CountyScore

Musselshell County

Montana · MT

#17 in Montana
74.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Musselshell County, Montana

Well Above the National Average

Musselshell County scores 74.5 out of 100 on the CountyScore livability index, nearly 50% higher than the national median of 50.0. This places the county in the upper half of U.S. counties, signaling strong fundamentals across cost of living, tax burden, and risk management.

Better Than Most Montana Counties

At 74.5, Musselshell ranks above Montana's state average of 72.1, positioning it among the stronger performers statewide. The county's above-average score reflects solid performance across multiple livability dimensions measured by the state assessment.

Tax Relief and Affordable Homes

Musselshell shines with a tax score of 84.7 (low burden at 0.625% effective rate) and a cost score of 82.4, reflecting median home values of $221,200 and rents under $900/month. The county also excels in risk management with a score of 83.0, suggesting stable environmental and economic conditions.

Income Growth Lags Behind Costs

The income score of 21.9 is a significant weak point, with a median household income of just $59,010 well below state and national norms. While housing remains affordable, wage growth hasn't kept pace with broader prosperity metrics, indicating limited high-earning opportunities.

Ideal for Cost-Conscious Retirees

Musselshell appeals most to retirees or remote workers with stable income seeking affordability, low taxes, and a safe environment. The combination of manageable housing costs and minimal tax burden makes it attractive for those prioritizing financial security over career advancement.

Score breakdown

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

Tax84.7Cost82.4SafetyComing SoonHealth68.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome21.9Risk83WaterComing Soon
🏛84.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠82.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼21.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤68.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡83
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 Musselshell County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Cleburne County
Alabama
74.5
Median income: $53,319
Gilpin County
Colorado
74.5
Median income: $88,654
Custer County
Idaho
74.5
Median income: $56,957
Lewis County
Idaho
74.5
Median income: $49,643
Franklin County
Indiana
74.5
Median income: $79,702

Deep Dives

Musselshell County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Musselshell County

via TaxByCounty

Musselshell's taxes rank well nationally

At 0.625%, Musselshell County's effective tax rate sits well below the national median of 0.84%, placing it in roughly the 30th percentile nationally. The median property tax here is just $1,383, compared to the national median of $2,690—less than half what typical American homeowners pay.

Among Montana's most affordable counties

Musselshell ranks among the lowest-taxed counties in Montana, with an effective rate of 0.625% versus the state average of 0.767%. Only a handful of Montana counties undercut this rate, making Musselshell a genuine tax advantage within the state.

Beats regional peers on tax burden

Neighboring Petroleum County (0.726%) and Powell County (0.708%) both tax at higher rates than Musselshell's 0.625%. The broader region averages closer to 0.76%, so Musselshell homeowners enjoy a measurable break compared to surrounding counties.

Median home costs $1,383 annually

A home valued at Musselshell's median of $221,200 generates roughly $1,383 in annual property taxes at the 0.625% rate. Mortgage holders typically pay $1,417, while outright owners pay $1,355—a difference largely driven by assessment timing.

You may be overassessed—appeal now

Many homeowners across Montana are overassessed relative to market value, and Musselshell is no exception. If your home's assessed value seems high compared to recent sales in your neighborhood, filing an appeal with the county assessor's office costs nothing and could lower your annual bills.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Musselshell County

via CostByCounty

Musselshell rents outpace national norms

Musselshell County residents spend 17.6% of their income on rent, nearly 3 percentage points above the national average of 14.7%. While the median household income of $59,010 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by $15,745, housing costs here consume a larger share of take-home pay than typical American households face.

Above-average housing burden in Montana

Musselshell's rent-to-income ratio of 17.6% ranks worse than Montana's state average of 15.9%, placing it among the less affordable counties in the state. The median rent of $865 per month exceeds the state average of $825, creating affordability pressure on renters statewide.

Costlier than nearby Petroleum County

Musselshell's median rent of $865 runs $96 higher than neighboring Petroleum County's $769, though both counties struggle with similar income levels around $59,000. Powder River County offers significantly cheaper rents at $609 monthly—56% less than Musselshell—while maintaining comparable incomes.

Housing claims nearly one-fifth of income

Renters here pay $865 monthly while homeowners typically spend $686 monthly on ownership costs, against a median household income of $59,010. This means renting families dedicate roughly 17.6% of annual income to housing, with homeowning families spending 13.9%—a notable gap that reflects the county's ownership affordability advantage.

Explore homeownership in Musselshell

If you're considering a move to central Montana, Musselshell County's median home value of $221,200 offers ownership pathways that burden renters less than the local rental market. Compare this to nearby Park County's pricier homes ($429,700) or Powder River County's bargain rentals ($609) to find your best fit.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Musselshell County

via IncomeByCounty

Musselshell trails U.S. income average

Musselshell County's median household income of $59,010 falls 21% below the national median of $74,755, placing it in the lower half of U.S. counties. While modest, this income level remains competitive within rural Montana's economic landscape. The gap reflects both agricultural and energy sector dependencies that characterize this region.

Mid-tier earner within Montana

Musselshell ranks solidly in the middle of Montana's 56 counties with a median household income of $59,010, which exceeds the state average of $62,295 by just 5%. This places the county in a relatively stable economic position compared to neighboring rural counties. The per capita income of $35,879 tracks closely with the state average of $35,700.

Comparable to regional peers

Musselshell's $59,010 median income sits between Petroleum County ($59,318) and Phillips County ($58,156), making it representative of north-central Montana's earnings profile. Park County to the south significantly outperforms at $66,607, while Pondera County lags at $53,500. These tight differences reflect the shared agricultural and small-town economy across the region.

Affordable housing, but tight budgets

A median home value of $221,200 represents less than 4 years of median household income—a favorable ratio—and the 17.6% rent-to-income ratio stays well below the 30% affordability threshold. However, at $59,010 annually, household budgets remain constrained for healthcare, education, and savings after covering basics. Dual-income households are common here out of necessity rather than choice.

Building wealth on modest incomes

Musselshell residents with stable income should prioritize automatic contributions to retirement accounts—even 3% of gross income adds up over decades. The low cost of living here ($221,200 median home) offers an opportunity to build equity faster than national averages; consider directing any raises or bonuses directly to savings. Local credit unions and financial planners can help turn steady earning into lasting wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Musselshell County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy slightly below US average

Musselshell County residents live to an average age of 76.2 years, slightly trailing the US average of 78.8 years. Nearly 1 in 5 residents report poor or fair health, a rate slightly above the national benchmark of 16%, suggesting localized health challenges that deserve attention.

Near the middle of Montana rankings

At 76.2 years, Musselshell County's life expectancy nearly matches Montana's state average of 76.3 years, positioning it in the middle tier of the state's health outcomes. The county's 17.6% poor/fair health rate places it among the counties with higher self-reported health concerns in Montana.

Healthier than some central Montana peers

Musselshell outpaces Phillips County (75.0 years) and Powell County (75.8 years) in life expectancy, but trails Park County's notably stronger 78.1 years. The county's primary care provider rate of 20 per 100K lags behind regional leaders like Park County, which offers 109 providers per 100K.

Uninsured rate below state average

Musselshell County's uninsured rate of 11.7% sits just below Montana's 11.9% average, meaning roughly 1 in 8 residents lack health coverage. With only 20 primary care providers per 100K residents, accessing routine care requires planning and sometimes travel to neighboring areas.

Explore coverage options today

If you're among the uninsured in Musselshell County, visit Healthcare.gov to compare plans and find subsidies you may qualify for. Montana's health marketplace opens during enrollment periods, and community health centers can help you navigate options year-round.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Musselshell County

via RiskByCounty

Musselshell ranks well below national risk

With a composite risk score of 17.05, Musselshell County carries a Very Low natural disaster risk—well below the national average. This score puts the county in the safest tier for communities across the United States.

One of Montana's safest counties

Musselshell ranks among Montana's lowest-risk counties with a score of 17.05, compared to the state average of 33.31. The county's risk profile is roughly half the typical Montana county's exposure.

Safer than surrounding counties

Musselshell's risk score of 17.05 is significantly lower than neighboring Park County (66.28) and Phillips County (34.51). Among its regional peers, Musselshell offers one of the most stable natural hazard environments.

Wildfire poses the primary concern

Wildfire risk dominates Musselshell's hazard profile at 91.92, though tornado (8.11) and earthquake (20.71) risks remain low. The county's relatively dry landscape and grasslands create conditions for wildfire activity, making summer fire season the key seasonal threat.

Prioritize wildfire coverage and preparation

Property owners in Musselshell should ensure homeowners insurance covers wildfire damage and maintain defensible space around structures. Review your policy annually before fire season and keep gutters clear of debris to reduce ember vulnerability.

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.