countyscore
56.1
County Score
Schools 82.7Disaster Risk 64.1Cost of Living 62.8

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.

Score breakdown

Tax30.9Cost62.8Safety56.2Health54.2Schools82.7Income52.2Risk64.1Water32.7Weather33.1
🏛30.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠62.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼52.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡56.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤54.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓82.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡64.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧32.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤33.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨43.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱35.1
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

Valley County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Cost of Living in Valley County

via CostByCounty

Valley County beats national affordability odds

Valley County's 14.3% rent-to-income ratio sits well below the U.S. average of roughly 15%, delivering stronger housing affordability than most American counties. Though median household income of $64,515 lags the national median of $74,755, the $769 monthly rent ensures housing costs remain very manageable.

Among Montana's more affordable counties

Valley County's 14.3% rent-to-income ratio beats Montana's state average of 15.9%, ranking it among the state's more affordable rental markets. The $769 rent undercuts the state median of $825, signaling genuine housing accessibility in this rural county.

Competitive pricing across the region

Valley's $769 rent is nearly identical to Toole County ($753) and only slightly above Teton County ($750), while homeownership costs of $803 remain among the region's most reasonable. The county offers solid value compared to pricier neighbors like Treasure ($992) and Yellowstone ($1,084).

Lowest housing burden in this analysis

Renters allocate just $769 monthly (14.3% of the $64,515 income) while homeowners spend $803 on a median value of $198,600. Valley County households dedicate roughly one in seven income dollars to housing—among the lowest proportions regionally.

Maximum affordability for rural relocators

Valley County delivers exceptional housing affordability for renters and homeowners alike, with costs well below state and national averages. If you're relocating to rural Montana on a moderate income, Valley offers some of the region's best value and lowest housing burden.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Valley County

via HealthByCounty

Valley matches U.S. life expectancy

Valley County residents live 76.4 years on average, essentially matching the U.S. life expectancy of 76.1 years. The county's 15.9% poor/fair health rate falls just below the national average of 17.1%, indicating solid overall health status.

Slightly above Montana average

At 76.4 years, Valley County's life expectancy is marginally above Montana's state average of 76.3 years. The county's 15.9% poor/fair health rate aligns closely with the state average, placing it in the middle range of Montana counties.

Strong primary care among peers

Valley's 93 primary care providers per 100K is the second-highest among nearby counties, exceeded only by Sweet Grass at 81 per 100K. Mental health support at 147 per 100K is solid, ranking above most regional neighbors.

Higher uninsured rate a concern

Valley County's 13.4% uninsured rate is notably above the state average of 11.9%, meaning roughly 1 in 7.5 residents lack coverage. The county's strong primary care access at 93 per 100K helps offset this gap, but uninsured residents still face barriers to preventive care.

Valley residents: enroll today

With above-average uninsured rates, Valley County residents should prioritize checking Montana Medicaid eligibility and marketplace plans. Call 1-800-MED-HELP or visit health.mt.gov to find affordable coverage options.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Valley County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust Regional Education Network

Valley County supports 1,106 students across 16 public schools and eight school districts. The system includes a balanced mix of six elementary, five middle, and five high schools.

Academic Excellence and Graduation Success

The county earns a high school score of 61.9 and maintains a 93.4% graduation rate, far surpassing the state average of 83.7%. Spending is also above state norms, with $10,036 invested per pupil to drive these results.

Glasgow K-12 Leads the District Pack

Glasgow K-12 Schools is the county's largest district, serving 769 students across three campuses. Traditional public schools make up 100% of the county's educational options, as no charter schools are available.

Predominantly Rural with Town Hubs

Fourteen of the county's 16 schools are rural, but two are located in town settings, providing some urban-adjacent infrastructure. Irle Elementary is the largest school with 358 students, while the county average enrollment is 69.

Home Search Near Valley's Top Schools

Valley County's school score of 61.9 makes it one of the top academic performers in the region. Families looking for high graduation rates and stable districts will find great value in the local housing market.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Valley County

via RiskByCounty

Valley County edges above national average

Valley County's composite risk score of 35.94 with a Very Low rating slightly exceeds the typical U.S. county's natural disaster risk profile. Your exposure is driven primarily by flood risk (34.22) and moderate wildfire concerns, typical of northeastern Montana's climate patterns.

Valley ranks near Montana's midpoint

At 35.94, Valley County's composite risk exceeds Montana's state average of 33.31 by just 2.63 points, placing it slightly above the middle tier of the state's counties. This positions Valley as a moderate-risk county within Montana's broader risk landscape.

Highest risk in the immediate region

Valley's 35.94 score substantially exceeds nearby Wibaux (11.07) and Wheatland (3.50), making it notably riskier than surrounding counties. Your flood risk of 34.22 is the primary driver of this higher exposure compared to drier neighboring areas.

Flood dominates, wildfire secondary

Flood risk at 34.22 is your county's primary hazard, driven by proximity to the Missouri River and seasonal runoff patterns. Wildfire exposure at 49.46 represents your second concern, while tornado (14.63) and earthquake (23.00) risks remain moderate.

Flood insurance is essential

Your flood risk of 34.22 makes dedicated flood insurance critical—standard homeowner's policies exclude flood damage entirely. Coupled with comprehensive wildfire coverage, these two policies provide robust protection against Valley County's primary natural disaster exposures.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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 56.1 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 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 $2,185, with an effective tax rate of 1.10%. This earns Valley County a tax score of 30.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Valley County?
The median household income in Valley County, Montana is $64,515 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Valley County earns an income score of 52.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Valley County, Montana a good place to live?
Valley County scores 56.1/100 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.

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.