10 Counties with the Lowest Property Tax Rates in Montana
If you are comparing property taxes across Montana, these 10 counties have the lowest effective rates in the state. The lowest-rate county, Madison County, comes in at 0.41% — 0.34% lower than the Montana average (0.75%). The statewide effective rate is 0.75%.
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| # | County | Effective Rate | Median Tax | Median Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Madison County | 0.41% | $1,800 | $440,500 |
| 2 | Carter County | 0.44% | $782 | $176,600 |
| 3 | Judith Basin County | 0.45% | $971 | $214,200 |
| 4 | Sweet Grass County | 0.49% | $1,452 | $295,500 |
| 5 | Golden Valley County | 0.51% | $1,038 | $203,900 |
| 6 | Ravalli County | 0.53% | $2,303 | $435,000 |
| 7 | Carbon County | 0.55% | $2,080 | $379,300 |
| 8 | Sanders County | 0.55% | $1,777 | $323,800 |
| 9 | Mineral County | 0.55% | $1,728 | $313,600 |
| 10 | Jefferson County | 0.56% | $2,274 | $408,000 |
How this ranking is calculated
The effective property tax rate is the median annual property tax paid divided by the median home value in each county, expressed as a percentage. It is the most practical way to compare property tax burden between counties because it neutralizes differences in home values.
Counties with the lowest rates in Montana often share a few characteristics: higher home values that compress the percentage even when dollar taxes are high.
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