countyscore
65.5
County Score
Disaster Risk 97.2Safety 90Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Meagher County, Montana

High Resilience and Stability

Meagher County achieves a high composite score of 65.5, well above the national median of 50.0. This score is anchored by its incredible environmental and social stability.

Surpassing the State Average

With a 65.5 score, Meagher County easily clears the Montana state average of 56.4. It stands out as a reliable and secure place to live within the state.

Elite Safety and Low Risk

The county is incredibly safe, with a safety score of 90.0 and a disaster risk score of 97.2. Water quality is also a major asset, earning a high score of 86.0.

Lower Wages and School Metrics

The income score is low at 28.1, with a median household income of $56,215. The school score of 45.0 also indicates room for improvement in educational outcomes.

Ideal for Stability Seekers

This county is a great fit for people who value safety and environmental resilience above all else. It suits those who prefer a slow-paced, low-risk lifestyle over high-growth career paths.

Score breakdown

Tax63.6Cost59.5Safety90Health67.3Schools45Income28.1Risk97.2Water86Weather46
🏛63.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠59.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼28.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡90
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤67.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓45
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡97.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤46
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱27.7
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 →
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Meagher County

Whether buying or refinancing in Meagher County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

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
Compare Meagher County with Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area
Alaska
Median income: $59,079
65.5
Franklin County
Iowa
Median income: $63,648
65.5
Edmonson County
Kentucky
Median income: $54,512
65.5
Russell County
Kentucky
Median income: $50,520
65.5
Mercer County
Ohio
Median income: $78,036
65.5
Haakon County
South Dakota
Median income: $59,231
65.5
King County
Texas
Median income: $70,192
65.5
Washington County
Alabama
Median income: $60,503
65.4

Nearby counties

Broadwater County
Montana
54.5
Cascade County
Montana
33.5
Judith Basin County
Montana
77.5
Wheatland County
Montana
63.2
Jefferson County
Montana
58
Lewis and Clark County
Montana
38.4
Sweet Grass County
Montana
64.6
Chouteau County
Montana
65.7

Deep Dives

Meagher County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Meagher County

via TaxByCounty

Meagher rates lean high nationally

At 0.698%, Meagher County's effective tax rate exceeds the national median of 0.71% slightly, placing it above average nationally. The median tax bill of $1,705 is 37% lower than the nation's $2,690, reflecting Montana's lower home values rather than tax relief.

Fourth-highest rate in Montana

Meagher's 0.698% effective rate ranks 4th highest statewide, creeping 9% above Montana's 0.767% average. Only Missoula, Liberty, and Glacier counties impose steeper rates.

Mid-tier values, above-average rates

Meagher's $244,400 median home value sits below Lewis and Clark ($358,200) but above Lincoln ($258,700), yet its 0.698% rate runs higher than both neighbors. A Meagher resident pays proportionally more in taxes than peers in similar-priced homes nearby.

Your $1,705 annual tax bill

A typical Meagher County home worth $244,400 costs $1,705 annually in property taxes—or $142 monthly. With a mortgage, you'll pay $1,523; without, $1,750.

Every dollar counts here

With a higher-than-average tax rate, Meagher County homeowners benefit most from assessment appeals—even modest overvaluations compound quickly. Request a free reappraisal if recent comparable home sales in your area suggest your property is assessed above true market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Meagher County

via CostByCounty

Meagher County renters face moderate strain

Meagher County's 18.6% rent-to-income ratio exceeds both the national 15% standard and Montana's 15.9% state average, placing renters under measurable affordability pressure. At $871 per month, median rent is 5.6% above the state average, consuming nearly one-fifth of the median household income of $56,215.

Above-average affordability challenges in Montana

Meagher County's 18.6% rent-to-income ratio ranks decidedly above Montana's 15.9% average, placing it in the less affordable half of the state's counties. The combination of below-state-average income ($56,215 vs. implied higher state average) and above-average rents creates persistent housing cost burden.

Mid-range costs in central Montana

Meagher's $871 rent falls between McCone County ($543) and Madison County ($1,159), positioning it as a moderately priced option in central Montana. It exceeds Liberty County ($668) and Lincoln County ($810) but remains well below the higher costs of Lewis and Clark ($1,062) and Missoula ($1,125).

Rent consumes steady portion of modest income

Renters earning $56,215 median income spend approximately $10,452 annually on rent, or 18.6% of gross income. Homeowners paying $682 monthly ($8,184 yearly) bear slightly lower ownership costs, with median home values of $244,400 requiring substantial down payments.

Balance mountain access with income needs

Meagher County's 18.6% rent-to-income ratio means you'll feel housing costs, but the central location and outdoor access appeal to many. Before relocating, ensure your income meets or exceeds the $56,215 median—those earning significantly less will find affordability challenging.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Meagher County

via IncomeByCounty

Rural county, modest income gap

Meagher County's median household income of $56,215 lags the national median of $74,755 by $18,540, placing it in the lower-middle tier nationally. The county's small size and agricultural base limit earning potential compared to metro areas.

Below Montana's middle income

Meagher County earns $56,215 against Montana's state median of $62,295, falling short by $6,080 and ranking in the lower-middle of the state's counties. Agriculture and tourism sustain the local economy but at modest income levels.

Middle-ground rural incomes

Meagher County ($56,215) sits between Liberty County ($53,264) and Lincoln County ($47,018), making it the median earner among Montana's rural counties. Its income profile reflects typical agricultural community economics.

Rent eats nearly one-fifth of pay

Meagher County's 18.6% rent-to-income ratio indicates moderate housing pressure, while the median home value of $244,400 requires substantial savings or multiple household incomes. Renters here face tighter budgets than in McCone or Liberty counties.

Start small, save consistently here

Even with constrained budgets, Meagher County families can build wealth through automatic savings plans and employer retirement benefits. Community-based credit unions and financial institutions offer tailored services for rural wealth building.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Meagher County

via CrimeByCounty

Meagher County’s Low Crime Profile

Meagher County reports a total crime rate of 205.3 per 100,000, which is far below the national average of 2,385.5. This leads to a near-perfect safety score of 99.7 out of 100. It remains a very low-risk area for both residents and visitors.

Leading Montana in Public Safety

Meagher County's crime rate of 205.3 is roughly five times lower than the Montana state average of 1,112.5. Its safety score of 99.7 comfortably exceeds the state average of 98.2. It is consistently ranked among the safest counties in Montana.

Safety Compared to Neighboring Hubs

Meagher is significantly safer than neighboring Lewis and Clark County, which has a crime rate of 2,490.0. While McCone County is slightly lower at 114.6, Meagher maintains an impressively peaceful environment. Residents benefit from the county's low population density and active community.

Property and Violent Crime Breakdown

The county reports a property crime rate of 154.0 and a violent crime rate of 51.3 per 100,000. These figures come from a single reporting agency, indicating very few total incidents over the year. The data points to a very secure social environment.

Simple Steps for Continued Security

With property crime being the primary concern, residents should practice basic security like locking doors and windows. Community-based watch programs are highly effective in rural areas like Meagher County. Staying alert to unusual activity helps maintain the county’s excellent safety record.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Meagher County

via HealthByCounty

Meagher's life expectancy tops the nation

At 80.8 years, Meagher County residents live over 3 years longer than the U.S. average of 77.6 years. Just 13.9% report poor or fair health—well below the national 16.5%—reflecting strong preventive care and disease management across the county.

Montana's second-best health outcomes

Meagher County's 80.8-year life expectancy ranks among Montana's highest, exceeding the state average of 76.3 by over 4 years. Its 14.8% uninsured rate runs above Montana's 11.9% average, but overall health outcomes remain excellent.

Excellent primary care and mental health

Meagher County operates 102 primary care providers per 100K—the second-highest among surveyed counties—plus 97 mental health providers per 100K. This robust provider network enables strong preventive care and mental health support across the rural community.

Well-resourced providers serve most residents

With 102 primary care providers and 97 mental health providers per 100K, Meagher County punches above its weight in rural healthcare delivery. Still, 14.8% of residents lack insurance, meaning some go without needed preventive and urgent care.

Close Meagher's coverage gap

At 14.8% uninsured, Meagher County trails behind in coverage despite strong providers and health outcomes. Explore Healthcare.gov or call local clinics to find affordable plans—coverage ensures you can use those excellent local providers when you need them most.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Meagher County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Simplified Single-District Education System

All 185 students in Meagher County are served by a single district, White Sulphur Springs K-12. This district manages one elementary, one middle, and one high school.

Investing Above the State Average

Per-pupil spending reaches $9,833, which is more than $500 higher than the state average. The graduation rate is currently 75.0%, and the county has a 51.8 school score.

The White Sulphur Springs Advantage

White Sulphur Springs K-12 provides a unified educational path for all local students from kindergarten through graduation. There are no charter schools, keeping the focus on the central public system.

Consistently Small Rural Classrooms

Every school in the county is rural, and the average school size is just 62 students. White Sulphur Springs Elementary is the largest facility, with 91 students enrolled.

Establish Roots in a One-District County

The unified district in Meagher County offers simplicity and consistency for growing families. Browse homes in White Sulphur Springs to be part of this focused school system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Meagher County

via RiskByCounty

Meagher County has extremely low disaster risk

Meagher County's composite risk score of 2.80 represents among the lowest in the nation, placing it far below both national and state averages. The county experiences minimal exposure to natural disaster hazards.

Montana's safest county overall

At 2.80, Meagher County ranks as one of Montana's lowest-risk areas, significantly below the state average of 33.31. Few Montana counties offer comparable protection from natural disaster exposure.

Safest in the central region

Meagher County's score of 2.80 represents the lowest risk among all regional neighbors, including Madison (41.03), Lewis and Clark (71.25), and Missoula (77.04). Central Montana's mountain terrain paradoxically creates pockets of exceptional safety.

Wildfire is the only notable exposure

Wildfire risk at 68.42 represents Meagher County's primary hazard concern, though all other risks score below 31. Earthquake exposure reaches 30.60, while flood and tornado risks remain minimal at 9.70 and 5.22 respectively.

Basic coverage meets most needs

Meagher County's exceptionally low composite risk means standard homeowners insurance typically provides comprehensive protection for county residents. Verify that your policy includes wildfire coverage given the 68.42 score, and review coverage limits during routine policy check-ins.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Meagher County

via WeatherByCounty

One of the Coldest Counties Nationally

Meagher County is exceptionally cold, with an annual average of just 41.4°F, nearly 13 degrees below the national median. It is a high-precipitation mountain environment that stays cool year-round.

Well Below the State Temperature Average

At 41.4°F, Meagher is one of the coldest spots in Montana, trailing the state average by over two degrees. It is also significantly snowier than the average Montana county, receiving 96.1 inches annually.

The Snow King of Central Montana

Meagher's 96.1 inches of snow dwarfs the 32.6 inches found in neighboring Lewis and Clark County. It also records only 7 extreme heat days, less than half the number of its western neighbor.

Brief Summers and Massive Winter Snow

Summer is fleeting with a July average of 63.3°F and very few hot days. Winter dominates the calendar, bringing nearly 100 inches of snow and an average temperature of 23.5°F.

Total Commitment to Winter Readiness

Snow management is the primary concern for residents dealing with 96.1 inches of annual fall. High-efficiency heating and extreme-weather insulation are far more important here than cooling systems.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Meagher County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Mountain Profiles

Comprehensive soil data is currently limited for Meagher County, but regional trends suggest an alkaline profile. Most Montana soils lean toward the state's 7.43 pH average, which is higher than the national 6.5 median.

Awaiting Textural Mapping

There are no current records for the sand, silt, and clay percentages in this region. Knowing these proportions is essential for predicting how your garden will respond to the intense Montana sun and spring rains.

Targeting Fertility Benchmarks

While organic matter measurements are missing, the state average of 2.54% serves as a useful goal for soil improvement. Adding organic mulch can help local soils retain moisture and approach the state water capacity average of 0.165.

Analyzing Local Drainage

Specific drainage and hydrologic groups are not cataloged for this county. Careful site-specific observation is necessary before starting major agricultural projects to ensure proper water movement.

Short-Season Success in Zone 4b

The Zone 4b climate is ideal for quick-growing crops like radishes, spinach, and lettuce. Don't let a lack of data stop you; get your hands in the dirt and start growing your own food this season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Meagher County

via LawnByCounty

Struggling in the High Country

A lawn difficulty score of 27.7 makes Meagher County a tough place for lush yards. In Zone 4b, the environment is nearly twice as difficult to manage as the national average of 50.0.

A Very Short Season

With a late frost on June 11 and an early one on September 11, the growing season is exceptionally short. Only 7 extreme heat days occur, but the 16.2 inches of rain isn't enough to sustain turf without help.

Building a Better Foundation

Localized soil data is missing, but regional trends suggest you likely need to add organic matter to improve nutrient retention. Soil testing is highly recommended to determine the best amendments for this 4b zone.

Severe Drought Conditions

Nearly 60% of the county is in severe drought, part of a 51-week dry spell over the last year. During these times, let your grass grow longer to protect the soil from moisture loss and heat stress.

Planting for Cold Survival

Sheep fescue and other cold-hardy bunchgrasses are ideal for Meagher's short, cool summers. Start your planting in mid-June once the risk of frost has finally passed.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Meagher County's county score?
Meagher County, Montana has a composite county score of 65.5 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 Meagher County rank among counties in Montana?
Meagher County ranks #13 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 Meagher County, Montana?
The median annual property tax in Meagher County is $1,705, with an effective tax rate of 0.70%. This earns Meagher County a tax score of 63.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Meagher County?
The median household income in Meagher County, Montana is $56,215 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Meagher County earns an income score of 28.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Meagher County, Montana a good place to live?
Meagher County scores 65.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #13 in Montana. The best way to evaluate Meagher 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 Meagher 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.