CountyScore

Lewis and Clark County

Montana · MT

#48 in Montana
67.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Lewis and Clark County, Montana

Well above the national average

Lewis and Clark County scores 67.1 out of 100 on the CountyScore composite index, well ahead of the national median of 50.0. This places the county in the upper third nationally, signaling solid overall livability across multiple dimensions.

Slightly below Montana's middle

With a score of 67.1, Lewis and Clark County ranks slightly below Montana's state average of 72.1, placing it in the middle tier of the state's counties. It remains a competitive choice within Montana's livability landscape.

Tax efficiency and health care excel

The county's standout strengths are its low tax burden (79.6 score, 0.806% effective rate) and strong health outcomes (77.1 score). Housing affordability is also respectable at 68.5, with median home values at $358,200 and rents at $1,062 per month.

Income levels lag significantly

The county's biggest challenge is its low income score of 32.0, with median household income at $74,543—below what stronger-performing counties achieve. Risk factors also score low at 28.8, suggesting natural disaster or climate vulnerabilities warrant attention.

Ideal for cost-conscious professionals

Lewis and Clark County suits families and professionals prioritizing lower taxes and accessible health care over maximum earning potential. The moderate cost of living and stable health infrastructure make it appealing to those seeking a balanced, livable Montana community.

Score breakdown

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

Tax79.6Cost68.5SafetyComing SoonHealth77.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome32Risk28.8WaterComing Soon
🏛79.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠68.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼32
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤77.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡28.8
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 Lewis and Clark County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Elbert County
Georgia
67.1
Median income: $49,727
Wayne County
Illinois
67.1
Median income: $53,107
Monroe County
Indiana
67.1
Median income: $63,372
Warren County
Iowa
67.1
Median income: $92,990
Webster County
Iowa
67.1
Median income: $68,054

Deep Dives

Lewis and Clark County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Cost of Living in Lewis and Clark County

via CostByCounty

Lewis and Clark rents strain local budgets

Renters here spend 17.1% of household income on rent, exceeding the national standard of 15%. The median rent of $1,062 per month is 29% higher than Montana's state average of $825, putting downward pressure on renters earning the national median income of $74,755.

Among Montana's most expensive rentals

Lewis and Clark ranks in the upper tier for rental costs across Montana's 56 counties. At 17.1%, the rent-to-income ratio sits 1.2 percentage points above the state average of 15.9%, signaling affordability challenges that persist even in a county with above-average incomes.

Costlier than much of central Montana

Rents here exceed nearby Madison County ($1,159) only slightly, but significantly outpace McCone County ($543) and Liberty County ($668). The $1,062 median rent reflects Lewis and Clark's role as Montana's second-largest population center and state capital.

Housing absorbs significant income share

With a median household income of $74,543, renters dedicate roughly $12,750 annually to rent, while homeowners pay approximately $16,224 yearly for mortgage costs. Combined rental and ownership expenses reveal that housing remains the largest budget line item for most local households.

Compare before relocating to Helena area

If you're considering moving to Lewis and Clark for work or lifestyle, compare your income against the 17.1% rent-to-income benchmark. Nearby McCone County ($543 rent) and Liberty County ($668 rent) offer dramatically lower housing costs, though typically with fewer job and cultural amenities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Lewis and Clark County

via HealthByCounty

Lewis and Clark outlives the nation

At 78.3 years, Lewis and Clark County residents live nearly a year longer than the U.S. average of 77.6 years. Just 12% report poor or fair health, well below the national rate of 16.5%, signaling stronger overall wellness across the county.

Top health outcomes in Montana

Lewis and Clark ranks among Montana's healthiest counties, with a life expectancy 2 years above the state average of 76.3 years. The county's 9.5% uninsured rate also beats Montana's average of 11.9%, reflecting better healthcare access statewide.

Strong primary care, excellent mental health

Lewis and Clark operates 94 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—nearly double Lincoln County's 73—and boasts 591 mental health providers per 100K, the highest among surveyed Montana counties. This abundance of providers puts residents within easier reach of mental and physical health services.

Access remains a daily reality

With 94 primary care providers per 100K and 591 mental health providers per 100K, Lewis and Clark offers robust healthcare infrastructure compared to rural neighbors. Still, 9.5% of residents lack health insurance, meaning nearly 1 in 11 go without coverage.

Check your coverage today

If you're among the 9.5% uninsured in Lewis and Clark County, now is the time to explore your options. Visit Healthcare.gov or contact local community health centers to find a plan that fits your family's needs and budget.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lewis and Clark County

via RiskByCounty

Lewis and Clark faces above-average disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 71.25, Lewis and Clark County ranks in the relatively low category—but sits well above the national baseline. This score reflects significant exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly wildfire and earthquake risks that exceed typical American county profiles.

Among Montana's riskiest counties

Lewis and Clark's score of 71.25 far exceeds Montana's state average of 33.31, placing it among the state's most hazard-exposed counties. The county's vulnerability stands out due to concentrated earthquake and wildfire risks that dominate its risk profile.

Higher risk than most neighbors

Lewis and Clark's composite score of 71.25 significantly outpaces nearby Madison County (41.03) and Meagher County (2.80). Only Missoula County, at 77.04, carries comparably elevated disaster risk in the region.

Wildfire and earthquake dominate here

Wildfire risk reaches 92.84 in Lewis and Clark—nearly as high as the state's most fire-prone counties—while earthquake risk scores 86.77, reflecting the county's location in a seismically active zone. Flood risk, at 64.57, also poses meaningful exposure to property damage, particularly along river corridors.

Comprehensive coverage protects your investment

Lewis and Clark residents should prioritize comprehensive homeowners insurance that explicitly covers wildfire damage, often excluded from standard policies. Adding earthquake coverage is essential given the county's 86.77 earthquake risk score; bundled policies typically offer cost savings.

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.