Big Horn County
MT · Pop. 12,963 · Rural County
Big Horn County, Montana covers 4,998 square miles with a population of 12,963 and a density of 2.6 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on hay, wheat, barley. The median home price is $148,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 4b with a 142-day growing season, average summer highs of 84.8°F and average winter lows of 10.1°F. Annual rainfall averages 15.7 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Crow Hospital is 12.5 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 79.1% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, wildfire risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A median home price of $148,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- A strong agricultural economy built on hay, wheat, barley means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
- At 2.6 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- A 142-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- Annual rainfall of just 15.7 inches means irrigation and water storage are core requirements.
- Broadband reaches only 79.1% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
- A poverty rate of 23.6% reflects a constrained local economy with limited off-farm income options.
At a glance
Big Horn County, MT is a challenging place to homestead on the data.
- Homestead score
- 37/100
- Median home price
- $148k
- Property tax
- 1%
- Growing season
- 142 days (zone 4b)
- Annual rainfall
- 15.7"
- Broadband
- 79.1%
- Nearest hospital
- Crow Hospital, 12.5 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Big Horn County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Big Horn County?
- Big Horn County is in USDA hardiness zone 4b with a 142-day growing season, average summer highs of 84.8°F, and average winter lows of 10.1°F. The established crops are hay, wheat, barley.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $148,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 79.1% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Crow Hospital is 12.5 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 2 hospitals in the county.
Explore Montana Resources
Partner links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
LandWatch
Browse rural land, farms, and ranches for sale across every state.
Lands of America
The largest listing site for rural property — farms, ranches, hunting land, and timberland.
AcreTrader
Invest in farmland online — vetted properties with passive income potential.
More counties in Montana
All Montana countiesNearby counties
The closest counties to Big Horn County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
Your brand here — Reach our audience of professional directory owners and boost your sales.