countyscore
32.6
County Score
Income & Jobs 76.3Health 61.1Property Tax 49.6

County Report Card

About Yellowstone County, Montana

Struggling against national averages

Yellowstone County carries a composite score of 32.6, significantly lower than the national median of 50.0. The urban trade-offs in this hub create a difficult livability profile.

Trailing the state's rural leaders

With a score of 32.6, Yellowstone is far behind the Montana average of 56.4. High crime and costs in the state's most populous county drag down its overall ranking.

High incomes and medical access

The county's economic engine produces a high income score of 76.3 with a median of $74,400. It also offers relatively strong healthcare services, reflected in a health score of 61.1.

Concerns over safety and costs

The safety score is critically low at 2.5, and the cost score of 18.8 reflects high rents of $1,084. A risk score of 16.4 further complicates the landscape for prospective residents.

Suited for career-driven urbanites

Yellowstone County is best for professionals seeking high-paying jobs and medical infrastructure. It requires a willingness to accept higher crime rates and living costs in exchange for urban opportunity.

Score breakdown

Tax49.6Cost18.8Safety2.5Health61.1Schools33.6Income76.3Risk16.4Water42.1Weather32.8
🏛49.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠18.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼76.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡2.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤61.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓33.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡16.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧42.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤32.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨41.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱44.7
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

Musselshell County
Montana
59.7
Big Horn County
Montana
42.9
Treasure County
Montana
69.5
Golden Valley County
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Rosebud County
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Carbon County
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Stillwater County
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Sweet Grass County
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Deep Dives

Yellowstone County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Yellowstone County

via TaxByCounty

Yellowstone taxes match national norm

At 0.840%, Yellowstone County's effective rate sits above the national median of 0.767%, placing it in the top 40% of U.S. counties. Yet the median tax of $2,669 nearly equals the national median of $2,690, despite a median home value of $317,600—above both state and national averages.

Above-average Montana county

Yellowstone County's 0.840% rate ranks in the upper third of Montana counties, 9% above the state average of 0.767%. With a median tax of $2,669, Yellowstone residents face Montana's second-highest absolute tax bill of the eight counties profiled.

Higher taxes than most neighbors

Yellowstone's 0.840% rate ranks second-highest in this eight-county region, behind only Valley County (1.100%). It substantially exceeds Sweet Grass (0.491%), Treasure (0.616%), and Wheatland (0.650%), though it's slightly below Teton (0.819%).

Median home costs $2,669 yearly

Yellowstone County homeowners with a median home of $317,600—the highest in the profiled region—pay approximately $2,669 in annual property taxes. With county assessments and mortgage-related items, the total reaches $2,701.

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 Yellowstone County

via CostByCounty

Yellowstone mirrors national affordability

Yellowstone County's median household income of $74,400 nearly equals the national median of $74,755, but its 17.5% rent-to-income ratio sits above typical U.S. standards. At $1,084 monthly rent, the county's housing costs are substantially higher than national norms, reflecting Montana's tighter rental market.

Montana's highest housing costs overall

Yellowstone County ranks among Montana's least affordable counties, with a 17.5% rent-to-income ratio exceeding the state average of 15.9%. The $1,084 median rent is the highest in this analysis—$259 above Montana's state median—while median home values of $317,600 far exceed rural county norms.

Premium pricing in the region

Yellowstone's $1,084 rent and $317,600 median home value substantially exceed all neighboring counties surveyed, reflecting Billings' urban market pull. The $1,257 monthly ownership cost is the region's highest, creating a two-tiered housing market with significant affordability challenges.

Montana's costliest housing market

Renters spend $1,084 monthly (17.5% of income), while homeowners pay $1,257 on properties valued near $317,600. Overall, Yellowstone households dedicate nearly one in five income dollars to housing—a burden reflecting the county's status as Montana's urban housing hub.

Urban amenities come at a price

Yellowstone County suits relocators seeking Montana's largest urban center (Billings) and are willing to pay for urban conveniences and job diversity. Budget accordingly: housing costs here significantly exceed rural alternatives, though income levels and employment opportunities partly offset the premium.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Yellowstone County

via IncomeByCounty

Yellowstone nearly matches national median

Yellowstone County's median household income of $74,400 comes within $355 of the U.S. median of $74,755. The county ranks among America's strongest rural income performers.

Yellowstone leads all Montana counties

At $74,400, Yellowstone's median household income tops Montana's county average of $62,295 by 19%—the highest among profiled counties. The per capita income of $42,894 also exceeds the state average by 20%.

Yellowstone outearns all peers

Yellowstone's $74,400 median leads all profiled counties, surpassing even Treasure ($73,036) and Sweet Grass ($69,426). As Montana's largest city county, Billings drives robust economic activity and diverse employment.

Solid affordability; premium homes

Yellowstone's 17.5% rent-to-income ratio indicates healthy housing affordability. However, the median home value of $317,600 equals 4.3 years of income—the highest multiple regionally, reflecting Billings's desirability and growth.

Build serious wealth in Yellowstone

Yellowstone households benefit from the region's strongest income and most diverse economy. Max out retirement contributions, explore tax-advantaged accounts, and consider investment real estate or business ownership to accelerate wealth growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Yellowstone County

via CrimeByCounty

Yellowstone County Crime Trends

Yellowstone County has a safety score of 93.0 and a total crime rate of 4,406.6 per 100,000 residents. This rate is nearly double the national average of 2,385.5.

Safety Below State Average

The county's safety score of 93.0 is significantly lower than the Montana state average of 98.2. Its total crime rate of 4,406.6 is nearly four times higher than the state average of 1,112.5.

High Activity Relative to Neighbors

Yellowstone County reports much more crime than nearby Sweet Grass or Treasure counties. It serves as a major hub, which often contributes to higher incident numbers.

Violent and Property Crime Analysis

Property crime is high at 3,635.1 per 100,000, while violent crime reaches 771.5. Both figures significantly exceed the national averages for property and violent offenses.

Enhancing Your Home Security

Given the higher rates of property crime, residents should invest in home security systems and bright lighting. Vigilance and reporting suspicious activity can help reduce local crime rates.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Yellowstone County

via HealthByCounty

Yellowstone slightly below national average

At 75.9 years, Yellowstone County's life expectancy is just 0.2 years below the U.S. average of 76.1 years, indicating comparable outcomes. The county's 16.0% poor/fair health rate is slightly below the national rate of 17.1%, suggesting reasonably healthy residents.

Mid-range health in Montana

Yellowstone's 75.9-year life expectancy is marginally below Montana's state average of 76.3 years. The county's 16.0% poor/fair health rate aligns closely with the state average, placing it squarely in Montana's middle tier of health outcomes.

Best insured, strong provider access

Yellowstone's 9.2% uninsured rate is the lowest among all eight counties, and its 108 primary care providers per 100K ranks second only to Valley County's 93 per 100K. The county's 455 mental health providers per 100K far exceeds all regional peers, offering exceptional behavioral health support.

Montana's healthcare access leader

Yellowstone County boasts both the state's lowest uninsured rate at 9.2%—nearly 3 points below the state average of 11.9%—and exceptional provider density. With 108 primary care providers and 455 mental health providers per 100K, residents enjoy unparalleled access to healthcare across the region.

Maintain Yellowstone's coverage success

While Yellowstone leads on uninsured rates, the 9.2% of uninsured residents should still enroll for preventive care and protection. Visit health.mt.gov or healthcare.gov to ensure continuous coverage.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Yellowstone County

via SchoolsByCounty

Montana's Largest School Infrastructure

Yellowstone County supports a massive network of 64 public schools serving 24,082 students. This includes 39 elementary, 16 middle, and 9 high schools managed by 19 distinct districts.

Scaling Education in a Busy County

Yellowstone County has a graduation rate of 82.5% and a school score of 50.6. The county spends $7,479 per pupil, which is lower than the state average but supports the largest student population in Montana.

Billings Districts Define the Landscape

Billings Elementary is the largest district by far, managing 28 schools and 10,988 students. Despite its size, the county currently hosts zero charter schools, relying entirely on its 19 traditional districts.

Diverse Settings from City to Rural

Unlike its neighbors, this county features 31 schools in city locales alongside 23 rural and 5 suburban campuses. Schools vary significantly in size, from small rural outposts to Billings West High School with 2,269 students.

Endless Choice in Your Home Search

With 64 schools, Yellowstone County offers families the most diversity in educational settings in the state. Whether you prefer a urban high school or a quiet rural elementary, there is a home near your ideal school here.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Yellowstone County

via RiskByCounty

Yellowstone County faces significant national risk

Yellowstone County's composite risk score of 83.56 with a Relatively Moderate rating places it among the higher-risk counties across the United States. Your exposure to multiple hazard types—particularly floods (84.54) and wildfires (93.45)—substantially exceeds the national average.

Montana's highest-risk county

At 83.56, Yellowstone County's composite risk is more than 2.5 times higher than Montana's state average of 33.31, making it the most hazard-exposed county in the entire state. Your vulnerability across flood, wildfire, earthquake, and tornado hazards is unmatched in Montana.

Far riskier than surrounding counties

Yellowstone's 83.56 score dramatically exceeds all neighboring counties, including Valley (35.94) and Wheatland (3.50), by enormous margins. Your county stands alone in Montana for concentrated natural disaster risk, primarily due to Billings' urban footprint and the Yellowstone River's presence.

Floods and wildfires are critical

Flood risk of 84.54 and wildfire risk of 93.45 are your county's dominant hazards, far exceeding state and national norms for both. Additionally, earthquake risk (74.65) and tornado risk (28.94) create a complex hazard environment requiring comprehensive preparedness.

Comprehensive insurance is mandatory

Flood insurance, wildfire coverage, and earthquake protection are all essential for Yellowstone County property owners—standard policies exclude these perils. Given your county's exceptional risk profile, consulting with an insurance agent about bundled multi-hazard coverage is strongly advised.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Yellowstone County

via WeatherByCounty

Montana's warm, urban corridor

Yellowstone County averages 46.7°F annually, one of the highest in the state but still below the national median. The area is relatively dry, recording 14.7 inches of annual precipitation.

One of Montana's warmest regions

The county's 46.7°F average is three degrees warmer than the state average of 43.7°F. This warmth is most apparent in the summer, when the county records 37 days of extreme heat.

Heat leader of the region

Yellowstone County experiences 37 days over 90°F, far exceeding the 15 days seen in neighboring Wheatland. Its 44.2 inches of snowfall is moderate, providing a milder winter experience than the high mountains to the west.

Long summers and moderate winters

July is hot with an average of 71.6°F, and the summer season overall averages 68.4°F. Winter remains cold with a 26.1°F average, though it is significantly warmer than the state's northern border counties.

Focus on summer cooling

Because of the 37 days of extreme heat, central air conditioning is a standard requirement for comfort here. While winter is milder than elsewhere in Montana, residents still need to prepare for 44.2 inches of snow and January lows averaging 24.8°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Yellowstone County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Earth in the Hub

Yellowstone County has an average pH of 7.49, which is slightly more alkaline than the state average of 7.43. Like much of the region, these soils are far more basic than the national 6.5 median.

Versatile Loamy Composition

The soil contains a balanced mix of 36.0% sand, 37.0% silt, and 26.5% clay. This texture offers a great compromise between drainage speed and nutrient retention for home gardeners and farmers alike.

Stable Productivity Metrics

Organic matter levels reach 2.30%, while the available water capacity is 0.161 in/in. Both numbers are close to state averages, indicating a reliable environment for growing a wide variety of crops.

Reliable Drainage in the Valley

The 26.5% clay content suggests the soil retains moisture well without becoming waterlogged too easily. This makes the county's land suitable for both traditional gardening and more intensive building projects.

Diverse Potential in Zone 5a

As one of Montana's warmer regions in Zone 5a, Yellowstone County supports a long list of plants including tomatoes and peppers. Take advantage of the balanced soil texture to create a thriving backyard oasis.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Yellowstone County

via LawnByCounty

Yellowstone County's Urban Lawn Challenge

Yellowstone County scores a 44.7 on the lawn difficulty scale, making it one of the more hospitable areas in the state for turf. The 5a hardiness zone offers a slightly longer and warmer growing season than the Montana average. However, it still falls short of the national median, requiring intentional care.

High Heat and Significant Energy

With 37 extreme heat days annually, Yellowstone County is one of the hottest spots in the state for grass. It produces 2353 growing degree days, providing plenty of warmth for growth but making the 14.7 inches of rain disappear quickly. Lawns here will definitely need supplemental irrigation to survive the intense July and August heat.

Soil Management in the Valley

The local soil has a pH of 7.49 and contains 26.5% clay and 36.0% sand. This alkaline balance can make certain nutrients less available to your grass, potentially leading to yellowing. Regular applications of organic mulch can help stabilize the pH and improve the soil's ability to hold water during heat waves.

Water Conservation and Heat Survival

While only 8 weeks were spent in drought last year, the entire county is currently flagged as abnormally dry. Because of the high heat, moisture evaporates from the soil much faster than in other Montana counties. Using a rain gauge can help you ensure your lawn gets the 1 to 1.5 inches of weekly water it needs.

Maximize the Yellowstone Growing Season

Heat-tolerant varieties of Kentucky Bluegrass or Tall Fescue are excellent choices for this zone 5a region. Your spring window opens early on May 10, giving you a head start on the state's average planting dates. The growing season lasts until October 1, providing a long autumn window for repair and overseeding.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Yellowstone County's county score?
Yellowstone County, Montana has a composite county score of 32.6 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 Yellowstone County rank among counties in Montana?
Yellowstone County ranks #56 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 Yellowstone County, Montana?
The median annual property tax in Yellowstone County is $2,669, with an effective tax rate of 0.84%. This earns Yellowstone County a tax score of 49.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Yellowstone County?
The median household income in Yellowstone County, Montana is $74,400 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Yellowstone County earns an income score of 76.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Yellowstone County, Montana a good place to live?
Yellowstone County scores 32.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #56 in Montana. The best way to evaluate Yellowstone 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 Yellowstone 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.