countyscore
65.3
County Score
Disaster Risk 96.5Water Quality 86Cost of Living 85.8

County Report Card

About Wheatland County, Montana

Wheatland County outperforms the nation

Wheatland County secures a 63.2 composite score, significantly higher than the 50.0 national median. This reflects high scores in environmental safety and resource management.

A strong contender in Montana

The county's score of 63.2 beats the Montana state average of 56.4. It offers a unique profile that prioritizes safety and affordability over high-wage growth.

Affordable living and low risk

Wheatland shines with a risk score of 96.5 and a water score of 86.0. It is also highly affordable, carrying a cost score of 82.0 with a median home value of just $172,700.

Significant income and health gaps

The income score is very low at 9.6, with a median household income of $47,054. Health scores also dip to 35.8, indicating limited access to medical services or poor health outcomes.

Ideal for retirees on a budget

This county is a great fit for retirees or those with outside income who want a safe, low-cost place to live. It is less suited for active career-seekers due to the suppressed local income levels.

2040608010077.285.879.635.847.31196.58641.2Tax77.2Cost85.8Safety79.6Health35.8Schools47.3Income11Risk96.5Water86Weather41.265.3/100
This county
National avg
5 above average3 below average

Wheatland County DNA

D+overall

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

Wheatland County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (96.5/100) but notably weak in Income (11/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
77.2+25.200000000000003
Cost
85.8+37.8
Safety
79.6+24.599999999999994
Health
35.8-14.200000000000003
Schools
47.3
Income
11-40
Risk
96.5+49.5
Water
86+28
Weather
41.2-14.799999999999997
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Think property taxes are too high in Wheatland County?

Many homeowners in Wheatland 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

$180,800

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$730/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$180,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,200/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $49,489/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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Ripley County
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Edmonson County
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Pope County
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Grayson County
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Nearby counties

Golden Valley County
Montana
67.4
Judith Basin County
Montana
76.5
Sweet Grass County
Montana
64.6
Fergus County
Montana
54.9
Meagher County
Montana
65.8
Musselshell County
Montana
57.2
Stillwater County
Montana
59.4
Broadwater County
Montana
56.4

Deep Dives

Wheatland County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Wheatland County

via TaxByCounty

Wheatland taxes stay well below average

Wheatland County's effective rate of 0.650% sits comfortably below the national median of 0.767%, placing it in the bottom 35% of U.S. counties. The median tax of $1,122 on a $172,700 home represents just 42% of the national median tax of $2,690.

Montana's most affordable tax county

Wheatland County boasts one of Montana's lowest effective rates at 0.650%, 15% below the state average. The median tax of just $1,122 is nearly $680 below the state median, making Wheatland exceptionally affordable for rural property owners.

Among region's lowest-taxed counties

Wheatland's 0.650% rate ranks among the most affordable in the eight-county region, beaten only by Sweet Grass (0.491%) and Wibaux (0.709%). The county offers particularly strong tax relief compared to Valley County (1.100%) and Toole County (0.963%).

Median home costs $1,122 yearly

Wheatland County homeowners with a median home of $172,700 pay approximately $1,122 in annual property taxes. With additional county assessments and mortgage-related items, the total rises to $1,358.

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 Wheatland County

via IncomeByCounty

Wheatland faces serious income gap

At $47,054, Wheatland County's median household income trails the national average of $74,755 by $27,701—a 37% deficit. This ranks among the most challenging income environments in the region.

Wheatland among Montana's lowest

Wheatland's $47,054 median falls $15,241 below Montana's county average of $62,295, placing it near the bottom statewide. The per capita income of $27,719 significantly underperforms the state average of $35,700.

Wheatland trails all neighboring counties

Wheatland's $47,054 is the lowest median among all profiled counties, trailing even Toole ($53,693). The per capita income of $27,719 reflects a particularly stretched economic base.

Housing costs strain tight budgets

At 18.9%, Wheatland's rent-to-income ratio creeps toward the 30% stress threshold on lower income. The median home value of $172,700 represents 3.7 years of income—significant for households with limited discretionary funds.

Grow wealth through focused planning

Wheatland households need intentional financial strategies—create a bare-bones budget first, then aggressively redirect any savings to emergency funds and low-cost investments. Even small contributions compound over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Wheatland County

via CrimeByCounty

Wheatland County Safety Status

Wheatland County is exceptionally safe with a score of 99.2. Its total crime rate of 485.5 per 100,000 is roughly 80% lower than the national average.

A Top Performer in Montana

Wheatland County significantly beats the Montana state average safety score of 98.2. Its total crime rate is less than half of the state average of 1,112.5.

Safety Leader Among Neighbors

Wheatland reports lower crime rates than nearby Sweet Grass and Toole counties. This makes it one of the most secure regions in the central part of the state.

Property and Violent Crime Data

The county reports 291.3 violent crimes and only 194.2 property crimes per 100,000 residents. Both figures are well below the national averages of 369.8 and 2,015.7, respectively.

Protecting the Wheatland Community

With property crime rates being extremely low, the risk to homeowners is minimal. Practicing everyday safety habits ensures this community remains a safe haven.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Wheatland County

via WeatherByCounty

Mild temperatures, low snowfall

Wheatland County averages 43.6°F annually, nearly matching the Montana state average. It is a dry region with 14.8 inches of precipitation, which is well below the national median.

Typical Montana climate profile

The county's 43.6°F average is within 0.1 degrees of the state median. Remarkably, it receives only 23.6 inches of snow per year, which is far lower than the 77.6 inches seen in neighboring Sweet Grass County.

Drier than the mountain neighbors

While sharing similar temperatures with Sweet Grass, Wheatland is much drier with 54 fewer inches of annual snow. It experiences 15 days of 90°F heat, providing a similar summer profile to other central Montana counties.

Temperate summers, consistent winters

Summers are comfortable with a 63.4°F average, while July peaks at 66.3°F. Winters are cold but manageable, averaging 25.3°F from December through February.

Manage for wind and drought

With only 23.6 inches of snow, winter travel is easier here than in the mountains, but dry conditions require careful water management. Residents should ensure their homes are sealed against the persistent winds common to the central plains.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Wheatland County

via SoilByCounty

High Plains Character

Wheatland County lacks specific soil taxonomic and pH data in current digital records. We expect these soils to mirror the typical Montana alkaline profile, which averages 7.43 compared to the national 6.5 median.

Defining the Ground Texture

Composition data for sand, silt, and clay is currently unavailable for this area. Local growers usually find a mix of loamy textures that define the agricultural productivity of the Musselshell River basin.

Gauging Growth Potential

Specific organic matter percentages are not recorded, but the state average is 2.54%. Gardeners should aim to improve their soil's available water capacity through consistent mulching and organic additions.

Water Management on the Range

No dominant drainage class is currently identified for Wheatland in this dataset. Observing how snowmelt absorbs into your garden in the spring is the best way to determine your specific site's drainage needs.

Growing Against the Wind in Zone 4b

Hardiness Zone 4b requires plants that can handle both cold and wind. Potatoes and onions are reliable performers that can withstand the variable conditions of this central Montana region.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Wheatland County

via LawnByCounty

Wheatland County's Favorable Lawn Score

At 47.3, Wheatland County boasts one of the better lawn difficulty scores in Montana, nearly reaching the national average. Its 4b hardiness zone allows for a variety of cool-season grasses that can withstand the local winters. While easier than its neighbors, maintenance still requires a focus on moisture management.

Cool Temps and Limited Rain

Annual precipitation averages 14.8 inches, which is slightly below the state average and necessitates supplemental watering. The climate is tempered by only 15 days of extreme heat and 1662 growing degree days. This leads to a steady, manageable growth rate that doesn't overwhelm your mowing schedule.

Preparing Your Local Soil

Detailed soil data for Wheatland County is currently unavailable, so a home test kit is your best friend. In this region, expect your soil to be lean on organic matter and potentially high in pH. Focus on building a healthy foundation by top-dressing with compost every spring and fall.

Current Dryness and Water Habits

The county experienced only 7 weeks of drought last year, but 100% of the area is currently classified as abnormally dry. These shifting conditions mean you should be ready to increase watering at the first sign of grass blades wilting. Efficient irrigation, such as drip lines for borders, helps preserve the water supply.

Planning Around the Wheatland Frost

Select seeds that thrive in 4b conditions, such as Kentucky Bluegrass or Perennial Ryegrass. Your planting window starts later than many, following the last frost on June 1. With the first frost arriving by September 15, you must ensure your lawn is well-established before the short summer ends.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wheatland County's county score?
Wheatland County, Montana has a composite county score of 65.3 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 Wheatland County rank among counties in Montana?
Wheatland County ranks #16 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 Wheatland County, Montana?
The median annual property tax in Wheatland County is $1,013, with an effective tax rate of 0.56%. This earns Wheatland County a tax score of 77.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wheatland County?
The median household income in Wheatland County, Montana is $49,489 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wheatland County earns an income score of 11/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wheatland County, Montana a good place to live?
Wheatland County scores 65.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #16 in Montana. The best way to evaluate Wheatland 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 Wheatland 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.