countyscore
62.3
County Score
Schools 89.9Cost of Living 89.8Disaster Risk 65.5

County Report Card

About Phillips County, Montana

Strong performance across the country

Phillips County earns a composite score of 62.3, comfortably outperforming the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a high level of overall functionality and attractiveness to residents. It ranks well within the top half of counties nationally.

Outpacing the Montana average

At 62.3, Phillips County sits well above the Montana state average of 56.4. This suggests a more favorable balance of costs and services than much of the state. It particularly excels in providing value for residents' money.

Elite affordability and education

A cost score of 89.8 is a major highlight, driven by an affordable median gross rent of just $623. The county also provides excellent educational outcomes, as reflected in its high school score of 89.9. These factors make it an exceptional place for budget-conscious families.

Income and infrastructure hurdles

The income score of 33.3 and water score of 36.7 are the primary areas where the county could improve. With a median household income of $58,156, economic growth is more modest than in urban hubs. Additionally, the safety score of 43.4 indicates room for community-wide security improvements.

A top choice for young families

Phillips County is a fantastic fit for families looking for high-quality schools without the high price tag of city living. The low cost of housing allows for a high quality of life even on a moderate income. It is a stable, education-focused community.

2040608010049.189.843.455.789.933.365.536.734.4Tax49.1Cost89.8Safety43.4Health55.7Schools89.9Income33.3Risk65.5Water36.7Weather34.462.3/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Phillips County DNA

Doverall

How Phillips County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Phillips County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (89.8/100) but notably weak in Weather & Climate (34.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
49.1
Cost
89.8+41.8
Safety
43.4-11.600000000000001
Health
55.7
Schools
89.9+35.900000000000006
Income
33.3-17.700000000000003
Risk
65.5+18.5
Water
36.7-21.299999999999997
Weather
34.4-21.6
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$175,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$623/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$175,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$24,920/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $58,156/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

47.3

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

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
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Nearby counties

Blaine County
Montana
54.1
Valley County
Montana
56.1
Garfield County
Montana
67.7
Petroleum County
Montana
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Fergus County
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McCone County
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Hill County
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Daniels County
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Deep Dives

Phillips County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Phillips County

via TaxByCounty

Phillips County taxes well above national norm

Phillips County's effective rate of 0.848% exceeds the national median of 0.84%, placing it in the 55th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $1,484 remains below the national median of $2,690, largely due to lower home values in this rural region.

Among Montana's higher tax counties

At 0.848%, Phillips County's effective rate ranks above the Montana state average of 0.767%, making it one of the higher-taxed counties in the state. Only a handful of Montana counties exceed this rate.

Higher burden than most regional peers

Phillips County's 0.848% rate tops most neighboring counties, exceeding Petroleum (0.726%), Pondera (0.884%), and Prairie (0.855%). Only Pondera comes close, making Phillips one of the pricier taxation jurisdictions in north-central Montana.

Median home costs $1,484 annually

A home valued at Phillips County's median of $175,000 generates approximately $1,484 in annual property taxes at the 0.848% rate. Mortgage holders typically pay $1,915, while owners without mortgages pay $1,297.

Assessment errors cost you money

Phillips County's higher-than-average tax rate makes assessment accuracy even more critical to your bottom line. Review your assessed value against recent neighbor sales; if it's out of line, filing an appeal with the county assessor could yield meaningful annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Phillips County

via CostByCounty

Phillips County offers Montana's best rental value

Phillips County's rent-to-income ratio of just 12.9% ranks among the nation's most affordable, well below the national average and even below Montana's 15.9% state standard. At only $623 monthly, rents here demand just 12.9% of the median household income of $58,156, creating exceptional housing accessibility.

Standout affordability leader across Montana

Phillips County boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio in this analysis at 12.9%, undercutting Montana's state average of 15.9% by 3 percentage points. The median rent of $623 runs a remarkable 24.5% below the state median of $825, marking Phillips as a true affordability outlier.

Unmatched rental bargains in north-central Montana

Phillips County's $623 median rent stands $146 below Petroleum County ($769), $242 below Musselshell County ($865), and $304 below Park County ($927). At 12.9% of income, Phillips County renters enjoy the lowest housing burden of any county in this regional cluster.

Both renters and owners find relief here

Phillips County renters pay just $623 monthly (12.9% of income), while homeowners spend $589 monthly (12.1% of income)—both figures substantially below state and national norms. This county achieves the rare distinction of making housing affordable for both renting and owning households.

Phillips County: rural Montana's affordability champion

For renters prioritizing maximum housing affordability, Phillips County's $623 rents and 12.9% income ratio are unmatched in this region. With median home values at $175,000 and ownership costs under $600 monthly, Phillips County delivers genuine financial breathing room for families considering a Montana relocation.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Phillips County

via IncomeByCounty

Phillips lags but remains stable nationally

Phillips County's median household income of $58,156 sits 22% below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it in the lower income tier of American counties. The per capita income of $34,241 falls slightly below the national per capita average, reflecting limited economic diversification in this rural area. Despite these gaps, the county maintains relatively stable employment patterns.

Lower-middle tier within Montana

Phillips County ranks in Montana's lower-middle range with a median household income of $58,156, trailing the state average of $62,295 by 6.6%. The per capita income of $34,241 notably underperforms the state average of $35,700, indicating narrower household wealth distribution. The county sits at the margin of economic challenge in Montana's rural landscape.

North-central Montana's lower end

Phillips' $58,156 median income sits slightly below neighbors Musselshell ($59,010) and Petroleum ($59,318), making it the weaker performer in its economic cluster. Only Pondera County ($53,500) ranks notably lower in the region, while Powder River County ($68,009) significantly outearns the area. The county's ranching and agricultural base limits higher-wage employment opportunities.

Most affordable housing in the region

Phillips County's median home value of $175,000 represents just 3 years of median household income—the most favorable affordability ratio among its neighbors. The 12.9% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest in the region, providing genuine housing security at all income levels. This affordability advantage is the county's primary economic strength for working families.

Maximize affordability advantages now

Phillips County residents should treat the county's exceptional housing affordability as a wealth-building window; building home equity here happens faster than in most of America. Even modest income households can allocate 15% to retirement savings when rent or mortgage costs stay below 13% of income. Reinvest housing savings into education, business skills, or small-business ventures to increase earning power.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Phillips County

via CrimeByCounty

Phillips County Maintains Strong Safety Score

Phillips County earns a safety score of 98.0, despite a total crime rate of 1,275.6 per 100,000 residents. This total rate is nearly half the national average of 2,385.5. Residents here live in an area significantly more secure than the typical American county.

Aligning With Montana’s Safety Profile

The county's safety score of 98.0 is almost identical to the Montana state average of 98.2. However, its total crime rate of 1,275.6 is slightly higher than the state average of 1,112.5. This suggests that while safety is high, local activity is more frequent than in some neighboring counties.

Regional Safety Comparisons for Phillips

Phillips County has a higher crime rate than Musselshell County (670.2) but remains safer than many urban centers. Its violent crime rate is notably higher than Pondera County’s 116.9. These variations highlight the localized nature of crime across the Montana plains.

Understanding the Violent Crime Spike

The violent crime rate in Phillips County is 732.3 per 100,000, which is double the national average of 369.8. Conversely, property crime is very low at 543.3, far below the national average of 2,015.7. This unusual split suggests that while possessions are safe, personal disputes may be a local concern.

Focusing on Personal and Home Security

Given the higher-than-average violent crime rate, personal safety awareness is just as important as locking the front door. Investing in smart doorbells and perimeter lighting helps keep property crime rates low. Staying connected with neighbors can provide an extra layer of protection and warning.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Phillips County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Comprehensive Rural School Network

Phillips County hosts 698 students within 13 public schools spread across 5 districts. The system is well-distributed with 5 elementary, 4 middle, and 4 high schools. This infrastructure ensures that residents across the county's vast plains have access to all levels of education.

Elite Graduation Rates and Strong Scores

Phillips County excels with a 95.0% graduation rate, far exceeding the national average of 87.0%. The county earns a high school score of 65.4, well above the Montana state average of 53.7. This success is supported by a healthy per-pupil expenditure of $11,262.

The Malta K-12 Powerhouse

Malta K-12 Schools is the largest district, serving 519 students across four campuses. Dodson K-12 follows as the second-largest, supporting 92 students in three schools. The county does not host any charter schools, relying entirely on its strong traditional public districts.

Small Schools with Big Results

All 13 schools are located in rural locales, creating a consistent educational experience throughout the county. While the average school size is 54, Malta K-5 stands out as the largest campus with 255 students. Many smaller schools serve fewer than 40 students, providing highly personalized instruction.

Invest in a County with Top-Tier Schools

With some of the highest graduation rates in the state, Phillips County is an attractive option for families. Real estate in the Malta area offers the most direct access to the county's largest educational facilities. School performance remains a primary driver for property values and community growth in this region.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Phillips County

via RiskByCounty

Phillips County risk mirrors national norms

Phillips County's composite risk score of 34.51 ranks as Very Low and aligns closely with typical U.S. communities. The county's exposure profile is moderate compared to national averages, representing manageable disaster risk.

Slightly above Montana's average exposure

Phillips County's score of 34.51 exceeds Montana's state average of 33.31 by just 3%, placing it near the middle of the state's risk distribution. The county represents typical Montana-level hazard exposure for most communities.

Moderate risk in its region

Phillips County's score of 34.51 falls between Musselshell County (17.05) to the south and the higher-risk mountainous counties. It ranks more hazardous than Petroleum County (1.30) but considerably safer than Park County (66.28).

Flooding and wildfire create primary hazards

Phillips County faces moderate flood risk (39.76) and elevated wildfire risk (67.75), while tornado (7.76) and earthquake (15.08) risks remain low. The county's river valleys and grasslands create twin vulnerabilities during wet and fire seasons.

Standard coverage with wildfire attention

Homeowners should verify flood and wildfire coverage within their policies, particularly for properties near waterways or grassland margins. Review coverage before spring runoff and fire season to ensure adequate protection for both hazards.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Phillips County

via WaterByCounty

Drinking Water Challenges in Phillips County

Phillips County holds a Grade F for drinking water compliance following a health violation within the last five years. The county's violation rate of 41.5 per 100,000 residents is lower than the state average of 393.8, yet the failing grade highlights specific system failures. Consistent monitoring is essential to ensure these issues are resolved.

Assessed Streams Meet Quality Goals

Out of 31 water bodies assessed in the 2022 cycle, zero were found to be impaired. This 0.0% impairment rate matches the current Montana state average for fully assessed waters. These findings suggest that the physical and chemical health of local streams remains within acceptable limits.

Consistent Monitoring of Inorganic Nutrients

Scientists have recorded 1,658 measurements across 17 monitoring sites in the county over the past five years. These efforts prioritize physical characteristics, inorganics, and nutrient levels in the water. This data footprint helps track the impact of agricultural runoff on local water quality.

Milk River Flow Below Typical Levels

The Milk River at Juneberg Bridge is flowing at 190 cfs, which is 46% of its long-term mean. While not as low as neighboring basins, this flow represents a significant reduction in available surface water. The gauge monitors a vast area of nearly 17,700 square miles.

Navigating Water Safety Concerns

With a Grade F for drinking water compliance, residents should pay close attention to any boil water advisories or utility notices. The Milk River is also running at less than half its typical volume, which can concentrate nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. Regular testing or certified filtration is recommended for those with specific health concerns.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Phillips County

via WeatherByCounty

Chilly Plains Near the Border

This northern county’s 43.2°F average is over 11 degrees colder than the national median. It experiences the sharp, continental climate of the northern Great Plains.

Tracking with the State Average

Phillips sits just below the Montana state average of 43.7°F. Its location makes it prone to colder winter air masses than counties further south.

Low Precipitation in the North

With only 13.7 inches of annual precipitation, Phillips is drier than the state average of 15.4 inches. It sees much less snow at 18.8 inches than the mountainous counties to its west.

Harsh Winters and Brief Heat

Winter is harsh with a January average of 16.9°F, one of the colder marks in the region. Summers still bring 24 days of extreme heat despite the northern latitude.

Preparing for Biting Winter Cold

High-quality winter gear is the priority given the deep 19.1°F winter average. Efficient heating is more critical here than cooling, as extreme heat days are relatively limited.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Phillips County

via SoilByCounty

Northern Prairie Soil Identity

Detailed taxonomic data and pH levels for Phillips County are currently unavailable in our database. Most soils in this region tend toward the alkaline side of the scale.

Incomplete Composition Data

Specific sand, silt, and clay ratios are not currently documented for this county. Local landowners often find a mix of alluvial deposits and glacial till.

Fertility Metrics Not Recorded

Regional organic matter and water capacity figures are missing from this dataset. Without local benchmarks, gardeners should focus on building soil health through consistent mulching.

Hydrology Data Unavailable

Dominant drainage and hydrologic group classifications are not yet mapped for this county. Careful observation of local water movement is key for any construction or planting project.

Hardy Growing in Zone 3b

Phillips County sits in Zone 3b, one of the coldest growing zones in the lower 48 states. Focus on extremely hardy varieties and cold frames to find success in your garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Phillips County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Turf Logistics in Phillips County

A lawn difficulty score of 29.0 highlights the challenges of growing grass in Phillips County's Zone 3b climate. This rating is notably lower than the state average, signifying that lawn care here requires more effort and resources than in most of Montana.

Arid Conditions and Cold Winters

With just 13.7 inches of annual precipitation, the environment is very dry compared to the 30-50 inches lawns prefer. Cold winters and 2097 growing degree days mean your lawn has a narrow window to recover from the stress of 24 extreme heat days.

Building a Better Rooting Zone

Soil data is limited for this region, but local gardeners typically face alkaline conditions typical of the Montana plains. Incorporating compost can help improve soil structure and water retention in areas where specific data is unavailable.

Extreme Drought Resilience Needed

The county spent 41 weeks in drought last year, and nearly 19% of the area is currently in severe drought (D2+). Implementing water-wise landscaping or choosing drought-tolerant native grasses is highly recommended to manage these chronic shortages.

Choosing Survival Over Aesthetics

Select ultra-hardy grasses like Crested Wheatgrass or Buffalo Grass to survive the harsh Zone 3b winters. Aim to seed your lawn after the last frost on May 16 to maximize the short but active growing season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Phillips County's county score?
Phillips County, Montana has a composite county score of 62.3 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 Phillips County rank among counties in Montana?
Phillips County ranks #20 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 Phillips County, Montana?
The median annual property tax in Phillips County is $1,484, with an effective tax rate of 0.85%. This earns Phillips County a tax score of 49.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Phillips County?
The median household income in Phillips County, Montana is $58,156 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Phillips County earns an income score of 33.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Phillips County, Montana a good place to live?
Phillips County scores 62.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #20 in Montana. The best way to evaluate Phillips 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 Phillips County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.