countyscore
63.2
County Score
Safety 97.5Disaster Risk 89Property Tax 62.1

County Report Card

About Wibaux County, Montana

Wibaux stands tall above the median

Wibaux County earns a 63.2 composite score, which places it well above the national median of 50.0. It offers a high degree of security that many larger counties cannot match.

Top-tier livability in Montana

Wibaux's score of 63.2 comfortably exceeds the Montana state average of 56.4. Its profile is defined by extreme safety and very low real estate entry points.

Maximum safety and low home prices

The county boasts an incredible safety score of 97.5 and a risk score of 89.0. Homebuyers will find some of the lowest prices in the state, with a median home value of $92,300.

Water and health services lag

A water score of 9.4 is a significant hurdle for new development. Additionally, the health score of 45.8 and school score of 50.2 are only average, suggesting fewer amenities than urban areas.

Perfect for low-cost homesteading

Wibaux is a dream for those looking for ultra-affordable property in a safe environment. It best suits independent individuals who don't rely on local schools or specialized healthcare.

Score breakdown

Tax62.1Cost62Safety97.5Health45.8Schools50.2Income53.5Risk89Water9.4Weather35.3
🏛62.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠62
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼53.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤45.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓50.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡89
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧9.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤35.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨47.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱40.9
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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Explore this county

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Compare Wibaux County with Baker County →Share on X

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Benson County
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Montgomery County
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Bear Lake County
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East Carroll Parish
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Nearby counties

Golden Valley County
North Dakota
68.1
Dawson County
Montana
47.7
Billings County
North Dakota
84.1
Fallon County
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72.4
Slope County
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Prairie County
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Richland County
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Custer County
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48

Deep Dives

Wibaux County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Wibaux County

via TaxByCounty

Wibaux rates moderate, bills minimal

Wibaux County's effective rate of 0.709% sits slightly below the national median of 0.767%, placing it in the middle 40% of U.S. counties. However, the median tax bill of just $654 on a $92,300 home—the lowest in the profiled region—reflects Wibaux's sparse, rural character.

Below-average tax burden statewide

Wibaux's 0.709% rate sits 7% below Montana's state average of 0.767%, with a median tax of $654—nearly $1,150 below the state median. This reflects both modest home values and relatively restrained assessment practices.

Lowest absolute taxes in region

Though Wibaux's effective rate ranks mid-range, it has the lowest median tax bill of all eight counties profiled at just $654. This reflects its much lower median home value of $92,300, making property ownership the most affordable here in raw dollars.

Median home costs $654 yearly

Wibaux County homeowners with a median home of $92,300 pay approximately $654 in annual property taxes—the region's lowest bill. Adding county assessments and mortgage-related items increases that to $772.

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 Wibaux County

via CostByCounty

Wibaux rents strain despite decent income

Wibaux County's median household income of $64,792 falls short of the national median of $74,755, yet renters here spend 17.9% of income on housing—above typical U.S. norms. The $964 monthly rent sits above national and state medians, creating affordability pressure despite moderately stable local earnings.

Above Montana's rental affordability line

Wibaux County's 17.9% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Montana's state average of 15.9%, marking it among the state's less affordable rental markets. The $964 median rent is one of the highest in this analysis and well above Montana's $825 state median.

Highest rents, lowest home values

Wibaux's $964 rent is among the region's highest, but homes here are extraordinarily affordable at just $92,300 median value—the lowest in this analysis. This unusual disconnect suggests tight rental markets and depressed property values, creating divergent affordability patterns by tenure.

Rental burden outweighs ownership costs

Renters pay $964 monthly (17.9% of the $64,792 income), while homeowners spend just $535 on homes valued near $92,300. The dramatic gap suggests that ownership is far more affordable than renting in Wibaux County—an atypical pattern worth investigating before relocating.

A landlord's market with bargain homes

Wibaux County presents a puzzle: rents are among Montana's highest, but homes sell for remarkably low prices. Relocators should prioritize homeownership here to capture the value; renters considering a move should budget carefully for tight rental market conditions.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Wibaux County

via IncomeByCounty

Wibaux slightly below national average

Wibaux County's median household income of $64,792 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by $9,963. While below the national benchmark, the county remains competitive with many rural American communities.

Wibaux outperforms state average

At $64,792, Wibaux's median household income exceeds Montana's county average of $62,295 by 4%. The county holds a secure middle position in Montana's income rankings.

Wibaux competitive with peers

Wibaux's $64,792 matches Valley ($64,515) nearly evenly and surpasses Toole ($53,693) and Wheatland ($47,054). However, it trails Sweet Grass ($69,426), Teton ($67,766), Treasure ($73,036), and Yellowstone ($74,400).

Rent affordable; homes very cheap

Wibaux's 17.9% rent-to-income ratio is manageable, but the real story is the median home value of just $92,300—barely 1.4 years of income. This exceptional affordability creates a genuine wealth-building opportunity.

Leverage ultra-low housing costs

Wibaux's $92,300 median home price is a rare wealth accelerator—homeownership unlocks equity building with modest income. Prioritize getting on the property ladder, then reinvest home equity gains into additional investments.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Wibaux County

via CrimeByCounty

Remarkable Safety in Wibaux County

Wibaux County achieves a perfect 100.0 safety score for the 2022 reporting year. It reported zero crimes per 100,000 residents, far below the national average of 2,385.5.

Setting the State Standard

Wibaux County outperforms the Montana state average safety score of 98.2. It reported no criminal activity, while the state average crime rate is 1,112.5.

Regional Safety Comparison

Wibaux is statistically much safer than larger neighboring counties like Yellowstone. Data comes from a single reporting agency and reflects an extremely quiet local environment.

Zero Reported Crime Incidents

There were zero violent crimes and zero property crimes reported in Wibaux County in 2022. While this suggests high safety, residents should note the data reflects a single local agency's records.

Maintaining Wibaux Security

A crime-free year is a major achievement for any community. Basic home maintenance and neighborhood awareness will help keep these numbers at zero.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Wibaux County

via HealthByCounty

Limited data obscures Wibaux health

Wibaux County's life expectancy is unavailable, but the 17.5% poor/fair health rate exceeds the national average of 17.1%, suggesting health challenges. Comprehensive data collection would help clarify resident health trends in this small county.

Above-average poor/fair health rate

Wibaux's 17.5% poor/fair health rate exceeds Montana's state average of around 16.5%, indicating higher rates of self-reported poor or fair health. Life expectancy data is unavailable, limiting full state-level comparison.

Mid-range health among peers

Wibaux's 17.5% poor/fair health rate falls between healthier counties like Sweet Grass (13.4%) and sicker counties like Toole (19.5%) and Wheatland (19.1%). Without life expectancy data, full regional health ranking remains incomplete.

Uninsured gap and data gaps

Wibaux's 12.4% uninsured rate is slightly above the state average of 11.9%, though primary care and mental health provider data are unavailable. These missing data points highlight the challenges of healthcare infrastructure in very small rural communities.

Get covered in Wibaux County

Wibaux residents without insurance should enroll in Montana Medicaid or marketplace plans immediately through health.mt.gov or healthcare.gov. Community health centers may provide services on a sliding scale regardless of insurance status.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Wibaux County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Single District Serving the Community

Wibaux County operates one consolidated school district with three schools serving 151 students. The campus structure includes one elementary, one middle, and one high school.

High Expenditure Per Student

At $12,699 per pupil, Wibaux County invests nearly as much as the national average and far more than the Montana state average. The county maintains a school score of 57.9 despite a graduation rate currently sitting at 75.0%.

Wibaux K-12: The County’s Educational Hub

The Wibaux K-12 Schools district manages all 151 students in the county across its three campuses. Public districts represent 100% of the educational landscape, with no charter schools present in the area.

Personalized Education in a Rural Setting

All three schools are rural, providing a consistent community-focused environment for students. Wibaux Elementary is the largest school with 92 students, while the high school serves a small cohort of 32.

Small Town Living, Deep School Roots

For buyers looking for an integrated K-12 experience in one community, Wibaux County offers a cohesive single-district structure. High spending per pupil ensures that every student has access to necessary resources.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Wibaux County

via RiskByCounty

Wibaux County maintains low national risk

Wibaux County's composite risk score of 11.07 with a Very Low rating sits well below the average U.S. county's natural disaster exposure. Your county benefits from a location that minimizes flooding, earthquake, and major weather hazards.

Below-average risk within Montana

At 11.07, Wibaux's composite risk falls significantly short of Montana's state average of 33.31, positioning your county among the state's safer regions. This favorable standing holds true across most hazard categories except wildfire.

Slightly riskier than immediate neighbors

Wibaux's 11.07 score exceeds nearby Wheatland (3.50) but trails Treasure (0.51) and sits well below Valley (35.94), placing it in the lower-middle range of regional risk. Tornado risk at 8.65 is your county's distinction compared to some neighbors.

Wildfire and tornado concerns

Wildfire risk at 41.86 and tornado risk at 8.65 represent Wibaux's primary exposures, while flood (3.69) and earthquake (2.00) risks are negligible. Your eastern Montana location leaves you relatively exposed to fire season but protected from seismic activity.

Ensure wildfire and wind coverage

Your homeowner's policy should explicitly cover wildfire damage and confirm strong wind/hail protection for tornado-related events. These two coverage areas address Wibaux County's primary natural disaster risks.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Wibaux County

via WeatherByCounty

Edge of the eastern plains

Wibaux County averages 42.6°F annually, a cool temperature driven by its position on the North Dakota border. It receives 16.4 inches of annual precipitation, making it slightly wetter than the Montana state average.

Cooler than the state average

The county stays cooler than the Montana average of 43.7°F. Winters here are particularly cold, with an average of 19.0°F that is significantly lower than the western part of the state.

Harsh winters near the border

Wibaux sees 21 days of extreme heat, similar to Valley County but more than Teton. Its 46.6 inches of snowfall is substantial for the plains, often accompanied by heavy winds that create challenging drifts.

Hot summers and biting winters

July averages 69.0°F, contributing to 21 days of temperatures over 90°F. January is much harsher, with temperatures averaging just 16.9°F during the depth of winter.

Prepare for extreme temperature shifts

Dual-purpose HVAC systems are vital to handle both the 21 heat days and the sub-20°F winter nights. With 16.4 inches of precipitation, residents should be prepared for sudden summer thunderstorms and significant winter snow events.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Wibaux County

via SoilByCounty

Silty Soils of the Eastern Border

Wibaux County features a pH of 7.39, sitting comfortably near the Montana average of 7.43. This alkaline environment is much higher than the national 6.5 median, influencing which micronutrients are available to plants.

High Silt for Smooth Texture

With a high silt content of 45.7% and only 30.7% sand, these soils feel smooth and hold together well. The 23.6% clay content is lower than some neighbors, which generally improves drainage and ease of tilling.

Excellent Water Storage Ability

The available water capacity is a robust 0.178 in/in, significantly exceeding the state average of 0.165. While organic matter at 2.23% is slightly below the state mean, the soil's water-holding efficiency is top-tier.

Efficient Hydrology for Dryland Farming

The high silt percentage suggests a soil that absorbs water readily but may be prone to erosion if left uncovered. Protecting the soil surface is vital to maintaining the high available water capacity found here.

Cold-Hardy Harvests in Zone 4a

Wibaux falls into Zone 4a, meaning a short but productive season. The excellent water capacity makes this an ideal spot for deep-rooted perennials and hardy vegetables like carrots and parsnips.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Wibaux County

via LawnByCounty

Wibaux County Lawn Care Basics

Wibaux County's lawn difficulty score is 40.9, making it significantly more manageable than the Montana state average of 33.4. Situated in hardiness zone 4a, lawns here must be built for extreme cold survival. You'll find that while the winters are harsh, the summer growing conditions are relatively forgiving.

Precipitation and Heat Stress

The county receives 16.4 inches of annual precipitation, which is higher than the state average but still below the 30-inch ideal. With 21 extreme heat days and 2010 growing degree days, grass gets a decent amount of energy but faces occasional scorching. Strategic watering during the hottest afternoon hours is critical for turf health.

Working with Silt and Clay

Soil pH here is 7.39, which is slightly more alkaline than most grasses prefer. The texture consists of 23.6% clay and 30.7% sand, providing a middle-of-the-road drainage profile that isn't too heavy or too fast. Monitoring your lawn for iron chlorosis, a common issue in alkaline soils, is a smart preventative measure.

Recovering from Drought Periods

Wibaux County faced 22 weeks of drought over the past year, though current conditions show 0.0% of the area is abnormally dry. This recent recovery provides an excellent opportunity to strengthen your lawn while water is available. Maintaining a higher mowing height will help keep the soil cool and resilient for the next dry cycle.

Seeding for Success in Wibaux

Cold-tolerant species like Canada Bluegrass work well in this 4a climate. Aim to get your seeds in the ground after the last frost on May 27 to maximize the summer sun. You have a solid growing window until September 29, which is usually when the first fall frost hits the region.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wibaux County's county score?
Wibaux 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 Wibaux County rank among counties in Montana?
Wibaux County ranks #17 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 Wibaux County, Montana?
The median annual property tax in Wibaux County is $654, with an effective tax rate of 0.71%. This earns Wibaux County a tax score of 62.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wibaux County?
The median household income in Wibaux County, Montana is $64,792 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wibaux County earns an income score of 53.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wibaux County, Montana a good place to live?
Wibaux County scores 63.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #17 in Montana. The best way to evaluate Wibaux 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 Wibaux 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.