countyscore
57.7
County Score
Safety 77.1Property Tax 76.8Cost of Living 66.2

County Report Card

About Lincoln County, Montana

Steady Above the National Median

Lincoln County earns a composite score of 57.7, comfortably outpacing the national median of 50.0. Its profile highlights a balance of low taxes and community safety.

Competitive Within Montana

Lincoln County ranks just above the Montana state average of 56.4. It offers a more favorable tax and safety environment than many of its neighbors.

Low Tax Burden and High Safety

Low property taxes are a major draw, evidenced by a tax score of 76.8 and an effective rate of only 0.579%. The county also feels very secure, boasting a high safety score of 77.1.

Limited Income and Water Scores

The county faces economic challenges with a very low income score of 9.6 and a median household income of $47,018. Water metrics also lag behind at a score of 22.9, suggesting a need for infrastructure focus.

A Haven for Retirees

Lincoln County is a top choice for retirees or remote workers who want to keep more of their money through low taxes. It rewards those who value safety over high local wage growth.

2040608010076.866.277.138.453.89.635.722.937.1Tax76.8Cost66.2Safety77.1Health38.4Schools53.8Income9.6Risk35.7Water22.9Weather37.157.7/100
This county
National avg
3 above average5 below average

Lincoln County DNA

Foverall

How Lincoln County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Lincoln County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (76.8/100) but notably weak in Income (9.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
76.8+24.799999999999997
Cost
66.2+18.200000000000003
Safety
77.1+22.099999999999994
Health
38.4-11.600000000000001
Schools
53.8
Income
9.6-41.4
Risk
35.7-11.299999999999997
Water
22.9-35.1
Weather
37.1-18.9
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$258,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$810/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$258,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$32,400/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum5.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $47,018/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

33.9

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

Park County
Colorado
Median income: $95,450
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Calhoun County
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Median income: $55,714
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Monroe County
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Meeker County
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Nemaha County
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Median income: $60,132
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Alfalfa County
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Median income: $67,870
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Baylor County
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Median income: $42,313
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Glasscock County
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Median income: $106,806
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Nearby counties

Sanders County
Montana
60.6
Bonner County
Idaho
50.6
Flathead County
Montana
39.8
Shoshone County
Idaho
47.6
Boundary County
Idaho
56.6
Kootenai County
Idaho
45.2
Lake County
Montana
40.5
Glacier County
Montana
52.6

Deep Dives

Lincoln County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lincoln County

via TaxByCounty

Lincoln offers the gentlest tax burden

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lincoln County

via CostByCounty

Lincoln County renters face steep affordability

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lincoln County

via IncomeByCounty

Lowest income in this region

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lincoln County

via CrimeByCounty

Safety Levels in the Kootenai Valley

Lincoln County reports a total crime rate of 550.7 per 100,000, significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This contributes to a robust safety score of 99.1 out of 100. The county remains one of the safer regions in the country based on 2022 data.

Outpacing the State in Public Safety

Lincoln County’s safety score of 99.1 exceeds the Montana state average of 98.2. Its total crime rate of 550.7 is roughly half of the statewide average of 1,112.5. Four reporting agencies contribute data to these metrics, providing a reliable picture of local safety.

Lincoln vs Western Montana Neighbors

Lincoln County is considerably safer than neighboring Missoula County, which has a crime rate nearly six times higher at 3,111.1 per 100,000. It also maintains a lower crime rate than Mineral County’s 1,289.7. This makes Lincoln a regional leader in low crime activity.

Analyzing Violent and Property Crime

Violent crime in Lincoln County sits at 168.7 per 100,000, well below the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also low at 382.0 per 100,000, compared to the national average of 2,015.7. Residents face statistically low risks in both major categories.

Smart Security for Rural Properties

While crime rates are low, the rural nature of many Lincoln County homes makes perimeter security important. Motion-activated cameras and clear signage can discourage unauthorized access to remote properties. Staying connected with local watch groups further enhances community safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Lincoln County

via SchoolsByCounty

High Graduation Rates in Northern Montana

Nine districts manage 14 public schools that serve 2,481 students. The county’s educational framework includes seven elementary, four middle, and three high schools.

Exceptional Performance Beyond National Standards

Lincoln County boasts a 90.6% graduation rate, which beats both the state average and the national benchmark of 87.0%. This success is achieved with a per-pupil expenditure of $7,517.

Libby K-12 Schools Lead Enrollment

Libby K-12 Schools is the largest district, educating 1,164 students across three schools. Libby Elementary School is the largest single campus, with 625 students enrolled.

Predominantly Rural with Town Hubs

Schools are mostly rural, though three campuses are located in town settings to serve larger populations. Average school size is 177 students, offering a middle-ground between tiny rural schools and large city campuses.

Relocate Near High-Achieving Rural Districts

With graduation rates hitting over 90%, Lincoln County is a top choice for families. Look for homes in Libby or Eureka to benefit from these high-performing public schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lincoln County

via RiskByCounty

Lincoln County carries elevated disaster risk

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Lincoln County

via WaterByCounty

Drinking Water Compliance Struggles Despite Lower Rates

Lincoln County receives an F grade for drinking water compliance based on 11 health violations over five years. However, its violation rate of 103 per 100,000 residents is notably better than the Montana average of 393.8. While the grade is low, the frequency of issues per capita is lower than many neighboring areas.

Watershed Assessment Shows Zero Impairments

The 2022 EPA ATTAINS cycle identifies 68 assessed water bodies in Lincoln County, none of which fail Clean Water Act standards. These water bodies maintain a 0% impairment rate, consistent with the reported state average. This indicates that assessed surface waters currently support their intended environmental uses.

Extensive Monitoring Network Tracks Kootenai Health

Lincoln County maintains an impressive monitoring footprint with 172 sites and 44,078 measurements over the last five years. Data collection focuses heavily on physical characteristics and nutrient levels. This high density of records provides one of the most comprehensive water quality profiles in the region.

Kootenai River Maintains Near-Typical Flow

The Kootenai River below Libby Dam is flowing at 10,100 cfs, which is 94% of its long-term mean. This stable discharge supports a drainage area of nearly 9,000 square miles. The river remains one of the more reliable water sources in the state based on current USGS data.

Leverage High Data Density for Safety

Residents should take advantage of the county's extensive monitoring data to understand local baseline water quality. While the drinking water grade is an F, the low violation rate suggests issues may be confined to specific systems. Maintain awareness of filtration needs if you are served by a system with recent health violations.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lincoln County

via WeatherByCounty

A Moist and Snowy Mountain Pocket

Lincoln County averages 44.8°F annually, which is mild for Montana but still well below the national median. It stands out for its 19.4 inches of annual precipitation, making it wetter than many surrounding plains counties.

Warmer and Wetter Than State Averages

At 44.8°F, Lincoln County is warmer than the 43.7°F Montana average. It also sees significantly more moisture, exceeding the state precipitation average by four inches per year.

Snowier and Warmer Than Liberty County

Lincoln County records 54.2 inches of snow, vastly out-pacing Liberty County's 35.9 inches. Despite the snow, its January average of 25.6°F is nearly eight degrees warmer than its neighbors to the east.

Heavy Snow and Frequent Summer Heat

The county experiences 23 extreme heat days annually, even with a moderate July average of 66.4°F. Winter is defined by persistent snow and a Dec-Feb average temperature of 26.5°F.

Gear Up for Snow and Summer Sun

Residents should invest in high-quality snow removal equipment to handle the 54-inch annual snowfall. HVAC systems must also be robust enough to handle the 23 days of extreme 90°F heat that occur despite the overall cool climate.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lincoln County

via SoilByCounty

Forest Soils of the Northwest

In this heavily forested county, specific soil pH and taxonomic data are currently limited. Based on state trends, we expect an alkaline profile near 7.43, which is significantly higher than the national median of 6.5.

Structure in the Mountains

Data regarding the sand, silt, and clay percentages are not yet cataloged for Lincoln County. Understanding these textural ratios is vital for managing water on the steep slopes found throughout the region.

Building Your Soil Health

While specific organic matter data is missing, the Montana state average of 2.54% provides a good benchmark for local health. Adding compost can help your garden reach or exceed the state's typical water capacity of 0.165.

Observing Water Movement

Official drainage and hydrologic groups are not available, requiring site-specific tests for any new construction or agriculture. Watch how your land handles rainfall to determine if you need to improve drainage.

Mild Winters in Zone 5a

A relatively mild 5a Hardiness Zone allows for a longer growing season than many other parts of Montana. Start a garden this year to take advantage of the perfect climate for berries and hardy fruit trees.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lincoln County

via LawnByCounty

Northern Latitude Lawn Care

Lincoln County's lawn score of 27.7 reflects a difficult growing environment compared to the national average of 50.0. Homeowners in Hardiness Zone 5a must work harder than the typical Montanan, whose state average is 33.4.

Managing More Heat and Rain

The county receives 19.4 inches of annual precipitation, which is higher than the state average but still thirsty for more. Turf faces 23 extreme heat days each year, requiring careful monitoring of soil moisture during July and August.

Unknown Soil Secrets

While specific soil texture data is unavailable, local conditions often require the addition of compost to improve water retention. Testing your yard's drainage class is essential to ensure the 19.4 inches of rain doesn't pool.

Resilience During Dry Spells

The county endured 45 weeks of drought over the past year, though severe drought levels are currently at zero. Maintain a lawn height of at least three inches to shade the soil and reduce water evaporation.

Start Your 5a Lawn

Fine fescues and perennial ryegrass are excellent choices for the Lincoln County climate. Plan to seed after the May 16 frost to take full advantage of the summer growing degree days.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lincoln County's county score?
Lincoln County, Montana has a composite county score of 57.7 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 Lincoln County rank among counties in Montana?
Lincoln County ranks #29 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 Lincoln County, Montana?
The median annual property tax in Lincoln County is $1,499, with an effective tax rate of 0.58%. This earns Lincoln County a tax score of 76.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lincoln County?
The median household income in Lincoln County, Montana is $47,018 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lincoln County earns an income score of 9.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lincoln County, Montana a good place to live?
Lincoln County scores 57.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #29 in Montana. The best way to evaluate Lincoln 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 Lincoln 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.