Montana
For Americans thinking of retiring to Montana from another state, or comparing it with a move abroad. Prices in Montana run at 94.6 against a US average of 100, with housing at 84.6. We cover Montana's 56 counties on the map below, each with a page of its own, and no town in depth yet.
Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities by state, 2024 (SARPP, line codes 1-5), 2024-12-31
Montana is not compared with a town — compare two towns instead. Why?
Montana, a state of the United States, is not the same kind of thing as a town: it spans many counties and very different places. Putting a state-wide average beside one town's own figures produces a number that looks like an answer and describes nothing a person would experience — so the engine refuses that pairing rather than rendering it thinly. A town against another town, here or abroad, is like-for-like. Build a comparison →
Research in progress. Our quality assessment of the official sources for the United States is not finished yet. Every figure published here is sourced and dated.
Montana's 56 counties
Every county in Montana on its own figures, against every US county that has the same figure. Pick a county on the map or in the list.
- Lowest fifth of US counties
- Middle fifth
- Highest fifth (darker = a larger share 65+)
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- At least one hospital rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- None in the county
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- Bottom fifth of US counties
- Middle fifth
- Top fifth (darker = cheaper)
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- Bottom fifth of US counties
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- Top fifth (darker = lower)
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- Bottom fifth of US counties
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- Bottom fifth of US counties
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- Top fifth (darker = more)
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- Bottom fifth of US counties
- Middle fifth
- Top fifth (darker = lower)
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Outlines: US Census Bureau, cartographic boundary files (2024). A fifth is among every US county holding the figure, so a color means the same thing in every state.
All 56 counties, with their figures
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Beaverhead County
10,043 residents, 2,571 aged 65 or older (25.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.6 Cheaper than 34 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Montana nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,958 Lower than 55 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Beaverhead County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 2.0 months a year More than 1 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.50 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,370 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Dillon, Lima (Census, 1 July 2024).
Beaverhead County page → -
Big Horn County
12,752 residents, 1,952 aged 65 or older (15.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.6 Cheaper than 34 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Montana nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,451 Lower than 24 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 31.0 per 100,000 a year Lower than 3 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 3.0 months a year More than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.88 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 22 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,542 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Hardin, Lodge Grass (Census, 1 July 2024).
Big Horn County page → -
Blaine County
6,860 residents, 1,309 aged 65 or older (19.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.6 Cheaper than 34 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Montana nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $5,291 Lower than 13 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Blaine County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.57 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 34 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two No Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage is offered here (CMS, plan year 2027).
Largest places: Chinook, Harlem (Census, 1 July 2024).
Blaine County page → -
Broadwater County
8,493 residents, 1,984 aged 65 or older (23.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 95.7 Cheaper than 20 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Helena, MT metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,565 Lower than 65 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Broadwater County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.61 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 32 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,874 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest place: Townsend (Census, 1 July 2024).
Broadwater County page → -
Carbon County
11,466 residents, 3,558 aged 65 or older (31.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 93.5 Cheaper than 26 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Billings, MT metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,506 Lower than 67 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Carbon County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $3.60 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 4 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,926 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Red Lodge, Bridger, Joliet (Census, 1 July 2024).
Carbon County page → -
Carter County
1,383 residents, 401 aged 65 or older (29.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.6 Cheaper than 34 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Montana nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,197 Lower than 77 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Carter County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 3.0 months a year More than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.40 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 44 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two No Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage is offered here (CMS, plan year 2027).
Largest place: Ekalaka (Census, 1 July 2024).
Carter County page → -
Cascade County
85,029 residents, 17,887 aged 65 or older (21.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 96.8 Cheaper than 18 % of the other 3,142 US counties Great Falls, MT metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,670 Lower than 39 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Cascade County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.32 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 50 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,302 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Great Falls, Cascade, Belt (Census, 1 July 2024).
Cascade County page → -
Chouteau County
5,865 residents, 1,475 aged 65 or older (25.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.6 Cheaper than 34 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Montana nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,247 Lower than 48 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Chouteau County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.33 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 50 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,430 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Fort Benton, Big Sandy, Geraldine (Census, 1 July 2024).
Chouteau County page → -
Custer County
12,034 residents, 2,724 aged 65 or older (22.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.6 Cheaper than 34 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Montana nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,226 Lower than 28 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Custer County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 3.0 months a year More than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.13 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 66 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two No Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage is offered here (CMS, plan year 2027).
Largest places: Miles City, Ismay (Census, 1 July 2024).
Custer County page → -
Daniels County
1,612 residents, 472 aged 65 or older (29.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.6 Cheaper than 34 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Montana nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,658 Lower than 40 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Daniels County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.43 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 100 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $8,590 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Scobey, Flaxville (Census, 1 July 2024).
Daniels County page → -
Dawson County
8,692 residents, 2,016 aged 65 or older (23.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.6 Cheaper than 34 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Montana nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,594 Lower than 22 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Dawson County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 3.0 months a year More than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.06 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 73 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two No Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage is offered here (CMS, plan year 2027).
Largest places: Glendive, Richey (Census, 1 July 2024).
Dawson County page → -
Deer Lodge County
9,709 residents, 2,910 aged 65 or older (30.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.6 Cheaper than 34 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Montana nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,333 Lower than 46 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Deer Lodge County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 2.0 months a year More than 1 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.71 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 96 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,046 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest place: Anaconda-Deer Lodge County (Census, 1 July 2024).
Deer Lodge County page → -
Fallon County
2,959 residents, 679 aged 65 or older (22.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.6 Cheaper than 34 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Montana nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,353 Lower than 72 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Fallon County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 3.0 months a year More than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.93 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 83 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $8,590 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Baker, Plevna (Census, 1 July 2024).
Fallon County page → -
Fergus County
11,825 residents, 3,335 aged 65 or older (28.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.6 Cheaper than 34 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Montana nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,231 Lower than 49 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Fergus County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.87 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 87 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,550 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Lewistown, Denton, Moore (Census, 1 July 2024).
Fergus County page → -
Flathead County
115,429 residents, 26,667 aged 65 or older (23.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.6 Cheaper than 34 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Montana nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,648 Lower than 63 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 4.1 per 100,000 a year Lower than 79 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 3.0 months a year More than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.84 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 23 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,302 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Kalispell, Whitefish, Columbia Falls (Census, 1 July 2024).
Flathead County page → -
Gallatin County
128,740 residents, 19,222 aged 65 or older (14.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 102.5 Cheaper than 6 % of the other 3,142 US counties Bozeman, MT metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,671 Lower than 62 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Gallatin County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.15 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 64 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Bozeman, Belgrade, Manhattan (Census, 1 July 2024).
Gallatin County page → -
Garfield County
1,148 residents, 307 aged 65 or older (26.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.6 Cheaper than 34 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Montana nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,776 Lower than 60 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Garfield County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 3.0 months a year More than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.33 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 49 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $8,590 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest place: Jordan (Census, 1 July 2024).
Garfield County page → -
Glacier County
13,463 residents, 2,129 aged 65 or older (15.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.6 Cheaper than 34 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Montana nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,558 Lower than 42 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Glacier County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 3.0 months a year More than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.19 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 60 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,542 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest place: Cut Bank (Census, 1 July 2024).
Glacier County page → -
Golden Valley County
844 residents, 274 aged 65 or older (32.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.6 Cheaper than 34 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Montana nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,476 Lower than 68 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Golden Valley County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.45 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 41 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,542 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Ryegate, Lavina (Census, 1 July 2024).
Golden Valley County page → -
Granite County
3,658 residents, 1,106 aged 65 or older (30.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.6 Cheaper than 34 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Montana nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,723 Lower than 61 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Granite County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 2.0 months a year More than 1 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.67 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 29 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,550 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Philipsburg, Drummond (Census, 1 July 2024).
Granite County page → -
Hill County
16,167 residents, 3,034 aged 65 or older (18.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.6 Cheaper than 34 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Montana nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,030 Lower than 32 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Hill County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.89 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 86 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two No Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage is offered here (CMS, plan year 2027).
Largest places: Havre, Hingham (Census, 1 July 2024).
Hill County page → -
Jefferson County
13,329 residents, 3,549 aged 65 or older (26.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 95.7 Cheaper than 20 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Helena, MT metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,525 Lower than 67 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Jefferson County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.75 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 27 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,550 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Boulder, Whitehall (Census, 1 July 2024).
Jefferson County page → -
Judith Basin County
2,162 residents, 702 aged 65 or older (32.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.6 Cheaper than 34 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Montana nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,175 Lower than 78 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Judith Basin County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.06 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 72 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,430 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Stanford, Hobson (Census, 1 July 2024).
Judith Basin County page → -
Lake County
33,392 residents, 9,121 aged 65 or older (27.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.6 Cheaper than 34 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Montana nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,734 Lower than 60 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Lake County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.77 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 25 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,370 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Polson, Ronan, St. Ignatius (Census, 1 July 2024).
Lake County page → -
Lewis and Clark County
75,331 residents, 16,721 aged 65 or older (22.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 95.7 Cheaper than 20 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Helena, MT metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,378 Lower than 46 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Lewis and Clark County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.14 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 66 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,374 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Helena, East Helena (Census, 1 July 2024).
Lewis and Clark County page → -
Liberty County
1,957 residents, 490 aged 65 or older (25.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.6 Cheaper than 34 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Montana nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,859 Lower than 36 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Liberty County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.07 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 72 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,550 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest place: Chester (Census, 1 July 2024).
Liberty County page → -
Lincoln County
22,328 residents, 7,159 aged 65 or older (32.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.6 Cheaper than 34 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Montana nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,515 Lower than 67 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Lincoln County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.05 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 18 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,310 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Libby, Eureka, Troy (Census, 1 July 2024).
Lincoln County page → -
McCone County
1,720 residents, 497 aged 65 or older (28.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.6 Cheaper than 34 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Montana nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,973 Lower than 55 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- McCone County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 3.0 months a year More than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.71 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 96 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two No Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage is offered here (CMS, plan year 2027).
Largest place: Circle (Census, 1 July 2024).
McCone County page → -
Madison County
10,026 residents, 3,058 aged 65 or older (30.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.6 Cheaper than 34 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Montana nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,051 Lower than 81 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Madison County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.65 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 30 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,550 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Ennis, Sheridan, Twin Bridges (Census, 1 July 2024).
Madison County page → -
Meagher County
2,137 residents, 699 aged 65 or older (32.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.6 Cheaper than 34 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Montana nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,933 Lower than 56 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Meagher County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 3.0 months a year More than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.45 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 41 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,550 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest place: White Sulphur Springs (Census, 1 July 2024).
Meagher County page → -
Mineral County
5,185 residents, 1,540 aged 65 or older (29.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 96.4 Cheaper than 18 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Missoula, MT metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,298 Lower than 74 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Mineral County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.92 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 20 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,550 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Superior, Alberton (Census, 1 July 2024).
Mineral County page → -
Missoula County
123,513 residents, 24,206 aged 65 or older (19.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 96.4 Cheaper than 18 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Missoula, MT metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,686 Lower than 39 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 3.3 per 100,000 a year Lower than 87 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.29 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 52 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,122 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest place: Missoula (Census, 1 July 2024).
Missoula County page → -
Musselshell County
5,582 residents, 1,503 aged 65 or older (26.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.6 Cheaper than 34 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Montana nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,526 Lower than 67 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Musselshell County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 3.0 months a year More than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.49 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,542 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Roundup, Melstone (Census, 1 July 2024).
Musselshell County page → -
Park County
18,214 residents, 4,663 aged 65 or older (25.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.6 Cheaper than 34 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Montana nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,586 Lower than 64 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Park County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 2.0 months a year More than 1 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.14 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 16 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,458 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Livingston, Clyde Park (Census, 1 July 2024).
Park County page → -
Petroleum County
548 residents, 192 aged 65 or older (35.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.6 Cheaper than 34 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Montana nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,714 Lower than 61 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Petroleum County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 3.0 months a year More than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.62 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 32 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $8,590 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest place: Winnett (Census, 1 July 2024).
Petroleum County page → -
Phillips County
4,203 residents, 1,094 aged 65 or older (26.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.6 Cheaper than 34 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Montana nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,356 Lower than 46 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Phillips County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.03 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 76 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $8,590 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Malta, Saco, Dodson (Census, 1 July 2024).
Phillips County page → -
Pondera County
6,072 residents, 1,522 aged 65 or older (25.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.6 Cheaper than 34 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Montana nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,413 Lower than 45 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Pondera County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.86 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,310 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Conrad, Valier (Census, 1 July 2024).
Pondera County page → -
Powder River County
1,781 residents, 564 aged 65 or older (31.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.6 Cheaper than 34 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Montana nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,985 Lower than 55 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Powder River County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 3.0 months a year More than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.20 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 15 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $8,590 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest place: Broadus (Census, 1 July 2024).
Powder River County page → -
Powell County
7,157 residents, 1,815 aged 65 or older (25.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.6 Cheaper than 34 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Montana nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,012 Lower than 54 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Powell County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 3.0 months a year More than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.19 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 60 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,046 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest place: Deer Lodge (Census, 1 July 2024).
Powell County page → -
Prairie County
1,112 residents, 431 aged 65 or older (38.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.6 Cheaper than 34 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Montana nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,547 Lower than 42 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Prairie County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 3.0 months a year More than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.13 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 66 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $8,590 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest place: Terry (Census, 1 July 2024).
Prairie County page → -
Ravalli County
48,582 residents, 14,596 aged 65 or older (30.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.6 Cheaper than 34 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Montana nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,357 Lower than 72 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Ravalli County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.72 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 9 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,542 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Hamilton, Stevensville, Pinesdale (Census, 1 July 2024).
Ravalli County page → -
Richland County
11,377 residents, 2,166 aged 65 or older (19.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.6 Cheaper than 34 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Montana nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,183 Lower than 50 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Richland County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 3.0 months a year More than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.02 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 77 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two No Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage is offered here (CMS, plan year 2027).
Largest places: Sidney, Fairview (Census, 1 July 2024).
Richland County page → -
Roosevelt County
10,242 residents, 1,583 aged 65 or older (15.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.6 Cheaper than 34 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Montana nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $5,093 Lower than 15 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Roosevelt County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.68 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 97 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $8,590 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Wolf Point, Poplar, Culbertson (Census, 1 July 2024).
Roosevelt County page → -
Rosebud County
8,253 residents, 1,577 aged 65 or older (19.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.6 Cheaper than 34 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Montana nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,075 Lower than 52 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Rosebud County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 3.0 months a year More than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.48 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 11 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,926 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Colstrip, Forsyth (Census, 1 July 2024).
Rosebud County page → -
Sanders County
14,062 residents, 4,906 aged 65 or older (34.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.6 Cheaper than 34 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Montana nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,451 Lower than 69 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Sanders County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.12 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 16 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,550 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Thompson Falls, Plains, Hot Springs (Census, 1 July 2024).
Sanders County page → -
Sheridan County
3,436 residents, 933 aged 65 or older (27.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.6 Cheaper than 34 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Montana nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,902 Lower than 17 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Sheridan County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.52 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 99 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two No Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage is offered here (CMS, plan year 2027).
Largest places: Plentywood, Medicine Lake, Westby (Census, 1 July 2024).
Sheridan County page → -
Silver Bow County
36,118 residents, 8,211 aged 65 or older (22.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.6 Cheaper than 34 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Montana nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,038 Lower than 32 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Silver Bow County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 3.0 months a year More than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.81 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 92 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,310 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Butte-Silver Bow, Walkerville (Census, 1 July 2024).
Silver Bow County page → -
Stillwater County
9,445 residents, 2,661 aged 65 or older (28.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 93.5 Cheaper than 26 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Billings, MT metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,609 Lower than 64 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Stillwater County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.30 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 14 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,286 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest place: Columbus (Census, 1 July 2024).
Stillwater County page → -
Sweet Grass County
3,762 residents, 1,170 aged 65 or older (31.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.6 Cheaper than 34 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Montana nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,321 Lower than 73 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Sweet Grass County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.23 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 15 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,370 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest place: Big Timber (Census, 1 July 2024).
Sweet Grass County page → -
Teton County
6,496 residents, 1,659 aged 65 or older (25.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.6 Cheaper than 34 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Montana nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,243 Lower than 48 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Teton County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.19 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 61 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,430 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Choteau, Fairfield, Dutton (Census, 1 July 2024).
Teton County page → -
Toole County
5,211 residents, 973 aged 65 or older (18.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.6 Cheaper than 34 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Montana nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,667 Lower than 40 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Toole County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.77 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 93 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,542 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Shelby, Sunburst, Kevin (Census, 1 July 2024).
Toole County page → -
Treasure County
728 residents, 227 aged 65 or older (31.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.6 Cheaper than 34 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Montana nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,682 Lower than 62 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Treasure County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 3.0 months a year More than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.82 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 24 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,542 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest place: Hysham (Census, 1 July 2024).
Treasure County page → -
Valley County
7,385 residents, 1,930 aged 65 or older (26.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.6 Cheaper than 34 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Montana nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,725 Lower than 19 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Valley County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.03 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 76 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $8,590 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Glasgow, Nashua, Fort Peck (Census, 1 July 2024).
Valley County page → -
Wheatland County
2,100 residents, 599 aged 65 or older (28.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.6 Cheaper than 34 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Montana nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,570 Lower than 65 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Wheatland County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.31 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 51 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,370 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Harlowton, Judith Gap (Census, 1 July 2024).
Wheatland County page → -
Wibaux County
885 residents, 222 aged 65 or older (25.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.6 Cheaper than 34 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Montana nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,732 Lower than 61 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Wibaux County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 3.0 months a year More than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.36 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 47 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two No Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage is offered here (CMS, plan year 2027).
Largest place: Wibaux (Census, 1 July 2024).
Wibaux County page → -
Yellowstone County
172,692 residents, 34,821 aged 65 or older (20.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 93.5 Cheaper than 26 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Billings, MT metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,445 Lower than 44 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 2 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 7.0 per 100,000 a year Lower than 54 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 3.0 months a year More than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.88 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 87 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,230 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Billings, Laurel, Broadview (Census, 1 July 2024).
Yellowstone County page →
Sources: US Census Bureau, county population estimates by age, 1 July 2025; BEA Regional Price Parities 2024, all items, of each county's metropolitan area or its state's nonmetropolitan portion; The state's published 2025 income-tax rules, the county's own local income tax where one is levied, and the county's Census ACS property-tax ratio, applied to the example household; CMS, Hospital General Information (Care Compare), hospital overall star rating, release of 13 Aug 2026; CHELSA V2.1 monthly maximum temperature, 1981-2010 (~1 km), averaged over the county, Karger et al.; FEMA, National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), county expected annual loss to buildings (EAL_VALB); CMS, Medicare Advantage and Part D Landscape, plan year 2027; CMS, 2026 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles (fact sheet, 14 Nov 2025); CDC WONDER, Underlying Cause of Death 2018-2024 (Single Race, final), by county of residence.
Where Montana stands, on the six criteria
Montana's six figures are the ones that set its place on the state ranking, where it sits in Tier 12 of 16. Each is measured for the whole of Montana, not for any single place within it.
| Criterion | Montana |
|---|---|
| Cost of living BEA price level, all items (US = 100); lower is better |
94.6 Cheaper than 58% of the other 50 · housing 84.6 · goods 96.0 · utilities 72.3 · other services 98.7
BEA Regional Price Parities by state, 2024 (SARPP, line codes 1-5) · figure for 2024 · checked 2026-08-28
|
| Taxes on a retired couple state and local tax on the example retired couple, USD a year; lower is better |
USD $3,117 (90% margin USD $3,088–$3,146) Lower than 52% of the other 50
Each state's published 2025 income-tax rules and the Census ACS property-tax ratio, applied to the example household · figure for 2025
|
| Healthcare access share of residents 65+ living in a county with a 4- or 5-star CMS hospital; higher is better |
45 % of residents 65+ Higher than 24% of the other 50
CMS, Hospital General Information (Care Compare), hospital overall star rating, release of 13 Aug 2026, weighted by each county's population 65+ (US Census Bureau, 1 July 2025) · figure for 2026 · checked 2026-10-27
|
| Safety homicides per 100,000 a year, 2020–2024, by state of residence; lower is better |
4.8 per 100,000 a year (95% interval 4.2–5.4) Lower than 64% of the other 50
CDC WONDER, Underlying Cause of Death 2018-2024 (Single Race, final), by state of residence · figure for 2024 · checked 2026-10-27
|
| Climate months a year whose mean daily high is 18–29 °C (64–84 °F), 1981–2010; more is better |
3.6 months a year More than 4% of the other 50
CHELSA V2.1 monthly maximum temperature, 1981-2010 (~1 km), averaged over the county, Karger et al., weighted by each county's population 65+ (US Census Bureau, 1 July 2025) · figure for 2010 · checked 2026-10-27
|
| Natural-hazard risk expected yearly loss to buildings from natural hazards, per USD $1,000 of buildings; lower is better |
USD $1.37 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 48% of the other 50
FEMA, National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), state expected annual loss to buildings (EAL_VALB) · figure for 2025 · checked 2026-10-27
|
Medicare in Montana
For the published example couple, both 67 and married: what Medicare premiums cost a year for two in Montana, and the most a bad year can cost. What care itself costs depends on a person's health, so it is not estimated here.
Medicare Advantage, with drug coverage
USD $5,302 a year for two in premiums (from USD $4,870)
At most USD $18,372 in a bad year (from USD $17,270), with each person's in-network out-of-pocket maximum
The middle of the 8 plans offered here; "from" is the lowest premium among them.
Original Medicare, with a drug plan
USD $5,669 a year for two in premiums (from USD $4,997)
Medigap: no federal price list — not in this total.
No yearly maximum on Original Medicare alone.
Part B for two, plus the middle of the 9 standalone drug plans offered in the state.
The middle of Montana's 56 counties, weighted by residents 65 or older (US Census Bureau, 1 July 2025); 9 have no Advantage plan and are left out of that column.
The 2027 Part B premium is not yet published (CMS usually publishes it in November); 2026's is used.
Source: CMS, Medicare Advantage and Part D Landscape, plan year 2027; CMS, 2026 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles (fact sheet, 14 Nov 2025).
Montana adds no Medigap enrollment right beyond the federal six-month open enrollment period, which starts the month you are 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. Montana's rule
Free, official Medicare counseling in Montana: Montana State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), 406-444-4077 (the State Health Insurance Assistance Program).
Retiring to Montana: pros and cons, by the figures
Retiring to Montana, judged on the six figures above: a pro is a figure in the top fifth of the states, a con one in the bottom fifth. Figures in between get no verdict.
Pros
None of Montana's six figures is in the top fifth of the states.
Cons
- Climate: fewer than 96% of the other 50 (3.6 months a year). CHELSA V2.1 monthly maximum temperature, 1981-2010 (~1 km), averaged over the county, Karger et al., weighted by each county's population 65+ (US Census Bureau, 1 July 2025)
Also shown, not scored
Montana's other state-wide figures: shown for context, not part of its tier. Measured for the whole of Montana — not for any single place within it.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
|
Population
Total resident population, US Census Bureau estimate for 1 July 2025.
How this is measuredTotal resident population, Census Bureau estimate as of 1 July 2025, as reported in SSA's Table 1. Bigger is not better — this axis exists for context, never for ranking. |
1,144,694 people |
|
Population 65 plus
Residents aged 65 or older, US Census Bureau estimate for 1 July 2025.
How this is measuredResident population aged 65 or older, Census Bureau estimate as of 1 July 2025, as reported in SSA's Table 1. |
253,772 people |
|
Social security beneficiary share
Everyone receiving Social Security — retired, disabled, survivors and dependants — as a share of the population, 2025.
How this is measuredAll OASDI beneficiaries — retired workers, disabled workers, survivors and dependants — as a percentage of the total resident population. SSA Table 1 (2025), population as of 1 July 2025. Not the same measure as the county-level retired-worker share. |
23.7 percent |
Source for every figure: SSA Table 1 (2025) · Census population as of 1 July 2025 · figure for 2025 · checked 2026-08-28 Official source
Taxes on a retired couple in Montana
We apply Montana's published rules for tax year 2025 to one example household and show the sum, line by line. These are rules already in force for 2025, not a projection.
The example household
| Filing status | married filing jointly, both aged 67 |
|---|---|
| Social Security | USD $45,000 a year, combined |
| Private pension | USD $25,000 a year |
| IRA or 401(k) withdrawal | USD $20,000 a year |
| Home, for property tax | USD $350,000 |
An illustrative household, the same for every state so states can be compared. Each spouse holds half of each income. Your own figures will differ.
Montana's rules applied
Federal income tax is left out: it is the same in every state, so it cannot separate them. Sales tax is left out too: it depends on what a household buys, and no state publishes an average of its local rates. The rate is listed below.
The rules behind the sum
- Top income-tax rate: 5.9 % Montana Department of Revenue, 2025 Form 2 Instructions · checked Oct 26, 2026
- Subtraction for taxpayers 65 and older (USD $5,660 each): USD $5,660 per person, from age 65 Montana Department of Revenue, 2025 Form 2 Instructions · checked Oct 26, 2026
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