countyscore
54.1
County Score
Disaster Risk 92.7Property Tax 80.5Health 58.9

County Report Card

About Mineral County, Montana

Above the National Baseline

Mineral County earns a composite score of 54.1, placing it just above the national median of 50.0. Its profile is defined by excellent tax benefits and high environmental safety.

Matching the State Profile

The county sits close to the Montana state average of 56.4. It offers a balanced lifestyle that reflects many of the state's most popular rural characteristics.

Favorable Taxes and Low Risk

The county features a high tax score of 80.5, with an effective tax rate of 0.551%. It also boasts an exceptional environmental risk score of 92.7, indicating a safe natural setting.

Water and Schooling Needs

Infrastructure is the weak point, with a water score of 24.1 and a school score of 41.6. These areas represent the primary hurdles for residents reliant on public services.

A Resourceful Resident's Choice

Mineral County is best for independent-minded people who want to minimize their tax bill. It suits those who appreciate a low-risk environment and can navigate limited local infrastructure.

Score breakdown

Tax80.5Cost54.3Safety42.9Health58.9Schools41.6Income42.4Risk92.7Water24.1Weather33.3
🏛80.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠54.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼42.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡42.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤58.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓41.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡92.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧24.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤33.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱29.1
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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Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Missoula County
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35.1
Shoshone County
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47.6
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58.8
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Deep Dives

Mineral County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Mineral County

via TaxByCounty

Mineral's rate sits comfortably below average

At 0.551%, Mineral County's effective tax rate falls 23% below the national median of 0.71%, offering residents a tax advantage. The median bill of $1,728 is 36% lower than the national median of $2,690.

Third-most tax-friendly county

Mineral's 0.551% effective rate ranks third-best statewide, behind only Lincoln (0.579%) and Madison (0.409%), sitting 28% below Montana's 0.767% average. Few counties offer gentler property tax treatment.

High-value homes, low-tax burden

Mineral's $313,600 median home value matches the region's wealth, but its 0.551% rate keeps annual taxes at $1,728—lower than neighbors despite comparable property values. Lincoln and Mineral are the region's tax havens.

Your $1,728 annual tax bill

A typical Mineral County home worth $313,600 generates $1,728 in annual property taxes—or $144 monthly. With a mortgage, you'll pay $1,957; without, $1,441.

Low rates don't guarantee accuracy

Even in tax-friendly Mineral County, assessment errors slip through—overpayment happens regardless of rate. Homeowners can request a free reappraisal to verify their valuation against recent comparable sales.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Mineral County

via CostByCounty

Mineral County rents remain manageable

Mineral County's 14.7% rent-to-income ratio sits just below the national 15% benchmark and Montana's 15.9% state average, indicating solid rental affordability. The $746 monthly median rent is 10% below the state average, and median household income of $61,117 provides reasonable support for housing costs.

Better-than-average affordability for Montana

Mineral County ranks slightly above the state average for affordability, with its 14.7% rent-to-income ratio edging below Montana's 15.9% standard. This northwestern county offers a balance: moderate rents and income levels that keep housing cost burdens reasonable compared to state peers.

Competitive rents in the northwest region

Mineral's $746 rent undershoots Lewis and Clark ($1,062), Missoula ($1,125), and Madison ($1,159), while exceeding only Liberty ($668) and McCone ($543) among this survey group. Its position reflects a smaller, less touristically driven community than Missoula or Madison.

Balanced housing costs for local incomes

Renters earning the median $61,117 spend approximately $8,952 annually on rent—14.7% of gross income—leaving room for other expenses. Homeowners pay $984 monthly ($11,808 yearly), a steeper percentage of income; the median home value of $313,600 reflects mountain property appeal.

Affordable entry point to northwest Montana

Mineral County's 14.7% rent-to-income ratio and $746 rents position it as an accessible option for relocating renters seeking rural Montana living. If you're considering a move to northwest Montana, compare Mineral's affordability against Missoula's amenities to determine the right fit for your priorities and budget.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Mineral County

via IncomeByCounty

Slightly below the U.S. baseline

Mineral County's median household income of $61,117 falls modestly short of the national median of $74,755 by $13,638, placing it in the lower-middle tier nationally. The county's timber heritage and small population define its economic boundaries.

Nearly matching Montana's median

At $61,117, Mineral County earns just $1,178 below Montana's state median of $62,295, essentially performing at the state average. This parity reflects Montana's wider income struggles relative to national norms.

Solid performer in rural context

Mineral County's $61,117 outearns Liberty, Lincoln, and Meagher counties but trails McCone County ($71,842) and the larger urban centers. Its income reflects a diverse economy mixing natural resources, services, and small manufacturing.

Reasonable housing-income balance

Mineral County's 14.7% rent-to-income ratio is favorable, and the median home value of $313,600 requires discipline but remains achievable for median-income buyers. The county offers better housing affordability than Missoula or Madison.

Building from state-average foundations

With income matching state averages, Mineral County residents can follow statewide financial guidance and savings benchmarks tailored to Montana's cost of living. Local banks and credit unions understand regional economic patterns and offer relevant investment guidance.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Mineral County

via CrimeByCounty

Mineral County’s National Safety Context

Mineral County has a total crime rate of 1,289.7 per 100,000, which is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. It earns a solid safety score of 98.0 out of 100. While crime exists, it is less frequent than in many other parts of the country.

Comparing Mineral to Montana Averages

The county's crime rate of 1,289.7 is slightly higher than the Montana state average of 1,112.5. Its safety score of 98.0 is just a fraction below the state average of 98.2. Mineral County sits right in the middle of Montana's safety spectrum.

Regional Safety vs Missoula and Lincoln

Mineral County is significantly safer than neighboring Missoula County, where the crime rate reaches 3,111.1 per 100,000. However, it sees more activity than Lincoln County to the north, which reports 550.7. It serves as a quieter corridor between larger regional hubs.

Understanding Local Crime Categories

Property crime in Mineral County stands at 902.8 per 100,000, while violent crime is 386.9. These numbers are reported by a single agency, so they provide a focused look at local law enforcement activity. Property-related incidents remain the most common concern for residents.

Enhancing Home Safety in Mineral County

Residents can improve their security by focusing on property visibility and sturdy locks. Since property crime is the most frequent issue, motion sensors and home cameras are effective deterrents. Participating in local safety networks ensures that Mineral County remains a secure place to live.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Mineral County

via HealthByCounty

Mineral matches U.S. life expectancy

At 77.4 years, Mineral County residents live about as long as the average American, though slightly below the U.S. average of 77.6 years. With 16.7% reporting poor or fair health—above the national 16.5%—chronic illness and health challenges affect a notable share of residents.

Below average health in rural Montana

Mineral County's 77.4-year life expectancy falls just below Montana's 76.3-year average, but its 11.7% uninsured rate is better than the state average of 11.9%. Overall, the county ranks in Montana's mid-tier for health outcomes.

Sparse primary care, strong mental health

Mineral County operates just 41 primary care providers per 100K—among the lowest—yet offers 295 mental health providers per 100K, exceeding many larger counties. This imbalance may reflect regional healthcare patterns, with some residents traveling for primary care.

Mental health shine, primary care challenge

Mineral County's 295 mental health providers per 100K is exceptional, but only 41 primary care providers per 100K means residents may struggle to find or access routine and preventive care. With 11.7% uninsured, barriers to basic medical services persist.

Get insured, get well

Mineral County's 11.7% uninsured rate—still over 1 in 10—limits access to primary care in a county already short on general practitioners. Visit Healthcare.gov or your local health department to secure coverage and build a relationship with a primary care doctor.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Mineral County

via SchoolsByCounty

Nine Schools Serving the Clark Fork Corridor

Mineral County operates nine public schools across three districts for its 669 students. Each district is structured with one elementary, one middle, and one high school.

Stable Funding and Local Performance

The county spends $9,089 per pupil, which closely tracks the state average of $9,334. The current graduation rate is 75.0% with an overall school score of 50.1.

Superior K-12 Leads Enrollment

Superior K-12 Schools is the largest district, serving 324 students across three schools. St Regis and Alberton districts provide the remaining coverage for the county's students.

Rural Schools with a Neighborhood Feel

All nine schools are located in rural settings, and the average school size is 74 students. Superior Elementary is the largest campus, hosting 170 students.

Discover Rural Living Near Local Schools

Mineral County offers a mountain lifestyle where local schools are deeply integrated into the small communities. Check out real estate in Superior or St Regis to find your next home.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Mineral County

via RiskByCounty

Mineral County has very low disaster risk

Mineral County's composite risk score of 7.35 places it in the very low category, substantially below national and state averages. The county experiences minimal exposure to most natural hazards.

Well below Montana's average risk

At 7.35, Mineral County falls far below Montana's state average of 33.31, ranking among the state's safest counties. Only a few Montana counties demonstrate comparably low overall disaster exposure.

Safer than most western Montana peers

Mineral County's score of 7.35 runs substantially lower than neighboring Lincoln (64.28), Missoula (77.04), and Madison (41.03) counties. Western Montana's mountain valleys show striking variation in natural disaster risk.

Wildfire creates primary exposure

Wildfire risk at 85.56 represents Mineral County's most significant hazard concern, unusual given the county's otherwise low composite score. Earthquake (29.13) and flood (16.00) risks remain modest, while tornado exposure is minimal at 1.30.

Wildfire coverage is essential

Despite Mineral County's overall low disaster risk, the 85.56 wildfire score means residents must ensure their homeowners policy explicitly covers wildfire damage. Standard policies often exclude this coverage, requiring a separate rider or specialized policy.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Mineral County

via WeatherByCounty

A Wet and Variable Mountain Climate

Mineral County averages 45.4°F annually, which is mild for the region but cool nationally. It is remarkably wet for Montana, receiving 24.0 inches of precipitation, well above the arid state norm.

One of Montana's Wettest Counties

The 24.0 inches of annual precipitation here far exceeds the Montana average of 15.4 inches. It is also one of the warmer counties in the state, averaging nearly two degrees above the state median.

Much Rainier Than Missoula County

Mineral County receives 6 inches more precipitation annually than neighboring Missoula. It also faces more extreme heat, with 31 days over 90°F compared to Missoula's 18 days.

Hot Summers and Very Damp Winters

The county sees a full month of extreme heat days, with July averaging 66.9°F. Winter is mild but wet, with 49.4 inches of snow and a January average of 26.8°F.

Manage Moisture and Summer Heat

With 24 inches of precipitation, moisture control and drainage are critical for home maintenance. Residents also need dual-purpose climate control to handle the 31 days of extreme summer heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Mineral County

via SoilByCounty

Untapped Potential in the West

Soil profiles for Mineral County are not yet fully mapped, but we expect alkaline levels near the state average of 7.43. This is significantly higher than the national median pH of 6.5, which defines the local chemical environment.

Mystery of the Mountain Soil

There is no current data for sand, silt, or clay percentages in this forested county. These factors are the primary drivers of drainage and workability, so local testing is recommended for any serious gardening.

Building Healthy Local Beds

We lack specific data for organic matter, but the Montana average of 2.54% is a great target for your compost pile. Boosting organic content will help your soil hold more water than the typical state average of 0.165.

Evaluating Your Ground

Information regarding formal drainage classes is currently limited for this area. For the best results, test your plot's drainage by digging a small pit and watching how quickly it clears after a heavy rain.

Gentle Climates in Zone 6a

Mineral County enjoys a warmer Zone 6a rating, offering one of the most forgiving growing seasons in Montana. Take advantage of this milder weather and start a garden with confidence this year.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Mineral County

via LawnByCounty

Milder Zones, Tough Conditions

Mineral County features a lawn score of 29.1, indicating high maintenance needs compared to the national average of 50.0. However, its Zone 6a hardiness rating is more forgiving than many other Montana counties.

Wet Winters and Hot Summers

This county receives 24.0 inches of annual precipitation, which is the highest in this group. Despite the rain, you must contend with 31 extreme heat days that can quickly dry out even the best-watered turf.

Assessing Your Yard

Detailed soil data is unavailable for Mineral County, making a home soil test kit your best friend. Proper drainage is key to managing the 24 inches of rain and preventing root rot in heavier soils.

Managing Summer Dryness

The county faced 43 weeks of drought last year, even with its higher-than-average precipitation. Utilize mulch-mowing to return moisture to the soil and protect roots during those 31 high-heat days.

Diverse Grass Opportunities

The 6a hardiness zone allows for more heat-tolerant turf blends that can survive the hot summers. Wait for consistent warm soil temperatures before seeding to take advantage of the 1738 growing degree days.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mineral County's county score?
Mineral County, Montana has a composite county score of 54.1 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 Mineral County rank among counties in Montana?
Mineral County ranks #36 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 Mineral County, Montana?
The median annual property tax in Mineral County is $1,728, with an effective tax rate of 0.55%. This earns Mineral County a tax score of 80.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Mineral County?
The median household income in Mineral County, Montana is $61,117 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Mineral County earns an income score of 42.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Mineral County, Montana a good place to live?
Mineral County scores 54.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #36 in Montana. The best way to evaluate Mineral 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 Mineral 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.