countyscore
75.3
County Score
Disaster Risk 94.8Safety 92.4Cost of Living 88.8

County Report Card

About McCone County, Montana

A National Leader in Livability

McCone County delivers a stellar composite score of 75.3, placing it in the top tier of counties nationwide. It beats the national median of 50.0 by a wide margin.

One of Montana's Best

The county significantly outperforms the state average of 56.4. Its high scores across almost every dimension make it a premier destination in the Montana landscape.

Safe, Affordable, and Resilient

The county excels with a safety score of 92.4 and a risk score of 94.8. It is also remarkably affordable, with a cost score of 88.8 and median monthly rent of only $543.

Room for School Improvement

While most scores are high, the school score of 44.4 is the lowest among its metrics. Though not critical, it suggests that educational investment is the primary area for growth.

The Ultimate Family Sanctuary

McCone County is perfect for families seeking a low-cost, high-safety lifestyle without sacrificing income. It is a rare find that offers financial freedom alongside deep community security.

Score breakdown

Tax66.2Cost88.8Safety92.4Health77.1Schools44.4Income71.1Risk94.8Water86Weather32.4
🏛66.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠88.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼71.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡92.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤77.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓44.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡94.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤32.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨38.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱31.8
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Deep Dives

McCone County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in McCone County

via TaxByCounty

McCone taxes just below national norm

At 0.674%, McCone County's effective tax rate runs slightly below the national median of 0.71%, landing it in the middle nationally. The median tax bill of $1,330 is 51% less than the nation's $2,690, reflecting modest home values more than tax generosity.

Mid-range rate for Montana

McCone's 0.674% effective rate sits just below Montana's 0.767% state average, making it a moderate-tax county. Its ranking falls in the lower half statewide—residents enjoy lighter burdens than most Montanans.

Modest homes, modest bills

McCone's $197,400 median home value falls between Liberty ($116,800) and Lincoln ($258,700), producing a tax bill of $1,330 that mirrors this middle ground. The county's 0.674% rate keeps costs accessible for rural property owners.

Your $1,330 annual tax bill

A typical McCone County home valued at $197,400 generates $1,330 in annual property taxes—roughly $111 monthly. With a mortgage, you'll pay $1,942; without, $1,198.

Check your appraisal value

McCone County homeowners should verify their assessments even though rates are moderate—systematic overvaluation affects rural counties too. A free reappraisal request takes weeks and could uncover errors worth hundreds in annual tax savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in McCone County

via CostByCounty

McCone County offers exceptional affordability

McCone County's 9.1% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest among these eight counties and dramatically below the national 15% standard and Montana's 15.9% state average. At $543 per month, the median rent is 34% cheaper than the state average, making it one of Montana's most affordable rental markets.

Montana's affordability champion

McCone County ranks among the best for rental affordability statewide, with its 9.1% ratio nearly half Montana's 15.9% average. This northeastern county combines low rents with median household income of $71,842—close to the national median—creating a uniquely favorable housing cost environment.

Far cheaper than nearby and distant counties

McCone's $543 rent undercuts every other county in this survey by wide margins: Liberty County ($668), Lincoln County ($810), and the western counties ranging from $1,062 to $1,159. This dramatic advantage reflects McCone's remote rural character and limited real estate demand competition.

Housing costs barely dent household budgets

Renters earning the median $71,842 spend approximately $6,516 annually on rent—just 9.1% of gross income—leaving substantial funds for other necessities. Homeowners paying $635 monthly ($7,620 yearly) enjoy similarly low ownership costs relative to income, with median home values of $197,400.

Remote workers should consider McCone seriously

McCone County's 9.1% rent-to-income ratio and $543 rents create unbeatable affordability for remote workers or those with portable income. Rural isolation and limited local services are trade-offs, but if you can work from anywhere, McCone offers exceptional financial breathing room.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in McCone County

via IncomeByCounty

McCone punches above its weight

McCone County's median household income of $71,842 exceeds 50% of U.S. counties and comes within $2,913 of the national median of $74,755. This strength is surprising for a rural county, driven by energy production and agricultural consolidation.

Montana's fourth-richest county

McCone County ranks among Montana's highest-earning counties at $71,842, $9,547 above the state median of $62,295. Energy development and large-scale ranching operations generate outsized household incomes despite the county's small population.

Wealth island in rural Montana

McCone County ($71,842) significantly outearns Liberty ($53,264), Lincoln ($47,018), and Meagher ($56,215) counties, rivaling larger urban centers. Its economic punch reflects oil and gas operations and agricultural scale.

Housing costs barely a burden

McCone County boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio (9.1%) of any county examined here, and the median home value of $197,400 is highly affordable relative to income. This combination creates exceptional housing accessibility.

Leverage low housing costs for investing

With housing consuming just 9% of median income, McCone County households have the strongest foundation for saving and investing among these eight counties. Building wealth here means directing housing savings into retirement accounts, diversified portfolios, and long-term security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in McCone County

via CrimeByCounty

McCone County: A National Safety Leader

McCone County reports a total crime rate of just 114.6 per 100,000, roughly 20 times lower than the national average. This exceptional performance results in a safety score of 99.8 out of 100. It is statistically one of the safest places to live in the United States.

Topping the Montana Safety Charts

McCone County’s crime rate of 114.6 is significantly lower than the Montana state average of 1,112.5. Its safety score of 99.8 also beats the state average of 98.2 by a clear margin. The county represents the pinnacle of public safety within the state.

Quiet even by Eastern Montana Standards

Compared to nearby counties, McCone is exceptionally quiet, with a crime rate lower than Meagher County’s 205.3. While many rural Montana counties are safe, McCone stands out even in this high-performing group. The low population and community vigilance contribute to these minimal numbers.

Minimal Violent and Property Crime

Both violent and property crime rates are identical at 57.3 per 100,000 residents. This data originates from a single agency, so while it shows very few incidents, it reflects a small reporting sample. The risk of being a victim of crime here is statistically very low.

Staying Safe in a Low-Crime County

In a place as safe as McCone County, property security is often about prevention rather than reaction. Keep your home and equipment secured to deter any passing opportunistic behavior. Even in the safest counties, basic precautions ensure the continued peace of the community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in McCone County

via HealthByCounty

McCone thrives with longevity

McCone County's 83.5-year life expectancy substantially exceeds the U.S. average of 77.6 years, placing it among the nation's healthier communities. Just 13.5% report poor or fair health, below the national 16.5% rate, indicating relatively low chronic disease burden.

Montana's robust health leader

McCone County leads Montana with an 83.5-year life expectancy, more than 7 years above the state average of 76.3. At 10.9% uninsured—below Montana's 11.9% average—McCone also ranks better for healthcare coverage than most state peers.

Limited data, strong overall health

Primary care and mental health provider data for McCone County are not currently available, limiting direct comparison to neighboring counties. Despite this data gap, the county's strong life expectancy and low poor-health reporting suggest adequate local healthcare capacity.

Strong outcomes despite data gaps

McCone County's excellent health metrics—83.5-year life expectancy and just 13.5% poor/fair health—suggest solid underlying healthcare access. While specific provider counts are unavailable, the 10.9% uninsured rate indicates most residents have coverage when they need care.

Stay covered and healthy

McCone County's 10.9% uninsured rate is among Montana's best, but nearly 1 in 10 residents still lack coverage. If you're uninsured or underinsured, now is the time to act—find plans at Healthcare.gov or contact your county health department.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in McCone County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Schooling in Eastern Montana

McCone County serves 238 students across five public schools and three districts. This small network is comprised of two elementary, two middle, and one high school.

Strong Local Investment in Every Student

The county spends $9,698 per pupil, which is higher than the Montana state average of $9,334. The graduation rate currently stands at 75.0%.

Circle Elementary Anchors the County

Circle Elementary is the largest district, enrolling 127 students in its three local schools. Circle High School is the county's only high school, serving 65 students.

A Completely Rural School Experience

All five schools are located in rural settings, with an average enrollment of only 48 students. Circle High School is the largest campus, while several primary schools serve fewer than 60 students each.

Join a Community-Focused School System

McCone County is ideal for families who prefer a small-town atmosphere where schools are the center of community life. Explore available property near Circle to connect with these local districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in McCone County

via RiskByCounty

McCone County enjoys minimal disaster risk

McCone County's composite risk score of 5.25 places it in the very low category, far below both national and state averages. This county represents one of Montana's safest areas from natural disaster exposure.

Among Montana's lowest-risk counties

At 5.25, McCone County ranks well below Montana's 33.31 state average, positioning it among the state's least hazard-exposed areas. Only a handful of Montana counties show comparably low composite risk scores.

Comparable safety to Liberty County

McCone County's score of 5.25 nearly matches Liberty County at 6.30, making both counties among the state's safest regions. The northeastern Montana area benefits from significantly lower disaster exposure than most of the state.

Wildfire presents the main exposure

Wildfire risk at 48.57 represents McCone County's highest hazard score, though this remains below state averages for fire exposure. All other hazards score below 11, with tornado at 10.85 and earthquake at 9.99.

Standard insurance provides good protection

McCone County's minimal risk profile means standard homeowners insurance typically offers adequate coverage for most properties in the county. Residents should still verify wildfire coverage and review their policy limits periodically as property values change.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in McCone County

via WeatherByCounty

Extreme Continentality in Eastern Montana

McCone County's 44.8°F annual average masks some of the most dramatic temperature swings in the country. The area is semi-arid, receiving just 13.7 inches of total precipitation each year.

Warmer Summers Than Most of Montana

The county averages 44.8°F, over a degree warmer than the state median. Its July average of 71.7°F is significantly higher than the mountain counties to the west.

Far Hotter and Drier Than Meagher

McCone experiences 31 extreme heat days, more than four times the number seen in Meagher County. Its January is also much harsher, dropping to an average of 17.4°F compared to Meagher's 23.5°F.

Blistering July and Frigid January

July is intense here with a 71.7°F average and a full month of days over 90°F. While local snowfall data is not fully recorded, the 17.4°F January average signals a brutal winter season.

Prepare for the 90-Degree Peak

Reliable air conditioning is a must for the 31 days of extreme heat each summer. Residents should also invest in cold-weather vehicle kits and home insulation to survive the frigid 19.9°F winter average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in McCone County

via SoilByCounty

High Alkalinity in the East

McCone County reports a pH of 7.55, making it more alkaline than the state average of 7.43 and the national median of 6.5. This chemical profile is common in the semi-arid mineral environments of eastern Montana.

A Smooth, Silty Texture

The soil consists of 40.1% silt, 35.4% sand, and 24.5% clay. This high silt content provides a smooth texture that is generally easy to work, though it can be susceptible to surface crusting after rain.

Strong Water Retention Capacity

Organic matter is lower than the state average at 1.87%, but the water capacity of 0.170 is higher than the state's 0.165 benchmark. This means the soil is excellent at holding onto moisture during dry periods.

Moderate Drainage Potential

Specific drainage classes are not listed, but the mix of silt and clay suggests moderate water retention. Farmers should monitor their fields to ensure the soil doesn't become too compacted during heavy irrigation.

Resilient Crops for Zone 4a

Within Hardiness Zone 4a, success comes to those who plant wheat, flax, and hardy root vegetables. Use the high water retention of your local soil to start a productive home garden today.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in McCone County

via LawnByCounty

Average Ease in a Harsh State

McCone County's lawn score of 31.8 is very close to the Montana state average of 33.4. While it beats some neighbors, it remains much tougher than the national median score of 50.0.

The Challenge of Summer Heat

The county experiences 31 extreme heat days, which is much higher than the state average of 22. This intense heat combined with only 13.7 inches of rain makes summer dormancy almost inevitable without irrigation.

Handling High pH Soils

The soil pH of 7.55 is quite alkaline, which may require the addition of elemental sulfur to help grass thrive. A balanced mix of 24.5% clay and 35.4% sand provides a decent foundation if properly aerated.

Drought-Ready Lawn Habits

The county experienced 39 weeks of drought last year, and 100% of the area is currently abnormally dry. Focus on deep-root watering techniques to help your turf survive the 31 annual days of extreme heat.

Maximize the Growing Season

Buffalo grass is a fantastic low-water choice for this 4a zone and its high heat days. With 2400 growing degree days, grass can establish quickly if seeded after the May 17 frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is McCone County's county score?
McCone County, Montana has a composite county score of 75.3 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 McCone County rank among counties in Montana?
McCone County ranks #3 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 McCone County, Montana?
The median annual property tax in McCone County is $1,330, with an effective tax rate of 0.67%. This earns McCone County a tax score of 66.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in McCone County?
The median household income in McCone County, Montana is $71,842 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. McCone County earns an income score of 71.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is McCone County, Montana a good place to live?
McCone County scores 75.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #3 in Montana. The best way to evaluate McCone 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 McCone County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.