Lincoln County scores 69.1 out of 100, placing it well above the national median of 50.0 by nearly 20 points. This positions the county in the upper half of U.S. counties for overall livability.
2 / 5
Slightly below Montana's average
The county's 69.1 score sits just beneath Montana's 72.1 state average, placing it in the lower-middle tier within the state. It remains competitive but not among Montana's top-performing counties.
3 / 5
Tax burden among lowest in state
Lincoln County boasts an exceptional tax score of 86.0 with an effective tax rate of just 0.579%—the lowest in this group. Housing affordability is also strong at 83.5, with median home values at $258,700 and rents at $810 per month.
4 / 5
Low incomes and modest health metrics
The county's income score of 14.1 is the lowest in the dataset, with median household income at just $47,018. Health outcomes are also below average at 62.6, indicating potential gaps in medical services or population health.
5 / 5
Best for tax-minimizing rural residents
Lincoln County serves retirees and individuals seeking minimal tax burdens in an affordable, remote setting. The exceptionally low effective tax rate and housing costs make it attractive to those with modest fixed incomes or remote income sources.
Lincoln County scores 69.1 out of 100, placing it well above the national median of 50.0 by nearly 20 points. This positions the county in the upper half of U.S. counties for overall livability.
Slightly below Montana's average
The county's 69.1 score sits just beneath Montana's 72.1 state average, placing it in the lower-middle tier within the state. It remains competitive but not among Montana's top-performing counties.
Tax burden among lowest in state
Lincoln County boasts an exceptional tax score of 86.0 with an effective tax rate of just 0.579%—the lowest in this group. Housing affordability is also strong at 83.5, with median home values at $258,700 and rents at $810 per month.
Low incomes and modest health metrics
The county's income score of 14.1 is the lowest in the dataset, with median household income at just $47,018. Health outcomes are also below average at 62.6, indicating potential gaps in medical services or population health.
Best for tax-minimizing rural residents
Lincoln County serves retirees and individuals seeking minimal tax burdens in an affordable, remote setting. The exceptionally low effective tax rate and housing costs make it attractive to those with modest fixed incomes or remote income sources.
Score breakdown
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🏛86
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
At 0.579%, Lincoln County has the lowest effective property tax rate among these eight counties and ranks well below the national median of 0.71%. The county's median tax of $1,499 is 44% lower than the national median of $2,690.
Most tax-friendly county in Montana
Lincoln's 0.579% effective rate ranks lowest statewide, nearly a quarter below Montana's 0.767% average. Residents enjoy the gentlest tax treatment in the state.
Balanced homes, balanced taxes
Lincoln County's $258,700 median home value sits between Liberty ($116,800) and Lewis and Clark ($358,200), yet its tax bills remain the region's lightest at $1,499 annually. This reflects the county's remarkably low 0.579% effective rate—a rare advantage in Montana.
Your $1,499 annual tax bill
A typical Lincoln County home worth $258,700 generates just $1,499 in annual property taxes—or $125 per month. With a mortgage, the bill is $1,565; without, $1,431.
Even low rates warrant checking
Lincoln County's favorable tax climate is no reason to skip a reappraisal check—overassessment happens everywhere. Homeowners can request a free assessment review if recent comparable sales in their area suggest their home is overvalued.
Lincoln County's 20.7% rent-to-income ratio far exceeds both the national benchmark (15%) and Montana's state average (15.9%), making it one of Montana's least affordable rental markets. Renters earning the county median of $47,018 spend $810 monthly—a hefty 20.7% of their income—on housing.
Among Montana's worst for renters
At 20.7%, Lincoln County's rent-to-income ratio ranks well above the state average, placing it among the most challenging markets for renters statewide. This northwest county struggles with a combination of elevated rents relative to its lower median income of $47,018, the lowest among these eight counties.
More expensive than similar western counties
Lincoln County's $810 rent exceeds nearby Liberty County ($668) and McCone County ($543), yet falls short of the higher costs in Madison County ($1,159) and Missoula County ($1,125). Its affordability crisis stems from limited local income opportunities rather than premium housing demand.
Housing dominates tight household budgets
Renters earning the median $47,018 annually dedicate nearly $9,720 to rent, consuming more than one-fifth of gross income before taxes and other expenses. Homeowners paying $681 monthly ($8,172 yearly) fare slightly better, but both groups experience serious housing cost burdens given the county's limited wage base.
Relocate only with secured income gains
Lincoln County's 20.7% rent-to-income ratio signals serious affordability strain—only consider moving here if you're bringing higher income (remote work, relocation package) or can live with family. Compare your household income carefully; those earning significantly above the $47,018 median will fare better.
Lincoln County's median household income of $47,018 ranks in the lowest 25% nationally, trailing the U.S. median of $74,755 by $27,737. This gap signals economic challenges tied to natural resource dependence and rural isolation.
Struggling on Montana's scale
At $47,018, Lincoln County ranks in Montana's lower third, earning just 75% of the state median income of $62,295. The county's reliance on timber and tourism makes it vulnerable to economic cycles.
Lowest earner among its peers
Lincoln County's $47,018 median income falls below all surrounding counties tracked here, with Liberty County ($53,264) outearning it by over $6,000. Only McCone County and Mineral County face comparable economic headwinds.
Rent burden is Montana's worst here
Lincoln County's 20.7% rent-to-income ratio is the highest among these eight counties, meaning housing costs consume over one-fifth of household earnings. The median home value of $258,700 remains out of reach for many median-income households.
Every dollar counts in wealth building
With tighter budgets, Lincoln County residents benefit most from low-cost investing options like automatic retirement contributions and employer matches. Building wealth here requires patience and consistent saving, but even small contributions compound over decades.
At 76.3 years, Lincoln County residents live about as long as the average American. However, 20.4% report poor or fair health—notably above the national 16.5% average—indicating chronic conditions and health challenges are more prevalent here.
Right at Montana's health average
Lincoln County's 76.3-year life expectancy matches Montana's state average exactly, but its 15.3% uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 11.9%. This gap suggests healthcare access challenges are sharper here than across Montana overall.
Moderate provider access, good mental health
Lincoln County operates 73 primary care providers per 100K—below Lewis and Clark's 94 but above Liberty's 51. With 247 mental health providers per 100K, the county shows reasonable psychiatric support, though primary care gaps may delay prevention and early treatment.
Healthcare reality: underinsured and spread thin
Lincoln County's 73 primary care providers per 100K means residents may face longer waits or travel for routine care. With 15.3% uninsured and 20.4% reporting poor or fair health, many households struggle to afford or access preventive services.
Don't go without coverage
In Lincoln County, 15.3% of residents lack health insurance—putting them at financial and health risk. Check Healthcare.gov today to see if you qualify for Medicaid, subsidized plans, or community health programs that serve uninsured and underinsured families.
Lincoln County's composite risk score of 64.28 ranks it as relatively low nationally but significantly above average for exposure to natural hazards. The score primarily reflects concentrated wildfire and earthquake vulnerabilities.
Among Montana's higher-risk counties
At 64.28, Lincoln County substantially exceeds Montana's state average of 33.31, ranking among the state's most hazard-exposed areas. Only a few Montana counties show comparable or higher composite risk scores.
Riskier than most regional peers
Lincoln County's score of 64.28 exceeds neighboring Mineral County (7.35) and Madison County (41.03) but falls slightly below Missoula County (77.04). The western Montana region shows substantial variation in disaster risk.
Wildfire and earthquake create serious exposure
Wildfire risk in Lincoln County reaches 96.60—among the highest in Montana—while earthquake risk scores 63.55, reflecting the county's mountain location. Flood risk at 65.49 adds a third meaningful hazard, particularly for properties near rivers and streams.
Wildfire coverage is non-negotiable
Lincoln County residents must verify that wildfire damage is explicitly covered in their homeowners policy, as many standard policies exclude it despite the 96.60 wildfire risk score. Adding earthquake coverage and reviewing flood risk for your specific property location are equally important protective steps.