countyscore
57.1
County Score
Disaster Risk 93.7Safety 85Cost of Living 78.5

County Report Card

About Liberty County, Montana

Outperforming the National Median

Liberty County secures a composite score of 57.1, placing it above the national median of 50.0. Its strong performance is driven by a mix of extreme safety and environmental resilience.

Leading the State Average

The county slightly exceeds the Montana state average of 56.4. This indicates a high level of livability relative to the rest of the Big Sky state, particularly for those seeking stability.

Unmatched Safety and Low Risk

The county shines in safety with a score of 85.0 and an exceptional environmental risk score of 93.7. Housing is also highly affordable, with a cost score of 78.5 and a median rent of just $668.

Water Infrastructure and Lower Incomes

Water quality and access present a significant hurdle with a score of 2.2. Additionally, the income score is low at 21.2, reflecting a median household income of $53,264.

Perfect for Quiet, Secure Living

Liberty County is an ideal match for individuals looking for peace of mind and very affordable housing. It suits those who can manage a modest income in exchange for a secure, low-risk environment.

2040608010035.878.585414621.293.72.236.2Tax35.8Cost78.5Safety85Health41Schools46Income21.2Risk93.7Water2.2Weather36.257.1/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Liberty County DNA

Foverall

How Liberty County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Liberty County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (93.7/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (2.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
35.8-16.200000000000003
Cost
78.5+30.5
Safety
85+30
Health
41-9
Schools
46-8
Income
21.2-29.8
Risk
93.7+46.7
Water
2.2-55.8
Weather
36.2-19.799999999999997
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Many homeowners in Liberty County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$116,800

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$668/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$116,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$26,720/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $53,264/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

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Cascade County
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Deep Dives

Liberty County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Liberty County

via TaxByCounty

Liberty: Montana's tax rate champion

At 1.031%, Liberty County has the highest effective property tax rate in Montana—nearly 45% above the national median of 0.71%. Despite affordable homes ($116,800 median), the county's steep rate keeps tax bills competitive with national averages.

Second-highest rate statewide

Only Missoula County (0.906%) comes close to Liberty's 1.031% effective rate, crushing the state average of 0.767%. Liberty's rate is 35% steeper than the typical Montana county.

Lowest homes, highest rates

Liberty's median home value of $116,800 is the lowest in its region—McCone County sits at $197,400, Lincoln at $258,700—yet Liberty's 1.031% tax rate far exceeds them all. Residents pay $1,204 annually despite owning the cheapest property nearby.

Your $1,204 annual tax bill

A typical Liberty County home valued at $116,800 triggers an annual property tax of $1,204—or $100 per month. With a mortgage, the bill climbs to $1,875; without, it drops to $927.

Challenge your assessment today

With Montana's highest property tax rate, even small assessment errors add up quickly in Liberty County. Homeowners can appeal valuations for free if comparable home sales suggest overvaluation—a straightforward process that often saves hundreds annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Liberty County

via CostByCounty

Liberty County offers surprising affordability

Liberty County renters spend just 15.1% of household income on housing, slightly below the national standard and nearly identical to the Montana state average of 15.9%. At $668 per month, median rent is 19% below the state average, making this northeastern county genuinely affordable for renting households.

Middle-of-pack affordability for Montana

Liberty County ranks squarely at the state median for rental affordability, with its 15.1% rent-to-income ratio placing it very close to Montana's 15.9% average. This consistency masks a critical factor: local median household income of $53,264 is substantially below the state norm, suggesting limited wage opportunities.

Cheapest rents in this corner of Montana

Liberty County's $668 rent is the lowest among these eight surveyed counties and significantly undercuts neighbors McCone County ($543 for ownership but in a different economic zone) and the pricier western counties. This affordability advantage pairs with a rural lifestyle and wide open spaces.

Low costs, but lower incomes too

The median household income of $53,264 means renters pay roughly $8,000 annually for a $668 monthly rent—a reasonable portion of their budget. However, homeowners paying $718 monthly ($8,616 yearly) face similar pressures on incomes that are $21,491 below the national median.

Ideal for remote workers seeking rural living

Liberty County's low rent of $668 and 15.1% housing ratio make it attractive for remote workers who can maintain higher incomes from afar. If you're relocating for flexibility and affordability, verify your remote work arrangement can sustain you—local wage opportunities remain limited.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Liberty County

via IncomeByCounty

Below the national income bar

Liberty County's median household income of $53,264 trails the national median by $21,491, placing it in the lower-income tier nationally. This gap reflects the county's rural character and limited service economy.

Montana's income ladder: middle rung

Liberty County ranks solidly in the middle of Montana's 56 counties, earning $53,264 against the state median of $62,295—about $9,000 below average. The county's ranching heritage and small population size shape its income profile.

Modest incomes, tight-knit communities

Liberty County's $53,264 median outperforms Lincoln County ($47,018) and nearly matches Meagher County ($56,215), though it lags McCone County's $71,842. These rural neighbors share similar economic structures centered on agriculture and small business.

Housing costs eat 15% of income

Liberty County's 15.1% rent-to-income ratio is lean and favorable, and the median home value of $116,800 is Montana's most affordable among these eight counties. Here, median income goes further toward homeownership than nearly anywhere in the state.

Low housing costs open saving doors

Because housing consumes less of household income here, Liberty County families have room to build emergency funds and retirement savings. Even modest incomes can compound into wealth over time with disciplined investing and local financial planning guidance.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Liberty County

via CrimeByCounty

Liberty County's Exceptional Safety Score

Liberty County boasts a total crime rate of 351.3 per 100,000, which is far below the national average of 2,385.5. This low frequency of incidents contributes to an impressive safety score of 99.4 out of 100. Residents enjoy one of the most secure environments in the United States.

A Top Performer in Montana Safety

With a safety score of 99.4, Liberty County outperforms the Montana state average of 98.2. Its total crime rate of 351.3 is also significantly lower than the state average of 1,112.5. This high ranking makes it a standout for public safety across the Big Sky State.

Quiet Streets Compared to Neighbors

Liberty County maintains much lower crime levels than its regional neighbors, providing a tranquil contrast to more populated areas. While neighboring Lewis and Clark reports 2,490.0 crimes per 100,000, Liberty sees only a fraction of that activity. The low numbers reflect a tight-knit community with minimal law enforcement incidents.

Low Rates Across All Crime Categories

The county reports a property crime rate of 301.1 and a violent crime rate of 50.2 per 100,000. These figures are based on a single reporting agency, so they should be interpreted with caution as they represent a small sample size. Nevertheless, the numbers point to a very low risk for residents.

Maintaining Safety in Liberty County

Even in high-safety areas, basic home security practices prevent rare opportunistic crimes. Ensure your property is well-lit and notify neighbors when you are traveling. Continued community awareness is key to keeping Liberty County's crime rates among the lowest in the state.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Liberty County

via SchoolsByCounty

Intimate Schooling in a Rural Landscape

Liberty County maintains six public schools across two districts for a total of 301 students. The system consists of four elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school.

Higher Per-Pupil Spending than State Average

The county invests $10,125 per pupil, which significantly exceeds the state average of $9,334. Despite this investment, the graduation rate currently sits at 75.0%.

Focus on Chester-Joplin-Inverness Districts

Chester-Joplin-Inverness Elementary is the largest district, serving 195 students across four schools. There are no charter schools currently operating in the county.

Quiet Rural Classrooms with Small Groups

All six schools are located in rural areas, with an average school size of just 50 students. The largest school is Chester-Joplin-Inverness (PK-6) with 142 students.

Personalized Education in a Small Community

For buyers seeking low student-to-teacher ratios, Liberty County offers a unique rural advantage. Consider exploring local homes to join this tight-knit school community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Liberty County

via RiskByCounty

Liberty County has minimal disaster risk

Liberty County's composite risk score of 6.30 places it firmly in the very low category, well below both national and state averages. This county experiences among the lowest natural disaster exposure in Montana.

Montana's safest counties include Liberty

At 6.30, Liberty County's score ranks substantially below Montana's 33.31 average, making it one of the state's least hazard-prone areas. Only a handful of Montana counties present lower composite risk.

Safest county in its region

Liberty County's score of 6.30 makes it safer than all neighboring counties, including McCone (5.25), though that margin is slim. The entire north-central region of Montana benefits from relatively low disaster risk.

Wildfire presents the clearest exposure

Wildfire risk at 17.08 represents Liberty County's highest hazard exposure, though this remains substantially below state averages for fire risk. All other hazard categories score below 16, with earthquake at 15.39 and flood at 11.86.

Standard homeowners insurance usually sufficient

Liberty County's minimal risk profile means standard homeowners insurance typically provides adequate protection for most properties. Residents should still verify coverage for wildfire and review policy limits every few years as property values change.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Liberty County

via WaterByCounty

Extreme Violation Rates in Liberty County Systems

Liberty County earns an F grade with a violation rate of 1,642 per 100,000 residents, more than quadruple the Montana state average. The EPA recorded 30 health violations over a five-year lookback period. These figures indicate systemic difficulties in maintaining drinking water safety for the local population.

Clean Water Standards Met in Assessed Streams

All 11 water bodies assessed in Liberty County during the 2022 cycle meet Clean Water Act standards. No impairments are currently reported for these segments, matching the 0% impairment rate seen across the state. These assessments reflect the health of the county's primary surface water resources.

Limited Federal Monitoring Data Available

No water quality monitoring records currently exist in the federal EPA Water Quality Portal for this county. This lack of data makes it difficult to track long-term trends in nutrients or inorganic contaminants. Public records for local water quality rely on state-level sampling rather than federal site tracking.

Marias River Flow Drops Below Mean

The Marias River near Chester currently flows at 504 cfs, representing 65% of its historical typical discharge. This gauge monitors a drainage area of 4,944 square miles. Lower volumes can impact both agricultural use and the concentration of naturally occurring minerals.

Urgent Need for Drinking Water Awareness

With a violation rate significantly higher than both state and national averages, Liberty County residents should prioritize water testing and filtration. The lower-than-average streamflow on the Marias River further stresses the local water supply. Direct communication with water providers regarding the 30 recent health violations is recommended.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Liberty County

via WeatherByCounty

Dry and Cold Northern Plains Weather

Liberty County's annual average of 42.7°F is nearly 12 degrees colder than the national median, reflecting its position on the windy northern plains. The region is exceptionally dry, receiving only 11.1 inches of precipitation annually.

Cooler and Drier Than the State Median

Liberty County is colder than the 43.7°F state average and is one of Montana's more arid regions. It receives about 4 inches less precipitation annually than the typical Montana county.

Harsher Winters Than Its Southern Neighbors

With a January average of 18.0°F, Liberty County is much colder in winter than Lewis and Clark County's 24.7°F. It also faces more extreme heat, recording 20 days over 90°F compared to its mountain-shielded neighbors.

Wide Swings Between Deep Freeze and Heat

Winter is intense here, with a seasonal average of 20.1°F and 35.9 inches of snow. Conversely, July averages a warm 67.9°F, frequently pushing into the high 90s during the peak of summer.

Winterize for Cold and Conserve Water

Residents need heavy-duty insulation to combat the sub-20-degree January lows and wind chill. Because annual precipitation is so low at 11.1 inches, rainwater catchment and drought-resistant crops are highly recommended.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Liberty County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Soils on the Plains

Liberty County features an average pH of 7.41, nearly identical to the Montana state average of 7.43. This alkaline profile is much higher than the national median of 6.5, which can limit the availability of certain micronutrients.

A Versatile Loamy Balance

The soil contains 34.8% sand, 37.3% silt, and 27.9% clay, creating a relatively balanced texture. This mix offers enough clay for nutrient retention while the sand and silt ensure the ground remains workable for farming.

Productivity Near State Averages

Organic matter stands at 2.02%, matching the national average but falling behind the Montana benchmark of 2.54%. The available water capacity of 0.163 is just below the state average of 0.165, indicating moderate drought resilience.

Steady Water Management

While formal drainage classes are not listed, the 27.9% clay content suggests a soil that holds water better than sandier regions. Growers must be careful to avoid compaction during wet years to maintain healthy root aeration.

Hardy Crops for Zone 4a

The 4a Hardiness Zone is perfect for resilient crops like barley, flax, and potatoes. Get out and plant a garden this season to make the most of Liberty County's mineral-rich soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Liberty County

via LawnByCounty

Managing the High Plains Lawn

Liberty County earns a 31.1 lawn score, placing it just below the Montana state average of 33.4. In Hardiness Zone 4a, homeowners face a much steeper climb than the national median score of 50.0.

Extreme Dryness and Summer Heat

With only 11.1 inches of annual precipitation, this is one of the driest regions for growing turf. You can expect 20 days of extreme heat above 90°F, which will require significant supplemental watering to prevent dormancy.

Alkaline Soil Challenges

The local soil pH of 7.41 is more alkaline than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, which can limit nutrient availability. With a 27.9% clay content, careful aeration is required to prevent compaction and allow water to reach the roots.

A Century of Dry Days

Every acre of the county is currently classified as abnormally dry after 47 weeks of drought last year. Leaving grass clippings on the lawn can help retain soil moisture and recycle nutrients during these dry periods.

Planting for Zone 4a

Select extremely cold-hardy species like Canada bluegrass or crested wheatgrass for this environment. The best time to start your lawn is after the final spring frost on May 21.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Liberty County's county score?
Liberty County, Montana has a composite county score of 57.1 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 Liberty County rank among counties in Montana?
Liberty County ranks #31 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 Liberty County, Montana?
The median annual property tax in Liberty County is $1,204, with an effective tax rate of 1.03%. This earns Liberty County a tax score of 35.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Liberty County?
The median household income in Liberty County, Montana is $53,264 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Liberty County earns an income score of 21.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Liberty County, Montana a good place to live?
Liberty County scores 57.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #31 in Montana. The best way to evaluate Liberty 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 Liberty County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.