countyscore
58.8
County Score
Water Quality 86Income & Jobs 85.4Disaster Risk 83.3

County Report Card

About Stillwater County, Montana

Stillwater Exceeds National Standards

Stillwater County earns a strong composite score of 58.9, comfortably beating the national median of 50.0. It ranks among the higher-performing counties for overall livability in the U.S.

Surpassing the Montana Average

Stillwater's 58.9 score places it above the Montana state average of 56.4. This indicates a high level of performance compared to the typical experience in the Treasure State.

Prosperous Incomes and High Resilience

The county excels with an Income Score of 85.4 and a median household income of $81,503. Its Risk Score of 83.3 and Water Score of 86.0 demonstrate exceptional environmental stability.

High Costs of Living

Stillwater's primary challenge is its Cost Score of 26.8, reflecting a median home value of $355,600. While incomes are high, housing affordability remains a hurdle for new residents.

A Premier Choice for High Earners

Stillwater is an ideal destination for high-income families looking for a safe, environmentally resilient place to settle. It offers a rare combination of strong wages and top-tier natural resources.

Score breakdown

Tax74.6Cost26.8Safety50.6Health75Schools64Income85.4Risk83.3Water86Weather38.1
🏛74.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠26.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼85.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡50.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤75
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓64
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡83.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤38.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱40.9
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 →
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Stillwater County

Whether buying or refinancing in Stillwater County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

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
Compare Stillwater County with Clearwater County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Clearwater County
Idaho
Median income: $57,961
58.8
Woodford County
Illinois
Median income: $85,629
58.8
Lane County
Kansas
Median income: $53,042
58.8
Phillips County
Kansas
Median income: $61,235
58.8
Greenup County
Kentucky
Median income: $59,613
58.8
Caldwell Parish
Louisiana
Median income: $44,957
58.8
Harper County
Oklahoma
Median income: $59,191
58.8
Jones County
South Dakota
Median income: $64,688
58.8

Nearby counties

Sweet Grass County
Montana
64.6
Carbon County
Montana
64.8
Park County
Montana
48.9
Golden Valley County
Montana
69.9
Yellowstone County
Montana
32.6
Wheatland County
Montana
63.2
Musselshell County
Montana
59.7
Park County
Wyoming
57.8

Deep Dives

Stillwater County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Stillwater County

via TaxByCounty

Stillwater runs below national average

Stillwater's effective tax rate of 0.599% sits 29% below the national median of 0.84%, placing it in the bottom third of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $2,131 is 21% lower than the national median of $2,690, despite homes worth significantly more at $355,600.

Among Montana's most favorable rates

Stillwater's 0.599% rate sits 22% below Montana's state average of 0.767%, ranking among the state's most tax-friendly counties. Homeowners here enjoy a clear advantage over the typical Montanan.

Third-best in all-county comparison

Stillwater's 0.599% trails only Ravalli (0.529%) and Sanders (0.549%), significantly undercutting Rosebud (0.630%) and all eastern counties. It's a tax haven for central-southern Montana.

What $356K home costs in taxes

A median Stillwater home valued at $355,600 generates approximately $2,131 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, expect $2,340; without, roughly $1,864.

Even favorable rates need checking

Stillwater's competitive tax rate doesn't guarantee accurate assessments—many homeowners are still paying on overvalued properties. Filing a free property tax appeal can validate your assessment and recover past overpayments.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Stillwater County

via CostByCounty

Stillwater's affluence cushions housing costs

Stillwater County's 14.3% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national average, bolstered by Montana's highest median household income of $81,503—9% above the national figure. Renters here pay $968 monthly while maintaining strong affordability relative to earnings.

Montana's highest earners, solid affordability

Stillwater's 14.3% rent-to-income ratio beats the state average of 15.9%, achieved through the state's strongest median household income of $81,503. This central Montana county combines robust earning potential with manageable housing burdens.

Premium prices offset by premium incomes

Stillwater's $968 median rent is the highest across all eight counties, yet its 14.3% rent-to-income ratio remains competitive because of its exceptional $81,503 median income. Only Ravalli ($1,054) pays more rent, but with lower income and worse affordability ratios.

Stillwater's high-income housing market

Renters allocate 14.3% of a $81,503 annual income—$968 monthly—to housing, among the lowest burdens despite highest rents. Homeowners spend $1,136 monthly (16.7% of income) for median homes valued at $355,600, reflecting a prosperous local economy supporting higher-priced real estate.

Montana's premium market for earners

Stillwater offers Montana's best income-to-affordability ratio, with the state's highest median earnings supporting moderate housing burden despite the region's highest rents. If you're relocating with above-average income potential, Stillwater provides Montana's strongest economic foundation.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Stillwater County

via IncomeByCounty

Stillwater leads Montana in earnings

Stillwater County's median household income of $81,503 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by 9%, making it one of the strongest-earning counties in the state. This premium reflects a diversified economy with agriculture, energy, and professional services.

Montana's top earner

Stillwater's $81,503 ranks highest among all eight counties and runs 30.8% above Montana's state average of $62,295. The county's economic strength stands out starkly against most of rural Montana.

Stillwater far outearns its peers

Stillwater's $81,503 exceeds Ravalli County ($71,323) by $10,180 and dwarfs Roosevelt County ($53,125) by $28,378—the largest gap in this eight-county group. The county's income premium is unmatched across Montana.

Strong incomes, rising home values

Stillwater's rent-to-income ratio of 14.3% is excellent, and the median home value of $355,600 remains achievable for households earning over $81,000. The strong income-to-housing-cost ratio creates genuine wealth-building capacity.

Capitalize on Stillwater's prosperity

With household incomes nearly 9% above the national median, Stillwater residents have substantial capacity to save beyond basic expenses. Maximizing 401(k) contributions, diversifying into stock portfolios, and considering investment property or business ventures become realistic strategies for long-term wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Stillwater County

via CrimeByCounty

Stillwater County Strong on Safety

Stillwater County maintains a safety score of 98.2. Its total crime rate of 1,113.9 per 100K is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Tracking with Montana Benchmarks

The county's safety score of 98.2 perfectly matches the Montana state average. Its total crime rate of 1,113.9 per 100K is virtually identical to the state average of 1,112.5.

Regional Safety Comparisons

Stillwater County is much safer than nearby Silver Bow County, which sees a rate of 4,800.9. However, it trails the exceptional safety of Rosebud County's 168.5 crime rate.

Violent and Property Crime Detail

Violent crime in Stillwater is 367.6 per 100K, nearly matching the national average of 369.8. Property crime is relatively low at 746.3, far below the national property crime rate of 2,015.7.

Keeping Stillwater Secure

A property crime rate of 746.3 per 100K indicates a generally secure environment. Simple steps like installing motion-sensor lighting can help keep your property even safer from potential intruders.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Stillwater County

via HealthByCounty

Stillwater exceeds U.S. health standards

Stillwater County's life expectancy of 77.5 years beats the U.S. average of 76.4 years, and its 12.2% poor/fair health rate sits well below the national average of 17%. The county ranks among America's healthier regions.

Montana's top health performer

At 77.5 years, Stillwater County boasts the highest life expectancy in Montana, exceeding the state average of 76.3 years by 1.2 years. Its 9% uninsured rate ties with Silver Bow as the state's lowest, demonstrating strong insurance coverage paired with excellent health outcomes.

Health leadership with modest provider base

Stillwater achieves the best health outcomes in Montana despite having only 33 primary care providers per 100K—well below many neighbors. Its 76 mental health providers per 100K is the state's lowest, yet this doesn't prevent the county's top-tier life expectancy and health ratings.

High health status, lean provider structure

With 91% of Stillwater County residents insured and a life expectancy leading the state, the county demonstrates that health outcomes can exceed state averages without oversized provider networks. This suggests strong community health, preventive care engagement, or favorable demographics are driving superior results.

Keep Stillwater's coverage strong

Stillwater County's 9% uninsured rate is Montana's lowest—a model for the state. If you're among the few without coverage, visit Healthcare.gov to ensure you're protected and maintain your county's health advantage.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Stillwater County

via SchoolsByCounty

Strong Local Control Across Twelve Districts

Stillwater County serves 1,356 students across 17 public schools, including seven elementary and five high schools. With 12 different school districts, the county emphasizes localized community governance. This ensures that even the smallest towns have a direct say in their children's education.

Leading the State in Graduation Rates

The county's 90.9% graduation rate is one of the highest in the region, far exceeding the state average of 83.7%. This academic success is paired with a school score of 57.2, which beats both the state and national averages. Spending remains efficient at $8,474 per pupil, delivering high-value results for taxpayers.

Columbus Schools at the County's Core

Columbus Elementary is the largest district, serving 469 students across two schools. Park City Elementary is the next largest hub, educating 224 students. All 17 schools are traditional public institutions, as no charter schools currently operate within Stillwater County's borders.

Small Schools in a Purely Rural Setting

Every school in Stillwater County is classified as rural, providing a peaceful and focused learning environment. The average school size is just 80 students, with Columbus Elementary being the largest at 304 students. This small-scale approach allows for high levels of student participation in sports and clubs.

Target Homes with Premier Academic Stats

For families where academic performance is the top priority, Stillwater County's 90.9% graduation rate is a compelling reason to move here. Homes in the Columbus or Park City areas offer the best access to the county's largest and highest-scoring schools. Investing here means securing a spot in one of Montana's top-performing educational landscapes.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Stillwater County

via RiskByCounty

Stillwater ranks as very low risk

Stillwater County's composite risk of 16.76 is exceptionally low, well below national averages, earning a Very Low rating. The county's modest wildfire exposure is its only above-baseline hazard.

Among Montana's safest counties

Stillwater scores 16.76 compared to Montana's average of 33.31, ranking it among the state's lowest-risk counties. All major hazard categories fall significantly below state norms.

Similar safety profile to Sheridan

Stillwater (16.76) and Sheridan County (15.08) are Montana's two lowest-risk counties, reflecting their eastern plains location. Both avoid the wildfire and earthquake exposures that characterize western and southwestern Montana.

Wildfire is only moderate exposure

Wildfire risk of 87.05 is Stillwater's primary concern, though still moderate in absolute terms. Flood (36.23), earthquake (33.65), and tornado (6.62) risks all fall well below county and state benchmarks.

Standard insurance generally adequate

Stillwater's very low composite risk profile means most homeowners can rely on standard policies for adequate protection. Verify wildfire coverage if your property adjoins grasslands; otherwise, your existing homeowners insurance likely covers primary risks.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Stillwater County

via WeatherByCounty

Average Temperatures, Extraordinary Snowfall

Stillwater County’s 44.0°F annual average is typical for the region, but its moisture patterns are unique. The county faces a heavy seasonal snow load compared to much of the United States.

Matching the Montana Temperature Baseline

Stillwater’s 44.0°F annual average is nearly identical to the Montana state average of 43.7°F. However, its 18.7 inches of precipitation makes it wetter than many other parts of the state.

A Regional Leader in Heavy Snow

While neighboring counties might see moderate totals, Stillwater gets buried under 87.3 inches of annual snowfall. This is nearly triple the snowfall seen in eastern Montana counties like Richland.

Mountain Winters and Gentle Summers

July averages a pleasant 65.9°F, while winter is defined by the massive 87.3-inch snow total. January temperatures stay relatively mild for the state at 26.1°F, despite the heavy precipitation.

Serious Snow Prep is Mandatory

With over 87 inches of snow per year, residents need professional-grade snow blowers and structural roof considerations. While 19 days of extreme heat occur, the primary planning focus should remain on winter moisture management.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Stillwater County

via SoilByCounty

Foothills and River Valley Soils

Stillwater County lacks specific pH and taxonomic data in this dataset. Most local soils follow the Montana trend of alkalinity, averaging around 7.43 compared to the national median of 6.5. The proximity to the Beartooth Mountains creates a diverse range of soil identities from north to south.

Variable Textures of the Yellowstone

No specific percentages for sand, silt, or clay are available for this jurisdiction. The county features a mix of river-fed alluvium and upland silts, offering various levels of workability. These soils often have a significant gravel component due to the local geology.

Building Potential in the Valleys

Organic matter and water capacity data are currently unlisted for Stillwater County. Montana’s state average organic matter of 2.54% is a good target for local growers to aim for. Adding organic material will help improve the water-holding capacity of the sometimes-rocky foothill soils.

Managing Runoff and Irrigation

Specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not cataloged here. Because the county spans from river valleys to mountains, drainage speeds vary wildly based on location and slope. Understanding how water moves across your specific plot is the first step to a successful landscape.

Thriving in Zone 5a

Stillwater County resides in Hardiness Zone 5a, supporting a wide range of hardy vegetables and berries. The cool mountain nights are perfect for brassicas like kale and broccoli, which become sweeter with a light frost. Start your garden in a sunny, sheltered spot to protect plants from wind.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Stillwater County

via LawnByCounty

Stillwater Leads the Region in Ease

Stillwater County offers the best lawn-growing conditions in this group with a difficulty score of 40.9. This significantly beats the Montana state average of 33.4, though it still falls short of the national 50.0 benchmark. It is a solid location for a Hardiness Zone 5a lawn.

Better Rainfall than State Averages

Annual precipitation of 18.7 inches provides a stronger foundation than the 15.4-inch state average. While the frost-free season is somewhat short—running from June 1 to September 14—the 1,635 growing degree days support healthy development. Extreme heat is moderate, with only 19 days over 90°F.

Build a Custom Soil Strategy

Specific soil metrics are not available, but the diversity of Stillwater’s landscape suggests local variations in drainage. We recommend a soil test to determine your specific needs for organic matter and pH balance. Ensuring good drainage is vital for keeping cool-season grasses healthy through the June rains.

Relatively Resilient to Drought

With only 16 weeks in drought over the last year, Stillwater is more resilient than many neighboring counties. However, 89.3% of the area is currently abnormally dry, so sensible watering is still necessary. Deep watering twice a week is usually sufficient to maintain green turf during the summer months.

Leverage the Superior Growing Score

Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue are excellent choices to take advantage of the county's favorable score. Begin your seeding or sodding projects after the June 1 frost date for the best results. The slightly higher rainfall here gives you a distinct advantage in establishing a lush, durable lawn.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Stillwater County's county score?
Stillwater County, Montana has a composite county score of 58.8 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 Stillwater County rank among counties in Montana?
Stillwater County ranks #26 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 Stillwater County, Montana?
The median annual property tax in Stillwater County is $2,131, with an effective tax rate of 0.60%. This earns Stillwater County a tax score of 74.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Stillwater County?
The median household income in Stillwater County, Montana is $81,503 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Stillwater County earns an income score of 85.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Stillwater County, Montana a good place to live?
Stillwater County scores 58.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #26 in Montana. The best way to evaluate Stillwater 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 Stillwater 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.