countyscore
49.1
County Score
Disaster Risk 87Schools 85.8Cost of Living 54.8

County Report Card

About Toole County, Montana

Falling just shy of national medians

Toole County earns a composite score of 49.1, placing it just slightly below the national median of 50.0. While competitive in some areas, it reflects some structural economic challenges.

Trailing the Montana state average

Toole's score of 49.1 sits below the Montana state average of 56.4. The county faces a tougher climb compared to its peers in more diversified parts of the state.

Strong schools and environmental safety

The county features an impressive school score of 85.8 and a risk score of 87.0. It offers a very safe environment regarding natural disasters and provides high-quality educational resources.

Low income levels and tax pressures

An income score of 22.2 indicates that residents earn a median of $53,693, significantly lower than other regions. The tax score of 40.9 highlights a higher effective tax rate of 0.963% that eats into these lower earnings.

Best for those prioritizing education

Toole County is a viable option for families who place school quality above all else. However, it requires careful budgeting due to the combination of lower incomes and relatively high tax rates.

2040608010040.954.833.938.385.822.28727.239.8Tax40.9Cost54.8Safety33.9Health38.3Schools85.8Income22.2Risk87Water27.2Weather39.849.1/100
This county
National avg
2 above average6 below average

Toole County DNA

Foverall

How Toole County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Toole County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (87/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (27.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
40.9-11.100000000000001
Cost
54.8
Safety
33.9-21.1
Health
38.3-11.700000000000003
Schools
85.8+31.799999999999997
Income
22.2-28.8
Risk
87+40
Water
27.2-30.8
Weather
39.8-16.200000000000003
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Think property taxes are too high in Toole County?

Many homeowners in Toole County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$187,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$753/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$187,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$30,120/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $53,693/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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

Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Pondera County
Montana
51.5
Liberty County
Montana
57.1
Teton County
Montana
62.9
Glacier County
Montana
52.6
Chouteau County
Montana
65.7
Hill County
Montana
34.1
Cascade County
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33.5
Flathead County
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39.8

Deep Dives

Toole County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Toole County

via TaxByCounty

Toole taxes run above national median

At 0.963%, Toole County's effective rate exceeds the national median by 26%, placing it in the top 30% of U.S. counties for tax burden. Yet median taxes of $1,805 remain 33% below the national median of $2,690, thanks to lower home values.

Higher-taxed Montana county

Toole County ranks in the top third of Montana counties by effective rate, at 0.963%—25% above the state average of 0.767%. The median tax bill of $1,805 nearly matches the state median, making Toole a moderately expensive county to own property in.

More expensive than most neighbors

Toole's 0.963% rate ranks third-highest in this eight-county region, behind only Valley County (1.100%) and Yellowstone County (0.840%). It significantly exceeds Sweet Grass (0.491%), Treasure (0.616%), and Wheatland (0.650%).

Median home costs $1,805 yearly

On Toole County's median home value of $187,400, owners pay approximately $1,805 in annual property taxes. Adding county assessments tied to mortgages increases that to $2,040.

You may be overassessed

Many Montana property owners discover their homes are overvalued on county rolls. If your recent appraisal or comparable sales suggest your home's worth has shifted, filing a property tax appeal could lower your effective rate and save hundreds annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Toole County

via CostByCounty

Toole's income challenge limits affordability

Toole County residents face the toughest housing affordability conditions in this analysis, with median household income of just $53,693—nearly $21,000 below the national median of $74,755. The 16.8% rent-to-income ratio sits modestly below national norms, but translates into genuine financial strain on lower-earning households.

Below-average income, median-range rents

Toole County's 16.8% rent-to-income ratio sits just above Montana's state average of 15.9%, but the county's significantly lower median income ($53,693 vs state context) creates real affordability pressure. The $753 rent is among Montana's lowest, yet still burdensome for this population.

Cheap rent, limited income

Toole's $753 rent rivals Teton County's affordability advantage, but the county's lower household income means that rent still consumes a larger income percentage. Neighboring Wheatland County faces similar income challenges with comparable housing costs.

Ownership costs outpace rental affordability

At $753 monthly, rent represents 16.8% of the median $53,693 income, but ownership is steeper: the median monthly cost of $958 reflects the $187,400 home value. For lower-income households here, homeownership requires careful financial planning despite affordable nominal prices.

Opportunity for relocating remote workers

If you're relocating with stable income from outside the county, Toole offers some of Montana's cheapest housing—rent under $800 and homes under $190,000. However, local wages are modest, so moving here works best if your income isn't dependent on regional employment.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Toole County

via IncomeByCounty

Toole faces significant income gap

At $53,693, Toole County's median household income trails the national average of $74,755 by over $21,000—a 28% shortfall. This represents one of the larger income challenges in the region.

Toole ranks among Montana's lowest

Toole's $53,693 median falls nearly $8,600 below Montana's county average of $62,295, placing it in the lower tier statewide. The county's per capita income of $29,977 is also well below the state average of $35,700.

Toole significantly trails all neighbors

Toole's $53,693 median trails every neighboring county—Teton ($67,766), Valley ($64,515), Wibaux ($64,792), and Wheatland ($47,054) all earn more. Only Wheatland comes close, but even that county reflects Toole's broader income challenge.

Housing costs stretch tight budgets

Toole's 16.8% rent-to-income ratio is reasonable, but combined with lower median income, leaves less room for savings. The median home value of $187,400 equals 3.5 years of median income—a steep climb without aggressive saving.

Maximize every income dollar here

Lower incomes require disciplined budgeting—start by tracking expenses and automating even small savings amounts. Consider skills training or local economic development initiatives that could boost earning potential over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Toole County

via CrimeByCounty

Toole County Safety Overview

Toole County earns a safety score of 97.6, indicating a generally safe environment. Its total crime rate of 1,534.5 per 100,000 is lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Tracking Close to State Averages

The county's safety score of 97.6 sits just below the Montana state average of 98.2. Total crime in Toole is slightly higher than the state average of 1,112.5.

Comparing Regional Crime Trends

Toole County has a higher crime rate than nearby Teton County but remains safer than Yellowstone County. Its property crime rate of 1,335.2 is significantly lower than the national average.

Property Crime vs Violent Incidents

Most reported incidents are property crimes, which occur at a rate of 1,335.2 per 100,000 residents. Violent crime is relatively rare at 199.3, which is lower than both the state and national averages.

Securing Your Toole County Property

Since property crime makes up the bulk of local incidents, securing homes and vehicles is a smart priority. Basic deterrents like outdoor lighting go a long way in this community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Toole County

via SchoolsByCounty

Centralized Education in a Rural Hub

Toole County manages 11 public schools serving 662 total students through five distinct districts. The infrastructure consists of seven elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools.

Exceptional Graduation and High Scores

Toole County reaches a 95.0% graduation rate, which is eight points higher than the national average. With a per-pupil expenditure of $9,695, the county earns a school score of 62.0, well above the state average of 53.7.

Shelby Elementary Leads the Region

Shelby Elementary is the largest district, overseeing four schools and 390 students. All education in the county is provided through traditional public schools, as there are no charter schools currently in operation.

Mix of Rural and Town Locales

While eight schools are rural, three are located in town settings, offering some variety in campus environments. Shelby Elementary School is the largest campus with 281 students, while the county average sits at 60 students per school.

Settle Near Top-Tier Public Schools

With a school score of 62.0, Toole County offers a high-quality education for families looking to buy a home. High graduation rates and a diverse mix of town and rural schools make this an attractive region for relocators.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Toole County

via RiskByCounty

Toole County faces low national risk

With a composite risk score of 13.01 and a Very Low rating, Toole County's natural disaster exposure ranks substantially below the U.S. average. Your county benefits from geographic and climatic factors that minimize exposure to major hazard types.

Below-average risk across Montana

Toole's composite score of 13.01 falls well short of Montana's 33.31 state average, positioning the county among the state's safer regions. This favorable standing reflects relatively modest exposure across flood, wildfire, and earthquake hazards compared to statewide peers.

Comparable to surrounding counties

Toole's 13.01 score sits between Wheatland County (3.50) and Teton County (19.02), making it a moderate-risk neighbor in the region. Your wildfire risk of 47.90 is lower than most adjacent counties, offering a relative advantage in fire season preparedness.

Wildfire leads minor hazards

Wildfire risk at 47.90 is your county's most significant exposure, though earthquake (29.87) and flood (17.78) risks remain well-controlled. Tornado risk is minimal at 3.85, meaning spring weather poses little concern compared to western Montana counties.

Ensure wildfire coverage exists

Review your homeowner's policy to confirm wildfire damage coverage is included, as this represents your primary natural disaster exposure. A basic property insurance review and modest defensible-space measures around your home provide strong protection for Toole County conditions.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Toole County

via WaterByCounty

Toole County Drinking Water Under Stress

Toole County receives a Grade F after recording five health violations in the EPA SDWIS database. The violation rate stands at 79.1 per 100,000 residents, which remains below the Montana state average of 393.8. Nevertheless, repeated health-based violations indicate recurring issues in local drinking water safety.

Local Watersheds Meet Federal Standards

The 2022 reporting cycle confirms that none of the six assessed water bodies in Toole County are impaired. This 0.0% impairment rate matches the state average, showing that the small number of assessed streams maintain high quality. These water bodies currently support their intended uses without documented degradation.

Sparse Monitoring Data for Toole County

A single monitoring site in the county has produced 135 measurements over the past five years. Most of this data tracks physical properties, inorganics, and metals. This limited monitoring footprint provides only a narrow perspective on the county's overall water quality.

Marias River Running High at Shelby

The Marias River near Shelby reports a discharge of 1,930 cfs, significantly higher than its long-term mean of 866 cfs. At 223% of typical flow, the river is currently experiencing a period of high volume. This increase impacts both local irrigation and potential source water characteristics.

Focus on Filtration and Violations

Residents should remain vigilant regarding the county's Grade F compliance and prioritize water filtration when health notices are issued. Current Marias River flows are 223% of normal, which can mobilize metals or inorganics often found in local monitoring sites. Consider periodic home testing to ensure safety from these potential contaminants.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Toole County

via WeatherByCounty

Cold and dry northern plains

Toole County sits at an average annual temperature of 42.3°F, roughly 11 degrees cooler than the national median. It is a semi-arid region, receiving only 13.0 inches of precipitation annually.

Among Montana's cooler counties

The county's 42.3°F average falls below the Montana state average of 43.7°F. Winter is particularly harsh here, with a December-February average of 21.4°F, which is notably colder than the state's southern regions.

Windiest and coldest in the north

Toole County averages 14 days of extreme heat, which is higher than neighbor Teton County but less than Valley County to the east. It sees 57.9 inches of annual snowfall, creating a more rugged winter environment than many nearby plains counties.

Deep winter and sharp summers

January temperatures plunge to an average of 20.1°F, making it one of the colder spots in the state. Conversely, July brings a warm average of 66.1°F, with heat occasionally spiking over 90°F for two weeks of the year.

Winterize for the long haul

High-efficiency heating systems are a necessity given the 21.4°F winter average. Residents should also plan for 57.9 inches of snow, necessitating reliable 4WD vehicles and emergency kits for winter travel across the open plains.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Toole County

via SoilByCounty

Rich Organic Matter in Toole

Toole County features an average pH of 7.37, which is slightly more acidic than the state average but still above the national median of 6.5. This pH level supports a wide range of nutrient availability for local agriculture.

A Balanced Mix for Reliable Crops

The soil contains 36.8% sand, 35.2% silt, and 26.0% clay. This relatively even distribution provides a stable structure that resists compaction while maintaining enough clay for essential nutrient storage.

Outperforming the State Average

With an impressive 3.31% organic matter, Toole far exceeds the state average of 2.54%. Its available water capacity of 0.159 in/in is just below the state norm, requiring careful moisture management during dry spells.

Sturdy Ground for High Plains Farming

While specific drainage classes are not listed, the 26.0% clay content suggests moderate drainage speeds. Farmers should monitor for surface crusting, which can occasionally occur in soils with this specific mineral balance.

Tough Plants for Zone 4a

Zone 4a features a short growing season that benefits from the county's high organic matter. Focus on hardy grains or fast-growing vegetables like radishes and spinach to thrive in these rich northern soils.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Toole County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating High Plains Lawn Care

Toole County's lawn difficulty score of 32.1 is nearly identical to the Montana state average of 33.4. Growing in zone 4a means your grass must survive brutal winter temperatures and a very short summer season. Maintaining a lush lawn here is a test of patience and resource management.

Low Rainfall and Cool Summers

The region receives only 13.0 inches of precipitation annually, which is significantly lower than the 30-50 inches preferred by turfgrass. With 1663 growing degree days and 14 days of extreme heat, the climate is relatively cool, limiting the speed of lawn recovery after wear. High winds often accelerate evaporation, making consistent watering schedules essential.

Alkaline Soils and Clay Texture

The soil pH in Toole County averages 7.37, which is slightly alkaline compared to the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. The soil composition is 26.0% clay and 36.8% sand, which can lead to compaction and slow drainage. Aeration is recommended annually to help water and nutrients reach the root zone in these heavy soils.

Managing Severe Drought Stress

Drought has persisted for 47 weeks over the last year, with 74.1% of the county currently in severe drought. These conditions make natural lawn maintenance nearly impossible without supplemental irrigation. Utilizing mulch-mowing can help retain soil moisture and provide a small buffer against the dry environment.

Best Grasses for Toole County

Hardy cool-season grasses like Sheep Fescue or Blue Grama are best suited for the zone 4a climate. Plan your seeding after the last frost on May 23 to ensure the young grass has the best chance to mature. You have until September 25 before the first fall frost likely ends the growing season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Toole County's county score?
Toole County, Montana has a composite county score of 49.1 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 Toole County rank among counties in Montana?
Toole County ranks #41 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 Toole County, Montana?
The median annual property tax in Toole County is $1,805, with an effective tax rate of 0.96%. This earns Toole County a tax score of 40.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Toole County?
The median household income in Toole County, Montana is $53,693 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Toole County earns an income score of 22.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Toole County, Montana a good place to live?
Toole County scores 49.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #41 in Montana. The best way to evaluate Toole 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 Toole 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.