69.5
County Score
Disaster Risk 99.5Schools 98.1Safety 97.5

County Report Card

About Treasure County, Montana

Elite standing on the national stage

Treasure County boasts a remarkable composite score of 69.5, far surpassing the national median of 50.0. This score ranks it among the top rural counties in the United States.

A standout leader in Montana

At 69.5, Treasure County is significantly stronger than the Montana state average of 56.4. It represents a peak of rural livability within the state borders.

Unrivaled safety and education quality

The county achieves near-perfect marks with a risk score of 99.5, a school score of 98.1, and a safety score of 97.5. These numbers reflect an exceptionally secure community with world-class local schooling.

Critical water score needs attention

A water score of 0.2 indicates severe challenges with water access or quality that prospective residents must consider. Housing cost scores are also lower at 36.5, though home values remain moderate at $215,300.

Perfect for safety-focused families

Treasure County is a top-tier choice for families who want the safest possible environment and the best schools. It is ideal for those who can solve or manage localized water issues to enjoy an otherwise elite lifestyle.

Score breakdown

Tax72.5Cost36.5Safety97.5Health56.5Schools98.1Income74.1Risk99.5Water0.2Weather32.2
🏛72.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠36.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼74.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
56.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓98.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
99.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧0.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤32.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨31.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱46.1
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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Deep Dives

Treasure County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Treasure County

via TaxByCounty

Treasure County taxes stay competitive

Treasure County's effective rate of 0.616% ranks in the bottom 30% of U.S. counties, well below the national median of 0.767%. Homeowners pay just $1,326 annually on a median home of $215,300—half the national median tax of $2,690.

Below-average Montana county

Treasure ranks among Montana's lighter-taxed counties with a 0.616% effective rate, 20% below the state average of 0.767%. The median tax of $1,326 is $476 lower than the state median, offering genuine relief for rural homeowners.

Lower taxes than most peers

Treasure's 0.616% rate beats four of the eight profiled counties and matches Sweet Grass's affordability. Only Wheatland County (0.650%) and Wibaux County (0.709%) come close; Valley County (1.100%) and Toole County (0.963%) are substantially higher.

Median home costs $1,326 yearly

Treasure County homeowners with a median-valued property of $215,300 pay approximately $1,326 in annual property taxes. With county assessments and mortgage-related items, the total rises to $1,565.

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.

Cost of Living in Treasure County

via CostByCounty

Treasure County holds its own nationally

Treasure County's median household income of $73,036 nearly matches the national median of $74,755, and its 16.3% rent-to-income ratio stays within the typical American range. At $992 monthly rent, the county sits above national and state medians but remains manageable for its income level.

Slightly above Montana's affordability average

Treasure County's 16.3% rent-to-income ratio edges above Montana's state average of 15.9%, placing it in the mid-range of the state's affordability rankings. The $992 median rent is substantially higher than Montana's $825 state median, reflecting tighter market conditions.

Mid-priced rental option in region

Treasure County's $992 rent falls between lower-cost neighbors like Teton ($750) and higher-cost Yellowstone ($1,084), while its homeownership costs ($875) are competitive. The county offers a balanced middle ground in regional housing markets.

Rent leads the housing cost equation

Renters spend $992 monthly (16.3% of the $73,036 median income), while homeowners pay $875 on a median property value of $215,300. Overall, housing claims roughly one in six income dollars across both tenure types.

Moderate pricing in rural Montana

Treasure County suits relocators seeking rural Montana living without the premium prices of Yellowstone County, yet with solid income-to-housing alignment. With household incomes close to the national average and mid-range rents, it's a balanced choice for those prioritizing stability over deep discounts.

Income & Jobs in Treasure County

via IncomeByCounty

Treasure nearly matches U.S. average

Treasure County's median household income of $73,036 comes within $1,719 of the national median of $74,755. The county ranks among Montana's strongest income performers relative to national benchmarks.

Treasure leads Montana counties

At $73,036, Treasure's median household income exceeds Montana's county average of $62,295 by 17%—the highest margin among the profiled counties. The per capita income of $45,882 also tops the state average by 29%.

Treasure outearns most county peers

Treasure's $73,036 median trails only Yellowstone ($74,400) among profiled counties and outpaces Sweet Grass ($69,426), Teton ($67,766), and all other neighbors. Its per capita income of $45,882 is the region's strongest.

Housing costs well-managed

Treasure's 16.3% rent-to-income ratio indicates healthy affordability margins. The median home value of $215,300 equals under three years of median income, making homeownership more achievable than in many neighboring counties.

Build substantial wealth in Treasure

Treasure households benefit from above-average income and reasonable housing costs—creating ideal conditions for wealth accumulation. Maximize 401(k) contributions, diversify into index funds, and consider real estate or small business investments.

Safety in Treasure County

via CrimeByCounty

Treasure County Reports Minimal Crime

Treasure County boasts a perfect safety score of 100.0 with zero reported crimes per 100,000 residents in 2022. This stands in stark contrast to the national average rate of 2,385.5.

Top Safety Ranking in Montana

Treasure County is one of the safest jurisdictions in Montana, far exceeding the state average safety score of 98.2. The reported crime rate of 0.0 is significantly lower than the state average of 1,112.5.

Quiet Living Compared to Neighbors

While neighboring Yellowstone County sees high activity, Treasure County reports no criminal incidents. We interpret this data with caution as it comes from a single reporting agency.

No Violent or Property Incidents

Both violent and property crime rates were 0.0 per 100,000 residents for the latest reporting year. This indicates an exceptionally quiet period for the local community.

Preserving Your Local Peace

Even with perfect safety scores, it is wise to maintain standard home security. Neighbors looking out for each other keeps Treasure County among the safest in the nation.

Health in Treasure County

via HealthByCounty

Limited health data, clear challenges

While Treasure County's life expectancy data is unavailable, the 14.9% poor/fair health rate is slightly below the national average of 17.1%, suggesting moderately adequate health outcomes. More detailed data collection would provide clearer insight into resident health trends.

Sparse data reflects rural reality

Treasure County's 14.9% poor/fair health rate sits below Montana's state average of around 16.5%, though detailed life expectancy comparisons are limited by data availability. The county's small population makes comprehensive health tracking challenging but important.

Health outcomes relatively stable

Treasure's 14.9% poor/fair health rate is lower than Teton County (15.9%), Toole County (19.5%), and Wibaux County (17.5%), suggesting better overall health than several neighbors. However, without life expectancy data, full regional comparison remains difficult.

Uninsured rate slightly above state

Treasure County's 12.5% uninsured rate is slightly above Montana's 11.9% average, affecting roughly 1 in 8 residents. Primary care and mental health provider data is unavailable, reflecting the challenges of healthcare access in very small rural communities.

Ensuring coverage in Treasure County

Treasure residents without insurance should explore Montana Medicaid and marketplace options immediately through healthcare.gov or the state health department. Community health centers may also offer discounted care regardless of insurance status.

Schools in Treasure County

via SchoolsByCounty

Highly Focused Single-District Education

Treasure County operates just three public schools, all housed within the Hysham K-12 Schools district. These schools serve a total of 79 students across elementary, middle, and high school levels.

Top-Tier Investment in Every Student

The county spends $14,412 per pupil, which exceeds the national average of $13,000 and the state average of $9,334. While graduation data is limited, the high per-pupil investment reflects a deep commitment to its 79 students.

The Hysham K-12 Advantage

Hysham K-12 Schools is the sole provider of public education in the county, managing all three local campuses. No charter schools exist here, ensuring all 79 students are served within this single consolidated district.

The Ultimate Small School Experience

All education takes place in a 100% rural setting with an average school size of only 26 students. Hysham High School is the smallest campus with just 13 students, offering an incredibly personalized learning environment.

Discover Intimate Rural Living

For families who value extreme small-class environments, Treasure County offers unparalleled personalized attention. The high per-pupil spending indicates a community that prioritizes its local school infrastructure.

Disaster Risk in Treasure County

via RiskByCounty

Treasure County has exceptionally low risk

Treasure County's composite risk score of just 0.51 represents one of the lowest natural disaster risk profiles in the entire nation. With a Very Low rating across all hazard categories, your county experiences minimal exposure to floods, wildfires, earthquakes, and tornadoes.

Montana's safest county by far

At 0.51, Treasure County's composite risk is dramatically lower than Montana's statewide average of 33.31—nearly 65 times lower. This exceptional standing makes Treasure one of the state's safest places to live from a natural disaster perspective.

Significantly safer than adjacent areas

Treasure's 0.51 score is vastly lower than neighboring Wibaux (11.07), Wheatland (3.50), and Valley (35.94) counties. Your location on southeastern Montana's plains provides natural protection that many surrounding counties lack.

All risks remain minimal

Even your highest risk—wildfire at 63.65—is substantially below statewide averages, while flood (2.54), tornado (1.94), and earthquake (3.34) risks are negligible. This uniform low-risk profile across all hazards is exceptionally rare for any Montana county.

Standard homeowner coverage suffices

Your low natural disaster risk means standard homeowner's insurance provides adequate protection for Treasure County conditions. Basic property coverage and routine home maintenance offer comprehensive safeguards given your county's exceptional safety profile.

Weather & Climate in Treasure County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer and drier than neighbors

Treasure County averages 45.9°F annually, which is warmer than most of Montana but still below the national median. It receives 14.9 inches of precipitation, typical for the semi-arid high plains of the American West.

A warm spot in Montana

At 45.9°F, Treasure County is significantly warmer than the state average of 43.7°F. This warmth is driven by intense summers where heat can be persistent and extreme.

High heat on the Yellowstone

The county experiences 35 days of extreme heat annually, rivaling Yellowstone County's totals. This is nearly double the heat days of Sweet Grass or Wheatland counties to the west.

Intense summers and moderate snow

July is hot with an average of 71.5°F, while the summer-wide average is a warm 68.2°F. Winter remains cold with a 24.1°F average and 42.3 inches of annual snowfall.

Prioritize cooling and irrigation

With 35 days of 90°F heat, reliable air conditioning is more important here than in most other Montana counties. Gardeners should plan for supplemental irrigation to offset the relatively low 14.9 inches of annual rainfall.

Soil Quality in Treasure County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Soils in the Valley

Treasure County soils are notably alkaline with an average pH of 7.59. This is significantly higher than the national median of 6.5 and even exceeds the Montana state average of 7.43.

Sand and Clay Influence Drainage

The profile consists of 38.8% sand and 29.0% clay, creating a mix that can be challenging to work when wet. The high clay content helps retain nutrients, but the sand ensures the soil doesn't become entirely impermeable.

Working with Leaner Organic Matter

At 1.64%, the organic matter here is well below the state average of 2.54%. However, the available water capacity of 0.159 in/in remains competitive, helping plants survive the heat of the Yellowstone River valley.

Heavy Soil Management

The 29.0% clay concentration suggests that drainage may be slower than in sandier neighboring counties. Proper tilling and the addition of organic amendments can help improve the structure for better gardening results.

Diverse Options in Zone 4b

Hardiness Zone 4b allows for a variety of crops if you manage the high pH. Beets and cabbage are excellent choices as they tolerate alkaline conditions better than many other garden favorites.

Lawn Care in Treasure County

via LawnByCounty

Treasure County's Above-Average Growing Conditions

With a score of 46.1, Treasure County is one of the easier places in Montana to grow a lawn, beating the state average by nearly 13 points. It sits in hardiness zone 4b, requiring plants that can handle deep winter freezes. Despite the higher score, it still faces the semi-arid challenges typical of the Big Sky state.

High Heat and Moderate Growth

This county experiences 35 days of extreme heat annually, far more than the state average of 22 days. This heat, combined with 2302 growing degree days, means grass grows quickly but requires more water to prevent dormancy. With only 14.9 inches of annual rain, your irrigation system will be the primary source of moisture.

Working with Alkaline Clay Soil

The soil pH is 7.59, trending more alkaline than the ideal 7.0 maximum for most turf. A soil blend of 29.0% clay and 38.8% sand means your lawn can hold onto nutrients well but may suffer from poor drainage if overwatered. Adding sulfur or organic compost can help lower the pH to a more comfortable level for your grass.

Short-Term Dryness and Resilience

The county only saw 2 weeks of drought over the past year, though 100% of the area is currently considered abnormally dry. This recent dry spell suggests a need for vigilance even when long-term conditions seem favorable. Frequent, shallow watering should be avoided in favor of deep soaking to prepare for the high-heat days.

Sowing Success in Treasure County

Kentucky Bluegrass remains a favorite here for its ability to recover from heat stress if watered properly. The planting window begins after the last spring frost on May 26 and extends until the first fall frost on September 29. Early autumn is often the best time to seed here, as the soil remains warm while air temperatures cool.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Treasure County's county score?
Treasure County, Montana has a composite county score of 69.5 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 Treasure County rank among counties in Montana?
Treasure County ranks #7 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 Treasure County, Montana?
The median annual property tax in Treasure County is $1,326, with an effective tax rate of 0.62%. This earns Treasure County a tax score of 72.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Treasure County?
The median household income in Treasure County, Montana is $73,036 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Treasure County earns an income score of 74.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Treasure County, Montana a good place to live?
Treasure County scores 69.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #7 in Montana. The best way to evaluate Treasure 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 Treasure County with other counties side by side.