countyscore
60.2
County Score
Disaster Risk 95.8Safety 86.2Schools 84.8

County Report Card

About Prairie County, Montana

Beating the national median

Prairie County earns a composite score of 60.2, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a high degree of stability and safety that many US counties lack. It offers a high quality of life for its residents.

Above-average Montana livability

With a score of 60.2, Prairie County exceeds the Montana state average of 56.4. It is a standout for safety and education, making it one of the more attractive rural options in the state. It consistently outperforms its peers in several critical categories.

Elite safety and resilience

The county's risk score of 95.8 and safety score of 86.2 are among the best in the state. Education is also a major strength, with a school score of 84.8 reflecting high local standards. These numbers describe a community that is safe, secure, and focused on the next generation.

Economic and health limitations

The income score is very low at 7.5, with a median household income of $45,192. Health scores also struggle at 20.3, and water data is currently unavailable for this location. Residents here trade economic and health service access for extreme physical safety and affordable housing.

A secure haven for budget living

Prairie County is ideal for people with established incomes or those who prioritize a safe, quiet environment for their children. The high school and safety scores provide a fantastic foundation for family life if the lower income levels are not a barrier. It is a small-town paradise for the safety-conscious.

Score breakdown

Tax48.5Cost65Safety86.2Health20.3Schools84.8Income7.5Risk95.8WaterComing SoonWeather31.2
🏛48.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠65
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼7.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡86.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤20.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓84.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡95.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤31.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨37.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱37.1
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 →
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Nearby counties

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Dawson County
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Wibaux County
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Fallon County
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McCone County
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Golden Valley County
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Richland County
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Deep Dives

Prairie County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Prairie County

via TaxByCounty

Prairie County taxes above national average

Prairie County's effective rate of 0.855% sits above the national median of 0.84%, placing it in the 55th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $1,428 remains well below the national median of $2,690, reflecting smaller homes typical of rural Montana.

Among Montana's higher-taxed counties

At 0.855%, Prairie County's effective rate ranks above the Montana state average of 0.767%, positioning it among the higher-taxed counties statewide. Only a handful of Montana counties exceed this rate.

Second-highest rates in the region

Prairie County's 0.855% rate trails only Pondera (0.884%) among this eight-county group, exceeding Phillips (0.848%), Powder River (0.828%), and all others. Regional homeowners face a notably higher tax burden in Prairie than in most neighboring counties.

Median home costs $1,428 yearly

A home valued at Prairie County's median of $167,100 generates roughly $1,428 in annual property taxes at the 0.855% rate. Data on mortgage-holder taxes is limited, but owners without mortgages pay approximately $1,463.

Review your assessment carefully

Prairie County's above-average tax rate underscores the importance of accurate assessments. If your home's assessed value appears high compared to recent sales in your area, file a free appeal with the county assessor—overassessments are common and correcting them could provide meaningful annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Prairie County

via CostByCounty

Prairie County faces severe affordability crisis

Prairie County's rent-to-income ratio of 22.0% is the highest in this analysis and far exceeds the national average—renters here dedicate over one-fifth of household income to housing alone. With the lowest median household income of just $45,192 and median rents of $827 monthly, Prairie County households face genuine affordability strain.

Montana's most strained rental market

Prairie County's 22.0% rent-to-income ratio crushes Montana's 15.9% state average by over 6 percentage points, making it the state's least affordable county by far. The median rent of $827 sits just $2 above the state median, but the county's low income of $45,192 creates an acute affordability crisis.

Income crisis drives affordability disaster

Prairie County's $827 median rent is competitive regionally, but the median household income of $45,192—$8,364 below Pondera County and $22,817 below Powder River County—creates the region's worst affordability. This income gap, not high rents, drives Prairie's 22.0% rent-to-income ratio.

Housing consumes half of some budgets

Renters in Prairie County pay $827 monthly (22.0% of median household income of $45,192), while homeowners spend $672 monthly (17.8% of income). Even homeownership here strains budgets significantly—Prairie County represents the region's most economically challenged housing landscape.

Prairie County poses relocation risks

Prairie County's 22.0% rent-to-income ratio and $45,192 median income signal serious affordability challenges for relocating families unless paired with significantly higher local job prospects. Carefully evaluate income opportunities before moving; neighboring Pondera County (18.1% ratio) or Phillips County (12.9% ratio) offer substantially better housing accessibility.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Prairie County

via IncomeByCounty

Prairie County faces severe income challenges

Prairie County's median household income of $45,192 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by 39%—one of America's steepest gaps and a marker of significant economic hardship. The per capita income of $29,068 falls 25% below the national average, reflecting both low wages and concentrated household poverty. This income profile places Prairie among the nation's economically most challenged counties.

Montana's lowest-income county

Prairie County's median household income of $45,192 ranks dead last among Montana's 56 counties, trailing the state average of $62,295 by 27%. The per capita income of $29,068 represents the state's lowest, falling 19% below Montana's average of $35,700. Prairie faces the state's most serious economic challenges and requires targeted economic development.

Dramatically outpaced by all regional peers

Prairie's $45,192 median income lags every neighbor by substantial margins: Phillips ($58,156), Powder River ($68,009), and Petroleum ($59,318) all significantly outperform. At $45,192, Prairie earns $13,000 annually less than its closest competitor—a 22% disadvantage. This gap reflects severe agricultural depression, limited employment diversity, and population decline in the county.

Affordability alone insufficient for security

Prairie County's median home value of $167,100 represents 3.7 years of median household income—affordable relative to earnings—but the 22% rent-to-income ratio signals severe household budget stress. At roughly $3,766 monthly household income before taxes, Prairie families face genuine hardship covering healthcare, transportation, childcare, and education. Low housing costs provide limited relief from fundamental income inadequacy.

Education and out-migration as strategies

Prairie County residents should prioritize education and skill development as escape routes from agricultural dependency; community college programs and trade certifications often lead to 30-50% income gains. Consider whether remote work or strategic relocation to higher-wage counties offers better long-term financial outcomes than staying in a declining local economy. Government assistance programs, low-income tax credits, and grant funding should be actively pursued to maximize available resources.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Prairie County

via CrimeByCounty

Prairie County Is Exceptionally Safe

Prairie County features a total crime rate of 311.7 per 100,000 residents, roughly seven times lower than the national average. This earns the county a high safety score of 99.5. Residents enjoy a tranquil environment with very few criminal incidents.

Top-Tier Safety Ranking in Montana

With a safety score of 99.5, Prairie County is well above the Montana state average of 98.2. Its crime rate of 311.7 is significantly lower than the state average of 1,112.5. This places the county among the most secure locations in the entire state.

Regional Comparisons Show Low Crime

Prairie County is much safer than nearby Park County, where the crime rate is 1,697.5. It also reports less than half the crime seen in Musselshell County (670.2). This low rate makes Prairie County a regional standout for peace and security.

Minimal Property and Violent Crime

Violent crime is low at 233.8, staying well below the national rate of 369.8. Property crime is nearly non-existent at 77.9, a tiny fraction of the national average of 2,015.7. These figures from the single reporting agency suggest a very low-risk environment for residents.

Keeping Prairie County Secure

Even with such low crime rates, basic home security provides an important deterrent for transient crime. Locking doors and windows remains a highly effective habit for maintaining the county's 99.5 safety score. Community-wide vigilance ensures that Prairie County remains a peaceful place to live.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Prairie County

via HealthByCounty

Highest poor health rate in the group

Prairie County's 22.9% poor/fair health rate is the highest among these eight counties and substantially exceeds the US average of 16%, signaling significant population health challenges. Life expectancy data is not currently available, but this elevated health burden suggests the county faces serious chronic disease or healthcare access issues.

Alarming health concerns statewide

Prairie County's 22.9% poor/fair health rate far exceeds Montana's typical range and ranks as the worst among this eight-county sample. Without published life expectancy data, the poor/fair health metric alone suggests Prairie County residents experience notably worse health than peers across Montana.

Health outcomes lag all peers

Prairie County's 22.9% poor/fair health rate dramatically exceeds all measured neighbors—nearly 4 points above Powder River's 18.6% and Pondera's 17.6%. Limited provider data prevents detailed comparison, but the health disparity is stark and demands investigation and intervention.

Highest uninsured, fewest resources

Prairie County's uninsured rate of 14.6% is the highest among these eight counties and well above Montana's 11.9% average, meaning roughly 1 in 6.8 residents lack coverage. Data on primary care and mental health providers is not published, suggesting this sparse rural county may lack adequate healthcare infrastructure to serve its population.

Take the first step to health

Prairie County's health crisis starts with ensuring coverage—with 14.6% uninsured, many residents lack the foundation for accessing care. Visit Healthcare.gov immediately to find affordable plans, and explore whether you qualify for Medicaid expansion or financial assistance.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Prairie County

via SchoolsByCounty

Compact Schooling in Prairie County

Prairie County operates a single district, Terry K-12 Schools, which serves all 145 students in the county. The system consists of 3 schools, providing one campus for each level of education (elementary, middle, and high). This unified approach simplifies local administration and community focus.

Investing in the Terry School System

The county invests $9,783 per pupil, which is higher than the Montana state average of $9,334. While graduation rate data is currently unavailable, the county holds a composite school score of 28.5. This funding supports essential programs for a small, isolated student population.

The Terry K-12 Unified District

The Terry K-12 district is the sole provider of public education in Prairie County, enrolling 145 students. All educational resources and community events are centered within this single district. Charter schools are not available, ensuring a fully integrated public school experience.

A Truly Rural Learning Experience

All three schools in the county are classified as rural, with an average size of 48 students. Terry School is the largest with 80 students, while the middle and high schools each serve roughly 32 pupils. This scale fosters an environment where every student receives significant individual attention.

Building a Life Around Terry Schools

For families looking for a close-knit community, Prairie County offers a single-district lifestyle where the school is the center of town. Buying a home here means becoming part of the Terry K-12 family. Proximity to the central Terry campus is a primary factor for residents in this quiet rural county.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Prairie County

via RiskByCounty

Prairie County represents exceptional safety

Prairie County's composite risk score of 4.23 ranks among the nation's safest communities, with Very Low natural disaster exposure overall. The county's hazard profile is roughly 8% of typical U.S. risk levels.

Montana's safest counties tier

Prairie County's score of 4.23 is dramatically below Montana's state average of 33.31—the county experiences roughly 87% less risk than typical state communities. It ranks as one of the most geographically stable counties in Montana.

Safest in its regional group

Prairie County's risk score of 4.23 is lower than all nearby counties, including Phillips (34.51), Musselshell (17.05), and Petroleum (1.30). The county's isolated eastern location and stable terrain create an exceptionally low-hazard environment.

Wildfire is the sole notable concern

Wildfire risk of 60.97 is Prairie County's primary hazard, while flood (5.79), tornado (8.71), and earthquake (5.34) risks all remain minimal. The county's grassland landscape creates seasonal fire potential despite overall very low disaster exposure.

Wildfire preparation and basic coverage

Ensure homeowners insurance includes wildfire coverage and maintain cleared defensible space around structures as your primary protection. Monitor fire season conditions and keep evacuation routes planned, as wildfire is your county's only meaningful natural hazard threat.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Prairie County

via WeatherByCounty

Vast Temperature Swings on the Plains

The 43.8°F average is about 10.6 degrees below the national median. This eastern Montana county experiences wide temperature swings characteristic of the Great Plains.

Perfectly Aligned with Montana

Prairie County aligns almost perfectly with the Montana state average of 43.7°F. It serves as a reliable benchmark for the state's overall thermal profile.

Exceptionally Dry Winters

It is remarkably dry with only 11.8 inches of snow annually, far less than its western neighbors. Total precipitation of 14.0 inches also trails the 15.4-inch state average.

Deep Winter and Sunny Summers

Extremes define the year, with a cold 17.2°F January and a warm 70.9°F July. Despite the low snowfall, the 19.5°F winter average remains biting.

Cooling and Drought Prep

With 30 extreme heat days and very low snowfall, residents should focus on cooling and drought-resistant landscaping. Winter prep involves managing wind chill rather than shoveling heavy snow.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Prairie County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Soils of the East

Prairie County soils have a pH of 7.56, making them more alkaline than both the national 6.5 median and the state average of 7.43. The overall soil score is 37.7.

A High Silt Composition

The soil is comprised of 41.3% silt, 36.9% sand, and 21.8% clay. This high silt content generally makes the soil easier to work than those with higher clay levels.

Average Water Retention Capacity

Organic matter is 1.90%, which is below the state average of 2.54%. However, the available water capacity of 0.166 in/in is almost exactly on par with the state average.

Silt-Driven Drainage Dynamics

While dominant drainage classes are not listed, the silt-heavy texture suggests moderate drainage capabilities. Monitoring for moisture levels is important during the dry summer months.

Hardy Choices for Zone 4a

Zone 4a requires choosing plants that can survive a short, intense growing season. Root vegetables and leafy greens are perfect candidates for your Prairie County garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Prairie County

via LawnByCounty

Middle-of-the-Pack Lawn Care

Prairie County holds a lawn difficulty score of 37.1, placing it slightly above the state average. In this Zone 4a region, homeowners can achieve a healthy lawn but must battle semi-arid conditions that persist throughout the year.

High Heat and Limited Rainfall

Lawns here receive just 14.0 inches of rain annually while enduring 30 days of extreme heat above 90°F. This combination creates a significant 'water deficit' that must be made up through careful irrigation to maintain green turf.

Alkaline Soil with Sandy Texture

The soil pH is 7.56, which can lock up iron and other nutrients that grass needs to stay green. A sand content of 36.9% helps with drainage, but it also means the soil won't hold onto water as long as heavy clay soils.

Six Months of Drought History

Prairie County experienced 24 weeks of drought in the past year, and 91% of the county is currently abnormally dry. To conserve water, consider letting your lawn go dormant in the peak of summer or switching to more resilient native species.

Seeding for Success in May

Kentucky Bluegrass blends are popular here for their recovery ability in Zone 4a. Aim to get your seeds in the ground shortly after the May 20 frost date to maximize the spring growth before the July heat arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Prairie County's county score?
Prairie County, Montana has a composite county score of 60.2 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 Prairie County rank among counties in Montana?
Prairie County ranks #22 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 Prairie County, Montana?
The median annual property tax in Prairie County is $1,428, with an effective tax rate of 0.85%. This earns Prairie County a tax score of 48.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Prairie County?
The median household income in Prairie County, Montana is $45,192 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Prairie County earns an income score of 7.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Prairie County, Montana a good place to live?
Prairie County scores 60.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #22 in Montana. The best way to evaluate Prairie 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 Prairie 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.