CountyScore

Meagher County

Montana · MT

#13 in Montana
76
County Score

County Report Card

About Meagher County, Montana

Strong national livability ranking

Meagher County scores 76.0 out of 100, far exceeding the national median of 50.0 by 26 points. This places it solidly in the upper quartile of U.S. counties for livability.

Well above Montana's benchmark

The county's 76.0 score surpasses Montana's state average of 72.1, positioning it among the state's stronger-performing counties. It ranks in the upper third of Montana's livability landscape.

Housing affordability and low taxes

Meagher County scores well on cost (82.3) with median home value at $244,400 and rent at $871 per month. The tax score of 82.6 and 0.698% effective tax rate further enhance affordability.

Income levels remain constrained

The county's income score of 20.1 and median household income of $56,215 are modest compared to stronger performers. Limited local employment and wage growth represent the primary livability constraint.

Great for remote workers and retirees

Meagher County appeals to remote workers, retirees, and those with outside income sources seeking rural Montana affordability. The combination of low housing costs and favorable tax treatment makes it an excellent value proposition.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax82.6Cost82.3SafetyComing SoonHealth72.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome20.1Risk97.2WaterComing Soon
🏛82.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠82.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼20.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤72.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡97.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Meagher County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

San Miguel County
Colorado
76
Median income: $80,117
Sedgwick County
Colorado
76
Median income: $52,833
Camas County
Idaho
76
Median income: $55,536
Tipton County
Indiana
76
Median income: $78,309
Elliott County
Kentucky
76
Median income: $40,074

Deep Dives

Meagher County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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