CountyScore

Park County

Montana · MT

#37 in Montana
70.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Park County, Montana

Solid Performer Above National Median

Park County scores 70.2 on the livability index, 40% above the national median of 50.0. This strong performance is driven by exceptional tax efficiency and health outcomes, positioning the county competitively among U.S. regions.

Slightly Below State Average

With a score of 70.2, Park County trails Montana's 72.1 state average by just under 2 points. This modest gap reflects trade-offs between lower housing affordability and strengths in health care and tax burden.

Health, Tax Efficiency, and Higher Incomes

Park County leads with a health score of 74.6 and tax score of 86.2 (0.571% effective rate—among Montana's lowest). The county also boasts the highest median household income among these eight counties at $66,607, indicating stronger earning potential.

Housing Costs and Environmental Risk

The cost score of 74.8 reflects median home values of $429,700—significantly higher than peers in this group—while a risk score of just 33.7 suggests environmental or economic vulnerabilities. These factors limit affordability for families seeking lower housing outlays.

Best for Health-Conscious Professionals

Park County suits established professionals and health-conscious families who can afford higher housing costs in exchange for excellent health services and top-tier tax efficiency. The strong income base and low tax rate make it attractive to earners prioritizing wellness and financial optimization.

Score breakdown

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

Tax86.2Cost74.8SafetyComing SoonHealth74.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome26.9Risk33.7WaterComing Soon
🏛86.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠74.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼26.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤74.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡33.7
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 Park County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Lafayette County
Arkansas
70.2
Median income: $37,237
Quitman County
Georgia
70.2
Median income: $36,838
Mahaska County
Iowa
70.2
Median income: $69,019
Jessamine County
Kentucky
70.2
Median income: $74,886
Lawrence County
Kentucky
70.2
Median income: $45,584

Deep Dives

Park County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.