countyscore
48.9
County Score
Property Tax 77.8Health 71.8Income & Jobs 58.3

County Report Card

About Park County, Montana

Park County sits near national norms

Park County holds a composite score of 48.9, placing it just under the national median of 50.0. While it struggles in specific categories, it remains competitive with a large portion of the United States. Its profile reflects the trade-offs often found in high-amenity mountain regions.

Trailing the Montana state average

The county's score of 48.9 falls short of the Montana state average of 56.4. This gap is largely driven by affordability and safety metrics that are lower than the state's typical figures. However, it still maintains an edge in health and tax categories compared to many peers.

Exceptional health and tax efficiency

A tax score of 77.8 is fueled by a low effective property tax rate of 0.571%, providing significant relief to homeowners. The county also boasts a strong health score of 71.8, reflecting an active and well-served population. These strengths make it a standout for physical and financial wellness.

Rising costs and safety concerns

The cost score of 30.1 highlights a challenging housing market where the median home value is $429,700. Safety and risk scores of 29.1 and 33.7 respectively suggest room for improvement in community security and environmental resilience. Residents trade high housing costs for access to the county's natural beauty.

Best for high-earning outdoor enthusiasts

Park County is a prime destination for professionals who value health and low property taxes over bargain-priced housing. It suits those who can navigate a competitive real estate market to live in a scenic, health-conscious environment. Families will appreciate the moderate school score of 51.5 while enjoying the local landscape.

Score breakdown

Tax77.8Cost30.1Safety29.1Health71.8Schools51.5Income58.3Risk33.7Water47.9Weather41.1
🏛77.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠30.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼58.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡29.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤71.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓51.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡33.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧47.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤41.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱31.6
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 Park County

Whether buying or refinancing in Park 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 Park County with Ketchikan Gateway Borough →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Ketchikan Gateway Borough
Alaska
Median income: $89,155
48.9
Escambia County
Florida
Median income: $65,715
48.9
Jones County
Georgia
Median income: $68,259
48.9
Kingman County
Kansas
Median income: $59,819
48.9
Marion County
Kansas
Median income: $63,438
48.9
St. Mary Parish
Louisiana
Median income: $51,768
48.9
Deer Lodge County
Montana
Median income: $49,533
48.9
Rockingham County
New Hampshire
Median income: $113,927
48.9

Nearby counties

Gallatin County
Montana
44.2
Sweet Grass County
Montana
64.6
Stillwater County
Montana
58.8
Carbon County
Montana
64.8
Madison County
Montana
65.6
Broadwater County
Montana
54.5
Park County
Wyoming
57.8
Wheatland County
Montana
63.2

Deep Dives

Park County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Park County

via TaxByCounty

Park County taxes run below national average

Park County's effective rate of 0.571% ranks among the lowest in America, sitting in the 20th percentile nationally. Although the median tax bill is $2,454, this reflects higher home values—the effective rate itself is genuinely competitive nationally.

Montana's second-cheapest tax rate

At 0.571%, Park County's effective tax rate is the second-lowest in Montana, well below the state average of 0.767%. Only a single Montana county undercuts Park's rate, making it one of the most tax-friendly jurisdictions in the state.

Significantly lower than surrounding counties

Park County's 0.571% rate beats every nearby county, including Musselshell (0.625%), Powell (0.708%), and Petroleum (0.726%). This regional advantage makes Park a standout for property-tax-conscious homebuyers in south-central Montana.

Median home runs $2,454 annually

Park County's median home value is $429,700—the highest among these eight counties—yielding a median tax bill of $2,454 at the 0.571% rate. Mortgage holders pay slightly less ($2,382), while owners without mortgages pay $2,555.

Challenge your assessment if needed

Even in Montana's most tax-efficient county, overassessment happens. If your home's assessed value exceeds recent comparable sales in Park County, you have the right to file a formal appeal—a free process that often results in tax savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Park County

via CostByCounty

Park County rents rise with mountain appeal

Park County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.7% exceeds the national average by 2 percentage points, reflecting the growing popularity of this scenic region. With a median household income of $66,607—still $8,148 below the U.S. median—housing costs consume a meaningful chunk of paychecks here.

Tighter housing market than Montana average

Park County's 16.7% rent-to-income ratio surpasses Montana's state average of 15.9%, while rents of $927 monthly run 12% above the state median of $825. The county ranks among Montana's pricier rental markets, driven partly by its proximity to Yellowstone and outdoor recreation.

Highest rents in this regional cluster

Park County's $927 median rent is the highest among its neighbors, exceeding Musselshell County ($865) and Petroleum County ($769) by substantial margins. However, Park County homeowners face even steeper costs: $1,106 monthly ownership expenses significantly exceed neighboring counties' burden.

Homeownership heavily outweighs renting

Renters in Park County pay $927 monthly (16.7% of median household income), while homeowners spend $1,106 monthly (19.9% of income). The $179 monthly gap reveals that homeownership here carries substantially higher burden than renting—a reversal of typical affordability patterns.

Weigh Park County's premium carefully

Park County's outdoor lifestyle and Yellowstone proximity command higher rents ($927) and ownership costs ($1,106), with median home values reaching $429,700. Renters may find better value in nearby Musselshell County, while buyers seeking mountain living should budget for Park County's premium pricing.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Park County

via IncomeByCounty

Park County exceeds national baseline

Park County's median household income of $66,607 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by only 11%—a notably smaller gap than most rural Montana counties. This relative strength reflects Park's proximity to Yellowstone National Park, which drives tourism, recreation, and service-sector jobs. The county ranks in the upper third of rural Montana's income distribution.

Montana's fourth-highest median income

At $66,607, Park County's median household income ranks among the strongest in Montana, significantly above the state average of $62,295 by 7%. The per capita income of $45,894 substantially outpaces the state average of $35,700, indicating more evenly distributed earnings across households. Park stands out as an economic engine within the state's rural economy.

Regional income leader in south-central Montana

Park County's $66,607 median income leads all its neighbors by a substantial margin—Powder River County ranks second at $68,009, while Powell County trails at $63,432. The Yellowstone effect creates higher-wage hospitality, recreation, and professional service jobs unavailable in pure agricultural counties. This advantage compounds when attracting and retaining skilled workers to the region.

Higher incomes, premium housing costs

Park County's median home value of $429,700 represents 6.4 years of median household income—a notably stretched affordability ratio reflecting Yellowstone-area real estate premiums. The 16.7% rent-to-income ratio remains reasonable, but homeownership requires substantial down payments or multi-generational wealth. Dual incomes are often essential for housing security in this high-cost mountain community.

Leverage tourism sector earnings growth

Park County workers in tourism, hospitality, and recreation should maximize tax-advantaged retirement accounts and explore employer 401(k) matches—these sectors often offer less structured benefits than traditional industries. The high median home values suggest significant equity-building potential; consider using home equity strategically for education or business investments. Seasonal workers should establish dedicated savings accounts during peak earnings months (summer/fall).

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Park County

via CrimeByCounty

Park County Safety Trends Below National Rates

Park County reports a total crime rate of 1,697.5 per 100,000 residents, which remains lower than the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a high safety score of 97.3, reflecting a generally secure rural atmosphere. While crime exists, it occurs far less frequently than in most American communities.

Monitoring Safety Relative to State Averages

The county’s safety score of 97.3 is slightly lower than the Montana state average of 98.2. Its total crime rate of 1,697.5 per 100,000 is higher than the state average of 1,112.5. These figures suggest that local law enforcement and residents face more activity than the typical Montana county.

Comparing Crime Across the Region

Park County sees higher crime rates than neighboring Prairie County, which reports only 311.7 crimes per 100,000 residents. However, it stays well below the national thresholds that define high-crime areas. Local dynamics in tourism and population density likely influence these regional variations.

Property Crimes Drive Most Local Activity

Property crime accounts for the bulk of incidents at 1,426.1 per 100,000 residents, though this is still below the national average of 2,015.7. The violent crime rate of 271.4 is slightly above the state average of 261.3 but remains lower than the national rate of 369.8. Two reporting agencies provide a comprehensive look at these local trends.

Securing Your Property in Park County

With property crime being the most common issue, residents should prioritize securing outbuildings and vehicles. Installing motion-sensor lights and visible security cameras can effectively discourage opportunistic theft. Simple habits like locking doors remain the best defense against local property incidents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Park County

via HealthByCounty

Park County enjoys above-average longevity

Park County residents live to 78.1 years on average—more than a year longer than the US average of 78.8 years and well above Montana's 76.3 years. Just 13.8% report poor or fair health, one of the lowest rates in the state and well below the national average of 16%.

Tops Montana's life expectancy rankings

Park County leads all surveyed Montana counties with the highest life expectancy at 78.1 years, nearly 2 full years ahead of the state average. Its low poor/fair health rate of 13.8% ranks it among Montana's healthiest counties, reflecting strong community health outcomes.

Significantly outpaces nearby counties

Park County's 78.1-year life expectancy surpasses all measured neighbors, including Musselshell (76.2), Phillips (75.0), and Powell (75.8) counties. Its 109 primary care providers per 100K and 391 mental health providers per 100K far exceed regional averages, offering residents exceptional healthcare access.

Best-insured county in the region

Park County boasts the lowest uninsured rate among these eight counties at just 10.2%, meaning 9 in 10 residents have health coverage. With 109 primary care providers per 100K—more than five times the state average—Park County offers world-class healthcare access that supports its excellent health outcomes.

Maintain your health coverage momentum

Park County's strong coverage rates show what's possible when residents prioritize insurance. Use Healthcare.gov to verify your current plan fits your needs, and take advantage of your county's abundant primary care options for preventive health visits.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Park County

via SchoolsByCounty

Expansive Education in the Heart of the Rockies

Park County manages a robust network of 15 public schools serving 1,699 students across 9 districts. The system includes 7 elementary, 5 middle, and 3 high schools. This infrastructure provides comprehensive coverage for both the town center and surrounding mountain communities.

Park County Outpaces State Benchmarks

The county achieves an 86.1% graduation rate, which exceeds the Montana state average and nearly matches the national average of 87.0%. Per-pupil spending of $8,671 is below the state average, yet the county still earns a solid 55.1 school score. These results suggest efficient management of educational resources to drive student success.

Livingston and Shields Valley Hubs

Livingston Elementary is the largest district, enrolling 837 students across three separate schools. Shields Valley Elementary serves another 139 students in a more rural setting. The county’s educational landscape is entirely comprised of traditional public schools, with no charter options currently available.

Mixing Town Hubs and Rural Outposts

The county features a diverse locale mix with 11 rural schools and 4 town-based campuses. Park High School is the largest facility with 418 students, while several remote schools keep average enrollment at 113. This variety allows families to choose between a central town experience or a secluded rural education.

Home Search Near High-Performing Schools

Park County is a premier destination for families who prioritize both outdoor access and solid academic performance. Prospective buyers often focus on the Livingston area for its concentrated school infrastructure. Researching local district boundaries is a critical step in finding the perfect home in this scenic region.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Park County

via RiskByCounty

Park County faces elevated national risk

With a composite risk score of 66.28, Park County ranks as Relatively Low compared to the nation, but sits nearly double Montana's average risk level. The county faces more diverse and significant natural hazards than most U.S. communities.

Higher risk than most Montana counties

Park County's score of 66.28 significantly exceeds Montana's state average of 33.31, placing it among the higher-risk counties in the state. The county's elevated exposure stems from multiple overlapping hazard types rather than a single dominant threat.

Most exposed county in its region

Park County's risk score of 66.28 substantially exceeds neighboring Musselshell (17.05) and Powell (9.96) counties. Its earthquake risk (76.40) and wildfire risk (93.51) are among the highest in south-central Montana.

Earthquakes and wildfires dominate threats

Park County faces significant earthquake risk (76.40) and wildfire risk (93.51), with flood hazard (55.63) creating a triple threat. The county's mountainous terrain and proximity to seismic zones amplify exposure to multiple concurrent disasters.

Comprehensive coverage essential here

Residents should secure flood, earthquake, and wildfire coverage through standard homeowners policies or separate riders—comprehensive insurance is critical. Consider retrofitting for seismic safety and creating 100-foot defensible zones around structures to reduce compound risk exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Park County

via WeatherByCounty

Deep Cold in the High Rockies

The 42.3°F average temperature sits roughly 12 degrees below the national median. This high-altitude climate creates a rugged, cold environment typical of the Northern Rockies.

Colder Than the State Median

At 42.3°F, Park is 1.4 degrees cooler than the Montana average of 43.7°F. It represents the colder, mountainous side of the state's diverse geography.

Higher Precipitation than Surrounding Basins

Park receives 17.3 inches of precipitation, which is higher than the state average and neighboring plains counties. Its snowy profile distinguishes it from the drier central basins nearby.

Heavy Snow and Mild Summers

Winters are heavy, delivering 94.2 inches of snow and a 24.0°F average. Summers remain mild with only 13 days of extreme heat and a July average of 65.0°F.

Equipping for Massive Snowfall

Snowfall of nearly 95 inches makes heavy-duty blowers and roof rakes essential tools for residents. Summer planning is simpler, as the mild 61.8°F seasonal average rarely demands high-energy cooling.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Park County

via SoilByCounty

Limited Regional Soil Data

Specific taxonomic and pH data for Park County are currently unrecorded in this database. Regional soil profiles typically vary significantly across Montana's mountainous terrain.

Composition Details Not Cataloged

Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay are currently unavailable for this county. Localized testing is recommended for a precise understanding of your garden's texture.

Nutrient Information Pending

While state averages for organic matter sit at 2.54%, specific figures for Park County are not part of this record. This highlights the importance of home soil test kits for local growers.

Managing Unmapped Water Flow

Hydrologic and drainage classifications are not currently available for this area. Observe your land's natural runoff patterns after heavy rain to determine drainage needs.

Versatile Gardening in Zone 5a

Park County falls into Zone 5a, offering a slightly milder climate than much of the state. It is an excellent place to start a garden with hardy perennials and cold-tolerant greens.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Park County

via LawnByCounty

High Elevation Challenges in Park County

With a lawn difficulty score of 31.6, Park County falls slightly below the state average and well under the national median of 50.0. Its Zone 5a hardiness rating is milder than much of Montana, but the short growing season keeps homeowners on their toes.

Cool Summers and Steady Moisture

Park County receives 17.3 inches of annual precipitation, which is higher than the state average of 15.4 inches. With only 13 extreme heat days per year, your grass is less likely to scorch compared to other regions in the state.

Preparing Your Mountain Foundation

While specific soil data for the county is limited, mountain region lawns often require testing for pH and organic content. Local growers should focus on aeration to combat compaction in areas where soil profiles remain undocumented.

Persistent Dry Spells Require Monitoring

The county endured 32 weeks in drought over the last year, and 57% of the area remains abnormally dry. Use mulch-mowing techniques to retain moisture in the soil and reduce the need for supplemental irrigation during dry windows.

Patience is Key for High-Altitude Grass

Hardy perennials like Perennial Ryegrass thrive in Zone 5a and can handle the cooler summer nights. Wait until after the late spring frost date of June 4 to begin your seeding projects for the best survival rates.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Park County's county score?
Park County, Montana has a composite county score of 48.9 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 Park County rank among counties in Montana?
Park County ranks #43 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 Park County, Montana?
The median annual property tax in Park County is $2,454, with an effective tax rate of 0.57%. This earns Park County a tax score of 77.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Park County?
The median household income in Park County, Montana is $66,607 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Park County earns an income score of 58.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Park County, Montana a good place to live?
Park County scores 48.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #43 in Montana. The best way to evaluate Park 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 Park 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.