Median

Lewis and Clark County earns a composite score of 38.4, which sits significantly below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a balance of high earning potential against notable urban pressures like safety and housing costs.

Trailing the Montana Average

The county lags behind the Montana state average composite score of 56.4. While it serves as a central hub, its overall livability index ranks lower than many of its more rural counterparts across the state.

High Incomes and Strong Health Metrics

The county excels in health and wealth, posting a high income score of 76.6 with a median household income of $74,543. Health outcomes are equally strong at 76.3, suggesting a population with robust access to wellness and medical services.

Addressing Safety and Housing Costs

Safety is a primary concern with a low score of 13.5, and housing affordability struggles with a cost score of 17.9. With a median home value of $358,200, residents face higher financial barriers than in neighboring regions.

A Choice for Ambitious Professionals

This county is best suited for career-oriented professionals who prioritize high salaries and health over safety and housing bargains. It offers a fast-paced environment for those who can navigate its higher cost of living.

2040608010051.418.113.576.338.479.128.826.140.6Tax51.4Cost18.1Safety13.5Health76.3Schools38.4Income79.1Risk28.8Water26.1Weather40.638.3/100
This county
National avg
2 above average6 below average

Lewis and Clark County DNA

Foverall

How Lewis and Clark County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Lewis and Clark County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (79.1/100) but notably weak in Safety (13.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
51.4
Cost
18.1-29.9
Safety
13.5-41.5
Health
76.3+26.299999999999997
Schools
38.4-15.600000000000001
Income
79.1+28.099999999999994
Risk
28.8-18.2
Water
26.1-31.9
Weather
40.6-15.399999999999999
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Compare mortgage rates in Lewis and Clark County

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$393,500

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,102/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$393,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$44,080/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum5.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $78,237/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

16.5

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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Counties with similar scores

Western Connecticut Planning Region
Connecticut
Median income: $128,188
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Sumner County
Kansas
Median income: $63,951
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Mahoning County
Ohio
Median income: $56,942
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Sacramento County
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Median income: $92,175
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Morgan County
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Hernando County
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Median income: $66,058
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Baltimore County
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Median income: $91,768
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Lenoir County
North Carolina
Median income: $45,143
38.2

Nearby counties

Powell County
Montana
58.6
Teton County
Montana
63.8
Cascade County
Montana
33.4
Jefferson County
Montana
58
Broadwater County
Montana
56.4
Meagher County
Montana
65.8
Granite County
Montana
58.5
Pondera County
Montana
52.9

Deep Dives

Lewis and Clark County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Lewis and Clark County

via TaxByCounty

Lewis and Clark taxes above national average

At 0.806%, Lewis and Clark's effective property tax rate exceeds the national median of 0.71%, placing it in the upper third nationally. The county's median tax bill of $2,886 runs 7% higher than the nation's $2,690, reflecting both strong home values and steeper rates.

5th highest rate in Montana

Lewis and Clark ranks 5th among Montana's 56 counties for effective tax rate at 0.806%, well above the state average of 0.767%. Only Missoula, Liberty, Meagher, and Glacier counties tax property more aggressively.

Pricier homes, pricier taxes

Lewis and Clark's median home value of $358,200 tops nearby Lincoln County ($258,700) and Meagher County ($244,400), driving a median tax bill of $2,886. That's $387 more than Lincoln County residents pay annually, despite similar tax rates across the region.

Your $2,886 annual tax bill

A typical Lewis and Clark home worth $358,200 generates an annual property tax of $2,886—or $240 per month. With a mortgage, you'll pay $2,973 annually; without, $2,744.

You might be overassessed

Studies show 10-15% of homeowners statewide overpay property taxes due to assessment errors. Lewis and Clark residents can request a free reappraisal if recent sales nearby show lower values—a process that takes weeks and costs nothing.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lewis and Clark County

via IncomeByCounty

Right on par with America

Lewis and Clark County's median household income of $74,543 sits virtually on the national median of $74,755, placing it squarely in the middle of American prosperity. This stability reflects the county's balance of state capital activity and diverse economic opportunities in Helena.

Montana's second wealthiest county

At $74,543, Lewis and Clark ranks in the top tier of Montana counties, earning $12,248 more than the state median of $62,295. Only a handful of Montana counties surpass this income level, reflecting Helena's role as the economic engine of central Montana.

Outearning Madison and Missoula

Lewis and Clark edges out neighboring Madison County ($67,420) and Missoula County ($71,246), despite Missoula's larger population and university presence. This advantage stems from government employment and Helena's status as the state capital.

Comfortable but rent pressing hard

The 17.1% rent-to-income ratio suggests housing is manageable here, but the median home value of $358,200 requires substantial household earnings to purchase. For renters, this county offers one of Montana's better affordability profiles.

Build capital in Helena's stable economy

With income matching the national average, Lewis and Clark County residents have solid ground to invest in retirement and wealth-building. The state capital's stable employment and proximity to outdoor recreation make it an attractive place to grow long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lewis and Clark County

via CrimeByCounty

Lewis and Clark’s National Safety Profile

Lewis and Clark County reports a total crime rate of 2,490.0 per 100,000 residents, placing it slightly above the national average of 2,385.5. Despite this, the county earns a high safety score of 96.1 out of 100. This indicates that while incidents occur, the overall environment remains safer than many comparable US regions.

Comparing Crime to the Montana Average

The county's total crime rate is more than double the Montana state average of 1,112.5 per 100,000 residents. Its safety score of 96.1 trails the state average of 98.2. Local law enforcement agencies face a higher call volume here than in most other Montana jurisdictions.

Lewis and Clark vs Regional Neighbors

Lewis and Clark sees significantly more activity than neighboring Meagher County, where the crime rate is a low 205.3 per 100,000. However, it remains safer than Missoula County, which struggles with a much higher rate of 3,111.1. The county sits in a middle ground for safety within Western Montana.

Breakdown of Violent and Property Crimes

Property crime dominates the local landscape at 1,990.6 per 100,000, which is just below the national average. Violent crime stands at 499.4 per 100,000, exceeding the national figure of 369.8. These numbers reflect reporting from three active agencies within the county.

Prioritizing Security in Lewis and Clark

With property crime accounting for the majority of incidents, home security remains a smart investment for residents. Installing motion-sensor lighting and smart locks can effectively deter opportunistic theft. Consistent community vigilance helps maintain the county’s overall safety ranking.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lewis and Clark County

via WeatherByCounty

A Cool Continental Climate in the Rockies

Lewis and Clark County maintains an annual average temperature of 43.3°F, significantly cooler than the national county median of roughly 54°F. This semi-arid region experiences dry air and sharp temperature shifts typical of high-elevation mountain environments.

Matching the Montana State Average

The county's average temperature sits just below the Montana state average of 43.7°F. With 15.6 inches of annual precipitation, it aligns closely with the state's typical moisture levels of 15.4 inches.

Warmer and Drier Than High-Altitude Neighbors

At 43.3°F, the county is notably warmer than neighboring Meagher County, which averages only 41.4°F. It also sees far less snow than nearby Missoula County, recording 32.6 inches compared to Missoula's 73.9 inches.

Moderate Summers Meet Sharp Winter Chills

July brings a pleasant average of 65.7°F, though residents face 15 extreme heat days over 90°F annually. Winters are brisk with a January average of 24.7°F and reliable, though not overwhelming, snowfall.

Preparing for Arid Extremes and Elevation

Homeowners should prioritize efficient heating systems for the 25.2°F winter average and consider moderate cooling for the two weeks of summer heat. Given the 15.6 inches of precipitation, water-wise landscaping is essential for local gardens.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lewis and Clark County

via SoilByCounty

A High-Altitude Alkaline Profile

While local taxonomic data is limited, Lewis and Clark County generally follows the Montana trend toward alkaline soils. The state average pH of 7.43 sits significantly higher than the national median of 6.5, affecting how nutrients dissolve for plants.

Awaiting Local Textural Data

Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay are currently unrecorded for this rugged mountain terrain. These ratios are essential for understanding if the ground will drain quickly or hold onto moisture during the dry summer months.

Benchmarks for Local Growth

Specific organic matter levels are unavailable, but the state average of 2.54% serves as a helpful target for local growers. Without a recorded available water capacity (AWC), gardeners should monitor their soil's moisture retention closely.

Managing Runoff and Drainage

Formal drainage classes are not yet cataloged for the county's diverse topography. Residents should observe their specific plots for pooling or rapid runoff, especially during the heavy spring snowmelt cycles.

Resilient Gardening in Zone 4b

The Hardiness Zone 4b climate supports cold-hardy staples like kale, peas, and root vegetables. Start a garden today and use raised beds to easily manage soil quality in this short-season environment.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lewis and Clark County

via LawnByCounty

A Challenging Climate for Turf

Lewis and Clark County has a lawn difficulty score of 26.4, making it significantly harder to maintain than the national average of 50.0. Sitting in Hardiness Zone 4b, your lawn faces more environmental stress than the Montana state average of 33.4.

Dry Skies and Tight Windows

Annual precipitation is only 15.6 inches, which is far below the ideal 30-50 inches needed for healthy grass. With a final spring frost on May 21 and only 1566 growing degree days, the season for establishes turf is relatively brief.

Preparing Your Soil Base

While specific local soil metrics are unavailable, Montana mountain-basin soils typically benefit from heavy organic amendments. You should conduct a private soil test to determine if your yard needs pH adjustments to reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 range.

Coping with Persistent Drought

The county spent all 53 weeks of the past year in drought, and over 37% of the area currently faces severe conditions. To conserve water, irrigate deeply and infrequently at dawn to ensure moisture reaches the root zone.

Choosing Rugged Grass Species

Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescues are the best options for the cold 4b winters. Aim to seed your lawn shortly after the May 21 frost to give the grass time to establish before the September freeze.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lewis and Clark County's county score?
Lewis and Clark County, Montana has a composite county score of 38.3 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 Lewis and Clark County rank among counties in Montana?
Lewis and Clark County ranks #51 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 Lewis and Clark County, Montana?
The median annual property tax in Lewis and Clark County is $3,113, with an effective tax rate of 0.79%. This earns Lewis and Clark County a tax score of 51.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lewis and Clark County?
The median household income in Lewis and Clark County, Montana is $78,237 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lewis and Clark County earns an income score of 79.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lewis and Clark County, Montana a good place to live?
Lewis and Clark County scores 38.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #51 in Montana. The best way to evaluate Lewis and Clark 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 Lewis and Clark County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.