countyscore
65.7
County Score
Safety 97.5Disaster Risk 89Property Tax 71.4

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.

2040608010071.467.197.545.850.255.9899.435.3Tax71.4Cost67.1Safety97.5Health45.8Schools50.2Income55.9Risk89Water9.4Weather35.365.7/100
This county
National avg
4 above average2 below average

Wibaux County DNA

D+overall

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

Wibaux County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (97.5/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (9.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
71.4+19.400000000000006
Cost
67.1+19.099999999999994
Safety
97.5+42.5
Health
45.8
Schools
50.2
Income
55.9
Risk
89+42
Water
9.4-48.6
Weather
35.3-20.700000000000003
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Wibaux County

Whether buying or refinancing in Wibaux County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$98,600

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$963/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$98,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$38,520/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $67,462/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Wibaux County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wibaux County's county score?
Wibaux County, Montana has a composite county score of 65.7 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 #14 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 $598, with an effective tax rate of 0.61%. This earns Wibaux County a tax score of 71.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wibaux County?
The median household income in Wibaux County, Montana is $67,462 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wibaux County earns an income score of 55.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wibaux County, Montana a good place to live?
Wibaux County scores 65.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #14 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.