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.

2040608010068.78279.635.847.39.696.58641.2Tax68.7Cost82Safety79.6Health35.8Schools47.3Income9.6Risk96.5Water86Weather41.263.2/100
This county
National avg
5 above average3 below average

Wheatland County DNA

D+overall

How Wheatland County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Wheatland County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (96.5/100) but notably weak in Income (9.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
68.7+16.700000000000003
Cost
82+34
Safety
79.6+24.599999999999994
Health
35.8-14.200000000000003
Schools
47.3
Income
9.6-41.4
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

$172,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$741/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$172,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,640/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $47,054/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

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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Counties with similar scores

Baker County
Georgia
Median income: $44,405
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Butte County
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Cottonwood County
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Wibaux County
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Median income: $64,792
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Benson County
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Median income: $68,049
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Montgomery County
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Bear Lake County
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East Carroll Parish
Louisiana
Median income: $28,321
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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 11 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

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

Water Quality in Wheatland County

via WaterByCounty

Wheatland County Earns Perfect Compliance Grade

Wheatland County achieves a Grade A for its drinking water safety, with zero health violations over the last five years. This perfect record stands in contrast to the state average violation rate of 393.8 per 100,000. Local systems are successfully meeting all Safe Drinking Water Act standards.

Consistent Health Across Assessed Waters

The 2022 EPA cycle assessed 15 water bodies in the county, finding 0.0% of them to be impaired. This meets the state average and indicates that local rivers and streams are in good health. No specific impairment causes have been documented for these monitored stretches.

Diverse Measurements Track Stream Health

Across 12 monitoring sites, Wheatland County has recorded ,1183 measurements in the last five years. The data primarily tracks physical properties, nutrients, and minor inorganics. This consistent monitoring helps officials understand the impact of runoff and land use on local water.

Musselshell River Real-Time Flow Update

The Musselshell River above Mud Creek near Shawmut currently reports a discharge of 98 cfs. While long-term mean data is not available for this specific gauge to provide a comparison, this flow represents the current volume moving through the 1,518 square mile basin. Residents should track this number relative to seasonal local norms.

Maintain Your Clean Water Advantage

Wheatland County's Grade A status is a strong indicator of reliable water, but residents should still monitor nutrient levels as they are a top-measured group. Protecting the unimpaired status of local watersheds helps ensure that drinking water sources remain easy to treat. Stay updated on the Musselshell River flow to anticipate any changes in source water volume.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

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.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.