Dawson County
MT · Pop. 8,874 · Rural County
Dawson County, Montana covers 2,372 square miles with a population of 8,874 and a density of 3.7 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on wheat, hay, peas. A median home price of $187,000 and an effective property tax rate of 1.17% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 4a with a 151-day growing season, average summer highs of 84.9°F and average winter lows of 11°F. Annual rainfall averages 13.9 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Glendive Medical Center is 13.7 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 85.4% of homes. On the hazard side, wildfire risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A median home price of $187,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- A strong agricultural economy built on wheat, hay, peas means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
- At 3.7 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
- A low unemployment rate of 2.7% reflects a stable local job base.
- A low poverty rate of 8.8% signals a relatively stable local economy.
Cons
- A 151-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- Annual rainfall of just 13.9 inches means irrigation and water storage are core requirements.
- Average winter lows of 11°F demand serious cold-weather infrastructure for livestock and water systems.
At a glance
Dawson County, MT is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 40/100
- Median home price
- $187k
- Property tax
- 1.17%
- Growing season
- 151 days (zone 4a)
- Annual rainfall
- 13.9"
- Broadband
- 85.4%
- Nearest hospital
- Glendive Medical Center, 13.7 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Dawson County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Dawson County?
- Dawson County is in USDA hardiness zone 4a with a 151-day growing season, average summer highs of 84.9°F, and average winter lows of 11°F. The established crops are wheat, hay, peas.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $187,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.17%. There's no published county per-acre figure, so use recent comparable sales to gauge raw-land value.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 85.4% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Glendive Medical Center is 13.7 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Montana Resources
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More counties in Montana
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The closest counties to Dawson 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.
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