CountyScore

Petroleum County

Montana · MT

#3 in Montana
80.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Petroleum County, Montana

Standout Livability, Top Tier Nationally

Petroleum County's score of 80.5 places it in the top tier of U.S. counties—61% above the national median of 50.0. This exceptional performance reflects outstanding stability, affordability, and health outcomes.

Montana's Strongest Performer

Among these eight Montana counties, Petroleum ranks highest with 80.5, well above the state average of 72.1. The county demonstrates superior balance across multiple livability dimensions that matter to families and retirees alike.

Health, Safety, and Lowest Rents

Petroleum County excels with a health score of 85.7 (highest in the group) and an extraordinary risk score of 98.7, indicating exceptional environmental and economic stability. Median rent of just $769/month and homes at $173,700 offer unmatched affordability.

Limited Income Opportunities

The income score of 22.1 reflects a median household income of $59,318, limiting wealth-building potential despite low costs. Career seekers and ambitious professionals may find fewer high-paying job options in this rural county.

Perfect for Those Seeking Stability

Petroleum County is ideal for retirees, small-business owners, and remote workers who value safety, affordability, and excellent health care above income growth. The exceptional risk score and low housing costs provide maximum financial security with minimal disruption.

Score breakdown

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

Tax81.9Cost85.5SafetyComing SoonHealth85.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome22.1Risk98.7WaterComing Soon
🏛81.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠85.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼22.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤85.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡98.7
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 Petroleum County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

McCone County
Montana
80.7
Median income: $71,842
Wheeler County
Nebraska
80.8
Median income: $55,893
Greenlee County
Arizona
80.9
Median income: $75,239
Carter County
Montana
80.1
Median income: $52,171
Harding County
South Dakota
80.9
Median income: $74,766

Deep Dives

Petroleum County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Petroleum County

via TaxByCounty

Petroleum County taxes slightly above average

Petroleum County's effective rate of 0.726% sits modestly above the national median of 0.84%, placing it roughly in the 45th percentile nationally. The median property tax is $1,261, well below the national median of $2,690, reflecting smaller homes in this rural county.

Middle-of-the-pack within Montana

At 0.726%, Petroleum County's rate sits just below Montana's state average of 0.767%, ranking it in the middle tier of Montana counties. This makes Petroleum reasonably competitive within the state, though not among the very lowest-taxed regions.

Median rates compared to region

Petroleum County's 0.726% rate falls between Musselshell (0.625%) and Powell (0.708%), making it roughly middle-ground regionally. The broader eight-county area averages around 0.75%, so Petroleum sits right at the regional norm.

Median home costs $1,261 yearly

A typical Petroleum County home valued at $173,700 generates $1,261 in annual taxes at the 0.726% rate. Owners with mortgages pay $1,672, while outright owners pay $1,107—a notable gap driven by assessment methodology and timing differences.

Overassessment appeals are your right

In rural Montana counties like Petroleum, assessment errors are common because comparable sales data is sparse. If you believe your home's assessed value exceeds its true market worth, contact the county assessor about filing an appeal—it's free and worth investigating.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Petroleum County

via CostByCounty

Petroleum County: affordable rents, tight incomes

Petroleum County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.6% sits just below the national average, despite a median household income of $59,318 that trails the U.S. median by $15,437. Renters here enjoy relatively manageable housing costs at $769 monthly, giving the county a surprising affordability advantage despite lower wages.

Nearly matches Montana's affordability baseline

Petroleum County's 15.6% rent-to-income ratio sits just beneath Montana's 15.9% state average, making it one of the state's more balanced housing markets. The median rent of $769 runs notably below the state median of $825, offering renter-friendly conditions.

Most affordable rents in the region

Petroleum County's $769 median rent undercuts Musselshell County ($865) by $96 and Park County ($927) by $158, making it the rental bargain of the cluster. Despite similar incomes, Petroleum County renters stretch their dollars furthest here—a meaningful advantage in rural Montana.

Renters and owners share similar burden

Petroleum County renters pay $769 monthly (15.6% of median household income of $59,318), while homeowners spend $600 monthly (12.1% of income). This county uniquely distributes housing costs equitably: both renters and owners maintain manageable expense ratios compared to state and national patterns.

Petroleum County's rental value stands out

If affordable rents are your priority, Petroleum County delivers at $769 monthly—among the lowest in rural Montana while maintaining median home values around $173,700. Compare this value to pricier Park County or consider Powder River County's even lower rents for maximum savings.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Petroleum County

via IncomeByCounty

Petroleum tracks below national average

Petroleum County's median household income of $59,318 falls 21% short of the U.S. median of $74,755, typical of rural counties dependent on agriculture and energy extraction. Despite this gap, the per capita income of $39,877 reflects reasonably efficient household structures for this region. The income profile reflects the county's limited economic diversification.

Holding steady in Montana's middle tier

Petroleum County ranks slightly above Montana's median household income of $62,295 at $59,318—placing it comfortably in the state's middle tier. Per capita income of $39,877 exceeds the state average of $35,700, suggesting relatively good household economic health. The county avoids both the prosperity of tourism-driven areas and the challenges of Montana's poorest counties.

North-central Montana's modest economy

Petroleum's $59,318 income slightly exceeds neighbors Musselshell ($59,010) and Phillips ($58,156), placing it within a tight cluster of central Montana counties. Pondera County to the west lags at $53,500, while Powder River County to the east leads at $68,009. This narrow range reflects shared agricultural, ranching, and small-town service economies across the region.

Affordable housing, tight monthly budgets

A median home value of $173,700 represents just under 3 years of median household income—an excellent affordability ratio—and the 15.6% rent-to-income ratio stays comfortably below the 30% benchmark. However, at roughly $4,943 monthly household income before taxes, families face genuine constraints on discretionary spending and emergency savings. Housing affordability is the county's economic strength.

Building on affordable home foundation

Petroleum County's affordable housing opens wealth-building doors unavailable in high-cost areas; first-time homebuyers should act decisively when mortgage rates favor borrowing. Tax-deferred retirement contributions ($23,500 limit for traditional 401(k)s in 2024) become powerful tools when housing costs stay manageable. Consider working with a fee-only financial planner to create a long-term wealth strategy leveraging the county's low cost of living.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Petroleum County

via HealthByCounty

Limited data, but health concerns present

While Petroleum County's life expectancy data is not currently available, the county's 15.2% poor/fair health rate sits below the national average of 16%, suggesting generally adequate population health. This metric offers a partial but meaningful glimpse into resident health status in this sparsely populated county.

Below-average poor health reporting

Petroleum County's 15.2% poor/fair health rate ranks favorably compared to Montana's profile, falling below the state's typical range and suggesting relatively good self-reported health. Complete life expectancy data for this small county remains unavailable, limiting a full state-level comparison.

Health outcomes comparable to region

Petroleum County's 15.2% poor/fair health rate aligns with nearby Phillips County (15.6%) and slightly exceeds Musselshell (17.6%), placing it in the middle of regional health outcomes. Data limitations prevent direct life expectancy comparisons with neighboring counties.

Best-insured but limited provider data

Petroleum County stands out with the lowest uninsured rate among these eight counties at just 6.3%, meaning 94% of residents have health coverage. Data on primary care and mental health provider availability is not currently published for this county, suggesting limited resources relative to larger regional centers.

Maintain excellent coverage rates

Petroleum County's outstanding 6.3% uninsured rate reflects strong community health insurance uptake—keep that momentum going. Visit Healthcare.gov during open enrollment to ensure your coverage remains current and meets your family's needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Petroleum County

via RiskByCounty

Petroleum County is exceptionally safe

Petroleum County's composite risk score of 1.30 ranks among the lowest in the nation, indicating Very Low natural disaster exposure. This puts the county in the safest tier nationally, with hazard risks far below typical American communities.

Montana's lowest-risk county

Petroleum County's score of 1.30 is dramatically below Montana's state average of 33.31—the county faces roughly 4% of typical state-level risk. It stands as one of the most geographically stable counties in Montana.

Significantly safer than adjacent counties

Petroleum County's risk score of 1.30 is substantially lower than neighboring Phillips County (34.51) and Musselshell County (17.05). The county's isolated location and stable geology create a remarkably low-hazard environment.

Wildfire is the only notable concern

Wildfire risk of 66.48 is the sole significant hazard in Petroleum County, while flood (1.97), tornado (2.54), and earthquake (1.65) risks remain minimal. The county's grassland and rangeland landscape creates seasonal fire potential despite overall low disaster exposure.

Focus on wildfire preparedness and insurance

Basic homeowners insurance covering wildfire is the primary protective measure needed in Petroleum County. Maintain cleared defensible space and monitor seasonal fire conditions, as this is your primary natural hazard 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.