countyscore
63.2
County Score
Disaster Risk 96.5Water Quality 86Cost of Living 82

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.

Score breakdown

Tax68.7Cost82Safety79.6Health35.8Schools47.3Income9.6Risk96.5Water86Weather41.2
🏛68.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠82
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼9.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡79.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤35.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓47.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡96.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤41.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱47.3
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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Nearby counties

Golden Valley County
Montana
69.9
Judith Basin County
Montana
77.5
Sweet Grass County
Montana
64.6
Fergus County
Montana
56.6
Meagher County
Montana
65.5
Musselshell County
Montana
59.7
Stillwater County
Montana
58.8
Broadwater County
Montana
54.5

Deep Dives

Wheatland County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Cost of Living in Wheatland County

via CostByCounty

Wheatland's income creates affordability strain

Wheatland County faces the lowest median household income in this analysis at $47,054—nearly $28,000 below the national median of $74,755. Though its 18.9% rent-to-income ratio is manageable by national standards, the combination of low income and relative high rents creates genuine budget pressure.

Challenging affordability in Montana context

Wheatland County's 18.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Montana's highest, well above the state average of 15.9%, signaling tight housing affordability. The $741 rent is among the state's lowest, yet still constitutes a heavy burden on the county's below-average incomes.

Rents competitive, but income lags

Wheatland's $741 rent rivals Teton and Toole for regional affordability, but the county's income of $47,054 is substantially lower than any comparable neighbor. The county offers cheap housing but in the context of limited local earnings.

Rent outweighs ownership affordability

Renters spend $741 monthly (18.9% of the $47,054 income), while homeowners enjoy lower costs at $575 on properties valued near $172,700. For those able to achieve homeownership, Wheatland offers particular relief; renters face tighter budgets here.

Best for homeowners with outside income

Wheatland County suits relocators who can purchase a home outright or with substantial down payment savings, as ownership costs are among Montana's lowest. Renters considering the move should have secure income from outside the county, since local wages are the region's most limited.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Wheatland County

via HealthByCounty

Wheatland health outcomes lag nation

At 75.3 years, Wheatland County's life expectancy falls short of the U.S. average of 76.1 years by less than a year. However, the county's 19.1% poor/fair health rate exceeds the national rate of 17.1%, indicating notable health challenges.

Among Montana's struggling counties

Wheatland's 75.3-year life expectancy is below Montana's state average of 76.3 years, placing it in the lower tier. The county's 19.1% poor/fair health rate is among the highest in the state, well above the state average of around 16.5%.

Poor health comparable to Toole

Wheatland's 19.1% poor/fair health rate rivals Toole County (19.5%) for the worst in the region, far exceeding healthier neighbors like Sweet Grass (13.4%) and Valley County (15.9%). The county's 75.3-year life expectancy is among the lowest regionally.

Highest uninsured rate in region

Wheatland's 17.2% uninsured rate is the highest among all eight counties analyzed—2.8 percentage points above the state average of 11.9%. Primary care provider data is unavailable, but 146 mental health providers per 100K suggest some behavioral health support exists.

Wheatland: urgent coverage needed

Nearly 1 in 5 Wheatland residents are uninsured, the highest rate in the region—this demands immediate action. Contact Montana Medicaid or visit healthcare.gov today to enroll; community health workers can help navigate options by phone or in person.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Wheatland County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Concentrated Rural School System

Wheatland County provides education to 281 students through six public schools and three districts. This small-scale system features two elementary, two middle, and two high schools.

Investment in Personalized Learning

The county invests $10,568 per pupil, significantly more than the Montana state average of $9,334. While the graduation rate is 75.0%, the school score of 53.3 remains close to the statewide median performance.

Harlowton K-12 Anchors Local Education

Harlowton K-12 is the primary district, educating 258 of the county's 281 students across three schools. No charter schools operate in the county, leaving all education in the hands of traditional rural districts.

Deeply Rural and Intimately Sized

Every school in the county is classified as rural, with an average school size of 47 students. The smallest campus, Judith Gap 7-8, serves just 4 students, while the largest, Hillcrest School, serves 156.

Small Class Sizes in Wheatland

Wheatland County is ideal for those seeking a home near schools where teachers know every student by name. The high per-pupil spending reflects a community committed to maintaining its educational roots.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Wheatland County

via RiskByCounty

Wheatland County has minimal national risk

Wheatland County's composite risk score of 3.50 with a Very Low rating places it among the safest counties in the entire United States. Your natural disaster exposure across all major hazard types ranks far below the national average.

Among Montana's safest counties

At 3.50, Wheatland's composite risk is nearly 10 times lower than Montana's state average of 33.31, ranking the county among the state's least-exposed regions. This exceptional safety profile reflects the county's geography and climate characteristics.

Safest in the surrounding area

Wheatland's 3.50 score is significantly lower than neighbors Toole (13.01), Valley (35.94), and Teton (19.02), making it the safest county in its region. Only Treasure County (0.51) offers lower risk exposure in central Montana.

Wildfire is sole notable hazard

Wildfire risk at 51.02 represents Wheatland's only meaningful natural disaster exposure, while flood (12.15), earthquake (24.27), and tornado (5.76) risks are minimal. Your prairie location provides protection against most major hazard types.

Focus on wildfire preparedness

Your primary insurance concern should be confirming wildfire coverage within your homeowner's policy, which covers your main exposure. Standard property coverage for other hazards is generally sufficient given Wheatland's exceptional overall safety profile.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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 63.2 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 $1,122, with an effective tax rate of 0.65%. This earns Wheatland County a tax score of 68.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wheatland County?
The median household income in Wheatland County, Montana is $47,054 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wheatland County earns an income score of 9.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wheatland County, Montana a good place to live?
Wheatland County scores 63.2/100 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.

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.