countyscore
58.4
County Score
Property Tax 82.9Health 71.1Income & Jobs 69.6

County Report Card

About Ravalli County, Montana

Ravalli Outperforms the National Average

Ravalli County earns a composite score of 58.4, placing it comfortably above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a quality of life that exceeds the typical American county in several key metrics.

A Strong Contender in Montana

With a score of 58.4, Ravalli outperforms the Montana state average of 56.4. It stands as a competitive option for residents seeking the best the Treasure State has to offer.

Low Taxes and High Incomes

The county boasts an exceptional Tax Score of 82.9, supported by a low effective tax rate of 0.529%. High health scores of 71.1 and a median household income of $71,323 further solidify its economic and social appeal.

Balancing Environmental Risks and Housing Costs

The county faces significant environmental risk with a score of 21.5, suggesting vulnerability to natural hazards. Additionally, the Cost Score of 25.1 highlights a tight housing market where the median home value has reached $435,000.

Ideal for Wealthy Families and Retirees

Ravalli is best suited for established professionals or retirees who prioritize low tax burdens and high-quality health services. While housing costs are high, the strong income potential and tax climate offer a compelling trade-off.

2040608010082.925.168.971.162.169.621.556.937.6Tax82.9Cost25.1Safety68.9Health71.1Schools62.1Income69.6Risk21.5Water56.9Weather37.658.4/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Ravalli County DNA

Foverall

How Ravalli County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Ravalli County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (82.9/100) but notably weak in Disaster Risk (21.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
82.9+30.900000000000006
Cost
25.1-22.9
Safety
68.9+13.900000000000006
Health
71.1+21.099999999999994
Schools
62.1+8.100000000000001
Income
69.6+18.599999999999994
Risk
21.5-25.5
Water
56.9
Weather
37.6-18.4
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$435,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,054/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$435,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$42,160/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum6.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $71,323/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

21.8

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

Granite County
Montana
57.4
Deer Lodge County
Montana
48.9
Idaho County
Idaho
60
Missoula County
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Lemhi County
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Silver Bow County
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Clearwater County
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Mineral County
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Deep Dives

Ravalli County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Ravalli County

via TaxByCounty

Ravalli taxes run low nationally

At 0.529%, Ravalli's effective tax rate sits well below the national median of 0.84%, placing the county in the bottom third of U.S. counties by burden. The median property tax here is $2,303, actually lower than the national median of $2,690 despite homes being worth $435,000—well above the U.S. median of $281,900.

Montana's lightest tax burden

Ravalli ranks among the lowest-taxed counties in Montana, with an effective rate of 0.529% compared to the state average of 0.767%. This means Ravalli homeowners save roughly 31% on tax rates compared to other Montanans.

Lowest rate in Western Montana

Ravalli's 0.529% rate beats neighboring Sanders County (0.549%) and beats more distant Stillwater County (0.599%) by a meaningful margin. Among comparable mountain counties, Ravalli offers some of the most tax-friendly conditions for homeowners.

What $435K home costs in taxes

A median-valued Ravalli home at $435,000 generates roughly $2,303 in annual property taxes. If you carry a mortgage, you'll likely pay $2,361; without one, expect $2,202.

Even low assessments can be wrong

Even in low-tax Ravalli, many homeowners are overassessed relative to recent sale prices. A property tax appeal costs nothing to file and can cut years of overpayment.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Ravalli County

via CostByCounty

Ravalli's rent pinch vs. the nation

Ravalli County residents spend 17.7% of household income on rent, nearly 2 percentage points above the national average of around 15.9%. With a median household income of $71,323—slightly below the national median of $74,755—renters here face tighter housing budgets than most Americans.

Among Montana counties, less affordable

Ravalli's 17.7% rent-to-income ratio ranks it among Montana's less affordable counties, above the state average of 15.9%. At $1,054 monthly rent versus the state median of $825, Ravalli's housing costs significantly outpace rural county peers.

Pricier than Missoula area rivals

Ravalli renters pay $1,054 monthly—$229 more than neighboring Rosebud County and $186 more than Sanders County. Only Stillwater County to the northeast shows comparable rental costs, suggesting Ravalli occupies a unique affordability zone in southwestern Montana.

Where Ravalli income goes to housing

A typical Ravalli renter spends 17.7% of $71,323 annual income on rent alone—$1,054 monthly. Homeowners fare better proportionally, with a median monthly cost of $1,065 capturing about 17.9% of household income, while median home values reach $435,000.

Consider your housing priorities here

If you're weighing Ravalli's higher rent and home prices against Montana alternatives, nearby Rosebud ($644 rent) and Sheridan ($749 rent) counties offer significantly lower housing costs. Stillwater County ($81,503 median income) provides the highest earning potential in this region, offsetting higher ownership costs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Ravalli County

via IncomeByCounty

Ravalli earns above the national average

Ravalli County's median household income of $71,323 sits just 4.6% below the U.S. median of $74,755, putting it in solid middle-income territory nationwide. This strong position reflects a prosperous local economy relative to most American counties.

Top earners in Montana

At $71,323, Ravalli's median household income ranks among Montana's strongest, running 14.5% above the state average of $62,295. This premium reflects the county's mix of professional services, outdoor tourism, and remote-work professionals.

Ravalli leads its regional peers

Ravalli outearns neighboring Roosevelt County ($53,125) by $18,198 and exceeds Rosebud County ($56,430) by nearly $15,000. Only Stillwater County ($81,503) in this region commands higher household incomes.

Housing remains affordable here

Ravalli's rent-to-income ratio of 17.7% is comfortably below the 30% threshold for housing affordability, meaning renters spend less than one-fifth of income on housing costs. With a median home value of $435,000, homeownership requires serious commitment, but the strong income base makes it achievable.

Build on Ravalli's income strength

With household incomes outpacing national norms, Ravalli residents have real capacity to invest beyond housing and basic expenses. Starting a retirement plan, diversifying into stocks or property, or launching a small business becomes feasible when household earnings exceed $71,000.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Ravalli County

via CrimeByCounty

Ravalli County Outperforms National Safety Averages

Ravalli County maintains an impressive safety score of 98.8, significantly higher than the typical American community. The total crime rate of 728.7 per 100K residents is less than one-third of the national average of 2,385.5.

A Leader in Montana Public Safety

With a safety score of 98.8, Ravalli County ranks above the Montana state average of 98.2. Its total crime rate of 728.7 per 100K also sits well below the state average of 1,112.5.

Safer than Regional Neighbors

Ravalli County proves more secure than neighboring Sanders County, which reports a total crime rate of 895.8 per 100K. Local law enforcement maintains a high standard of safety across its four reporting agencies.

Low Rates Across All Categories

Property crime accounts for 492.5 per 100K residents, while the violent crime rate is just 236.2. Both metrics remain below national benchmarks, reflecting a stable environment for residents and businesses.

Maintain Your Peace of Mind

While rates are low, 492.5 property crimes per 100K suggest that basic security measures are still valuable. Residents should stay proactive with smart lighting and neighborhood watch initiatives to keep these numbers trending down.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Ravalli County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust Network of Community Schools

Ravalli County supports a total of 5,619 students across 22 public schools. The infrastructure is balanced between eight elementary schools, eight middle schools, and six high schools. These facilities are managed by eight distinct school districts serving the Bitterroot Valley.

High Graduation Rates Despite Leaner Spending

The county boasts an impressive 93.8% graduation rate, significantly outpacing both the Montana state average of 83.7% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. While per-pupil expenditure is lower at $7,201 compared to the state average of $9,334, the composite school score of 56.0 remains above the national median. This indicates efficient educational delivery and strong student outcomes.

Hamilton and Corvallis Lead Enrollment

Hamilton K-12 Schools and Corvallis K-12 Schools are the primary educational hubs, serving 1,666 and 1,342 students respectively. There are currently no charter schools in the county, with all 22 institutions operating as traditional public schools. Darby K-12 Schools rounds out the top three districts with a smaller, focused enrollment of 326 students.

A Blend of Rural and Town Learning

Education here feels intimate, with an average school size of 255 students. While 18 schools are situated in rural settings, four serve the area's larger towns. Hamilton High School is the largest campus with 558 students, while many smaller rural schools offer highly personalized attention.

Find a Home Near Elite Graduation Rates

With graduation rates exceeding 93%, Ravalli County is an ideal destination for families prioritizing academic achievement. Explore homes near top-performing schools like Hamilton High to ensure your children benefit from the area's proven educational success. School quality remains a primary driver of long-term property value in this scenic valley.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Ravalli County

via RiskByCounty

Ravalli's risk exceeds U.S. average

Ravalli County scores 78.47 on the composite risk scale, placing it well above the national average and earning a Relatively Low rating. The county's wildfire hazard dominates its profile, while earthquake risk remains substantial at 69.34.

Among Montana's higher-risk counties

Ravalli ranks significantly above Montana's average composite risk of 33.31, making it one of the state's more exposed counties. This elevation is driven primarily by extreme wildfire vulnerability rather than multihazard exposure.

Highest risk in southwestern cluster

Ravalli's score of 78.47 substantially exceeds neighboring Sanders County (47.36) and Silver Bow County (38.04). Its wildfire risk of 98.89 is among the most severe in this region, reflecting the county's forested terrain and climate.

Wildfire is your dominant threat

Wildfire risk stands at 98.89—an extreme exposure that dwarfs other hazards and reflects Ravalli's position in Montana's wildland-urban interface. Earthquake risk at 69.34 poses a secondary concern, while tornado risk remains minimal at 9.10.

Prioritize wildfire and earthquake coverage

Homeowners should verify that their policies include wildfire damage and ensure adequate replacement-cost coverage given seismic risk. Consider defensible space maintenance and a home hardening assessment as critical first steps beyond insurance.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Ravalli County

via WaterByCounty

Ravalli County drinking water earns a C grade

The county records just one health violation over the last five years, resulting in a violation rate of 8.9 per 100,000 residents. This rate remains significantly lower than the Montana state average of 393.8 per 100,000. Residents benefit from a drinking water signal that is much more stable than national averages.

Full compliance across 39 assessed water bodies

The 2022 EPA ATTAINS cycle shows that 0.0% of the 39 assessed water bodies in Ravalli County are currently classified as impaired. This matches the state average of 0.0% for this reporting period. The lack of impairments suggests local watersheds are currently meeting Clean Water Act standards.

Active monitoring tracks 14,150 water measurements

Scientists maintain 73 monitoring sites across the county, collecting 14,150 distinct measurements over the last five years. Data collection focuses heavily on physical attributes, nutrients, and biological indicators like algae and phytoplankton. This density of data provides a high-resolution view of local water chemistry.

High discharge on the Bitterroot River

The USGS gauge at the Bitterroot River near Victor reports a current discharge of 8,990 cubic feet per second. While long-term mean data is currently unavailable for comparison, this gauge monitors a large drainage area of 1,944 square miles. This volume represents the primary surface water signal for the county.

Monitor local reports for minor compliance shifts

Because Ravalli County maintains a C grade with a single violation, residents should stay informed by reading annual Consumer Confidence Reports from their water providers. Excellent watershed health means source water is generally clean, though the high Bitterroot River flow can influence seasonal turbidity. No immediate filtration action is required based on the low violation rate.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Ravalli County

via WeatherByCounty

Ravalli County’s Cool Mountain Climate

Ravalli County maintains an average annual temperature of 43.7°F, which sits significantly lower than the national median. This alpine-influenced climate offers a crisp environment compared to more temperate regions across the United States.

Perfectly Aligned With Montana Averages

The county’s 43.7°F annual average matches the Montana state average exactly. While many counties vary wildly, Ravalli represents the thermal middle ground for the Big Sky State.

A Wetter Alternative to Mountain Neighbors

With 14.9 inches of annual precipitation, Ravalli is slightly drier than the state average of 15.4 inches. However, its 52.8 inches of annual snowfall outpaces many eastern Montana counties, keeping the Bitterroot Valley white for much of the winter.

Mild Summers and Snowy Winters

Summers are comfortable with a July average of 65.1°F, though residents still face 20 extreme heat days above 90°F annually. Winter brings a steady chill, with January temperatures averaging 25.3°F and significant seasonal snow accumulation.

Prepare for Snow and Seasonal Shifts

Residents should invest in high-quality snow removal equipment to manage the 52.8 inches of yearly snowfall. While summers are generally mild, the 20 days of extreme heat make supplemental cooling a wise addition for modern homes.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Ravalli County

via SoilByCounty

A Valley Defined by Diverse Terrains

While specific pH and taxonomic data for Ravalli County are limited in current datasets, the region’s Bitterroot Valley soils typically vary significantly between the river floor and mountain slopes. Without a recorded pH, we look to the state average of 7.43 to understand the generally alkaline nature of Montana ground.

Managing Unrecorded Soil Textures

Detailed sand, silt, and clay percentages are currently unavailable for this jurisdiction. Local growers usually encounter a mix of river-deposited alluvium and rocky mountain wash. These varied textures dictate how quickly water moves through the root zone.

Focusing on Organic Potential

Specific organic matter and available water capacity data are not listed for this county. For context, the state average for organic matter is 2.54%, which helps keep Montana soils productive despite the arid climate. Supplementing with compost remains a best practice for local gardeners.

Navigating Bitterroot Hydrology

Official drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not currently cataloged in this data set. In mountain valleys, drainage can shift rapidly from well-drained slopes to heavy, moisture-retaining bottomlands. Site-specific testing is essential before beginning any major building or irrigation projects.

Gardening in Hardiness Zone 5b

Ravalli County enjoys a USDA Hardiness Zone of 5b, offering a slightly longer growing season than many Montana neighbors. This climate supports everything from hardy apples to cool-season greens. Get started by planting raised beds to maximize soil warmth in the spring.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Ravalli County

via LawnByCounty

A Demanding Climate for Ravalli Lawns

With a difficulty score of 25.6, Ravalli County is significantly more challenging for lawn care than the national average of 50.0. This Hardiness Zone 5b area requires strategic planning to maintain healthy turf. The local score also trails the Montana state average of 33.4, highlighting the unique regional hurdles.

Short Seasons and Limited Rainfall

Annual precipitation of 14.9 inches falls far short of the 30-50 inches lawns ideally need. The growing season is compressed between a late spring frost on May 24 and an early fall frost on September 23. You only have about 1,479 growing degree days to establish and maintain your grass.

Prioritize Your Own Soil Testing

Specific data for soil pH and texture is currently limited for this county. Because Montana soils often vary significantly between valley floors and foothills, a professional soil test is your first essential step. Understanding your specific site helps determine if you need to adjust for alkalinity or drainage issues.

Persistent Dry Spells Test Resilience

Ravalli County endured 43 weeks of drought over the past year, and 62.5% of the area remains abnormally dry. To conserve water, prioritize deep, infrequent soaking that encourages roots to reach deeper into the soil. Avoid mowing during the 20 annual extreme heat days to reduce grass stress.

Start Strong After May Frosts

Hardy cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass or Fine Fescue are best suited for Zone 5b. Plan to seed or sod after the final frost on May 24 to ensure the soil is warm enough for success. With the right local species, you can build a resilient lawn despite the low precipitation.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ravalli County's county score?
Ravalli County, Montana has a composite county score of 58.4 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 Ravalli County rank among counties in Montana?
Ravalli County ranks #27 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 Ravalli County, Montana?
The median annual property tax in Ravalli County is $2,303, with an effective tax rate of 0.53%. This earns Ravalli County a tax score of 82.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Ravalli County?
The median household income in Ravalli County, Montana is $71,323 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Ravalli County earns an income score of 69.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Ravalli County, Montana a good place to live?
Ravalli County scores 58.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #27 in Montana. The best way to evaluate Ravalli 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 Ravalli 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.