countyscore
56.3
County Score
Schools 82.7Income & Jobs 66Cost of Living 65

County Report Card

About Valley County, Montana

Solid performance above national median

Valley County earns a composite score of 56.1, which beats the national median of 50.0. It maintains a healthy balance across most categories of livability.

Matching the Montana state norm

The county's score of 56.1 is nearly identical to the Montana state average of 56.4. It serves as a representative example of a typical, stable Montana community.

Great schools and affordable housing

The school score of 82.7 is a major highlight for local families. Affordability is also a plus, with a cost score of 62.8 and a median gross rent of $769.

High tax burden and water quality

The tax score is low at 30.9, driven by a relatively high effective tax rate of 1.100%. Water infrastructure also lags behind with a score of 32.7, suggesting room for utility improvements.

A balanced choice for families

Valley County suits families who need affordable rent and high-performing schools. It is a stable, middle-of-the-road option for those who are comfortable with a higher-than-average tax rate.

2040608010024.56556.254.282.76664.132.733.1Tax24.5Cost65Safety56.2Health54.2Schools82.7Income66Risk64.1Water32.7Weather33.156.3/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Valley County DNA

Foverall

How Valley County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Valley County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Schools (82.7/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (24.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
24.5-27.5
Cost
65+17
Safety
56.2
Health
54.2
Schools
82.7+28.700000000000003
Income
66+15
Risk
64.1+17.099999999999994
Water
32.7-25.299999999999997
Weather
33.1-22.9
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Valley County?

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

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$198,400

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$767/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$198,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$30,680/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $71,695/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

26.5

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

Phillips County
Montana
63
McCone County
Montana
73.7
Garfield County
Montana
69.6
Daniels County
Montana
67.1
Roosevelt County
Montana
46.7
Petroleum County
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Sheridan County
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Blaine County
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Deep Dives

Valley County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Valley County

via TaxByCounty

Valley County taxes rank highest locally

At 1.100%, Valley County's effective rate ranks in the top 15% of U.S. counties, substantially above the national median of 0.767%. Residents pay $2,185 annually on a $198,600 median home—matching the national median tax of $2,690 despite a much lower home value.

Montana's most expensive county here

Valley County's 1.100% effective rate ranks among Montana's highest, 43% above the state average of 0.767%. With a median tax of $2,185, Valley has the highest tax burden of the eight profiled counties.

Far steeper than all regional peers

Valley County's 1.100% rate significantly exceeds every other profiled county in the region. The next-closest is Toole County at 0.963%; Sweet Grass lags far behind at 0.491%, making Valley's burden roughly double that of the most affordable neighbor.

Median home costs $2,185 yearly

Valley County homeowners with a median home of $198,600 pay approximately $2,185 in annual property taxes—the highest absolute burden in this region. Adding county assessments and mortgage items pushes the total to $2,360.

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

Income & Jobs in Valley County

via IncomeByCounty

Valley lags national income benchmark

Valley County's median household income of $64,515 falls $10,240 short of the U.S. median of $74,755. While respectable, the gap reflects Valley's rural character and smaller economic base.

Valley exceeds state county average

At $64,515, Valley's median household income runs 3.6% above Montana's county average of $62,295. The county holds steady in the middle range of Montana's income distribution.

Valley outperforms western peers

Valley's $64,515 median beats Toole ($53,693), Wheatland ($47,054), and Wibaux ($64,792) but trails Sweet Grass ($69,426), Teton ($67,766), and Treasure ($73,036). The county's per capita income of $31,869 is moderate for the region.

Affordable rents support stability

Valley's 14.3% rent-to-income ratio is among Montana's best, freeing household budgets for other needs. The median home value of $198,600 equals about 3.1 years of income—achievable with disciplined saving.

Save more with low housing costs

Valley's low rent burden is a major advantage—households can redirect 2–4% more of income toward savings than national averages. Start a dedicated savings account today and automate contributions to build emergency reserves and investment capital.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Valley County

via CrimeByCounty

Valley County Safety Highlights

Valley County holds a safety score of 98.4, making it safer than many parts of the country. Its total crime rate of 1,006.3 is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

Leading the Montana State Average

The county's safety score of 98.4 is slightly better than the Montana average of 98.2. Its total crime rate of 1,006.3 is also lower than the state average of 1,112.5.

Comparing Regional Safety Metrics

Valley County is safer than neighboring Yellowstone County but has more reported activity than Teton County. These numbers reflect a stable and secure rural environment.

Understanding Local Crime Types

Property crime occurs at a rate of 675.3 per 100,000, while the violent crime rate is 331.0. Both categories remain below the national averages for property and violent crime.

Keeping Your Valley Home Safe

Moderate property crime rates suggest that basic home security is effective here. Staying informed about local trends helps maintain the county's strong safety record.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Valley County

via WeatherByCounty

Extreme seasonal temperature swings

Valley County has a low average annual temperature of 41.8°F, reflecting its northern latitude and distance from moderating oceans. It is a dry region, receiving just 13.8 inches of annual precipitation.

Montana's cold winter champion

The county is colder than the state average of 43.7°F, largely due to its brutal winter months. January averages a frigid 13.3°F, making it one of the coldest inhabited places in the state.

Hotter and colder than the west

Valley County sees 23 days of extreme heat, which is far more than Teton's 9 days. However, its winter average of 15.7°F is significantly harsher than the more moderate 26.0°F seen in Sweet Grass County.

From deep freeze to high heat

Winters are extreme, with an average temperature of just 15.7°F and 34.4 inches of snow. Summers are surprisingly warm, averaging 66.7°F with July peaks hitting 69.4°F.

Gear up for extreme cold

Robust home heating and vehicle block heaters are essential for the 13.3°F January lows. While snowfall is moderate at 34.4 inches, the wind and extreme cold make winter preparedness the primary concern for residents.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Valley County

via SoilByCounty

A Classic Montana Soil Profile

Valley County averages a pH of 7.30, making it slightly less alkaline than the state average of 7.43. While it remains more basic than the national 6.5 median, it provides a healthy baseline for prairie vegetation.

Heavy Silt and Clay Balance

The soil is a complex mix of 36.0% silt and 29.3% clay, with sand making up the remaining 34.7%. This high silt and clay combination creates a dense soil that is excellent at holding onto applied fertilizers.

Strong Water Retention Capacity

Valley County boasts an available water capacity of 0.168 in/in, which is higher than the state average. Although organic matter is lower at 1.96% compared to the state's 2.54%, the soil's ability to hold water is a major asset.

Steady Moisture for the Plains

The high clay and silt levels indicate that this soil may drain slowly during heavy Montana rains. This trait is beneficial in a semi-arid climate as it keeps moisture available to plant roots for longer periods.

Northern Resilience in Zone 4a

In Zone 4a, cold-hardiness is key for any successful garden. Use the soil's great water capacity to grow thirsty crops like squash, provided you use mulch to protect against the summer sun.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Valley County

via LawnByCounty

Valley County's Northern Lawn Outlook

Valley County holds a lawn difficulty score of 35.1, placing it just slightly above the Montana state average. The 4a hardiness zone is one of the coldest in the nation, limiting your selection to the toughest grass varieties. You are dealing with a climate where winter survival is just as important as summer greening.

Short Seasons and High Heat

Annual precipitation of 13.8 inches falls short of the ideal, requiring careful irrigation management. The area sees 23 days of extreme heat and 2072 growing degree days, which is a surprisingly robust growing window for such a northern location. Homeowners should monitor for heat stress during July when temperatures frequently exceed 90°F.

Soil Profile and pH Balance

Valley County soil features a pH of 7.30 and a texture of 29.3% clay and 34.7% sand. This alkaline profile and high clay content suggest that your lawn may be prone to compaction and nutrient lockout. Regular core aeration and the addition of gypsum can help improve soil structure and water penetration.

Navigating Significant Dry Spells

With 35 weeks spent in drought over the last year, water conservation is a practical necessity for Valley County residents. Currently, 100% of the area is abnormally dry, though only 3.5% faces severe drought levels. Consider installing a smart irrigation controller to adjust for the specific evaporation rates of the high plains.

A Spring Start for Northern Lawns

Cool-season grasses like Fine Fescue or Creeping Red Fescue are ideal for the 4a zone. The growing season kicks off after the last frost on May 13, offering a relatively early start compared to other parts of Montana. You have until September 26 to establish your turf before the first fall frost arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Valley County's county score?
Valley County, Montana has a composite county score of 56.3 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 Valley County rank among counties in Montana?
Valley County ranks #33 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 Valley County, Montana?
The median annual property tax in Valley County is $2,333, with an effective tax rate of 1.18%. This earns Valley County a tax score of 24.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Valley County?
The median household income in Valley County, Montana is $71,695 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Valley County earns an income score of 66/100 on CountyScore.
Is Valley County, Montana a good place to live?
Valley County scores 56.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #33 in Montana. The best way to evaluate Valley 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 Valley County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.