Fergus County
MT · Pop. 11,581 · Rural County
Fergus County, Montana covers 4,339 square miles with a population of 11,581 and a density of 2.7 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on hay, wheat, barley. A median home price of $203,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.84% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 4b with a 114-day growing season, average summer highs of 77.4°F and average winter lows of 13.5°F. Annual rainfall averages 16.9 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Central Montana Medical Center is 15 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 76.3% of homes. On the hazard side, wildfire risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.84% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A strong agricultural economy built on hay, wheat, barley means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
- At 2.7 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
- A low unemployment rate of 3.5% reflects a stable local job base.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- A 114-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- Annual rainfall of just 16.9 inches means irrigation and water storage are core requirements.
- Broadband reaches only 76.3% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
- Average winter lows of 13.5°F demand serious cold-weather infrastructure for livestock and water systems.
At a glance
Fergus County, MT is a challenging place to homestead on the data.
- Homestead score
- 34/100
- Median home price
- $203k
- Property tax
- 0.84%
- Growing season
- 114 days (zone 4b)
- Annual rainfall
- 16.9"
- Broadband
- 76.3%
- Nearest hospital
- Central Montana Medical Center, 15 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Fergus County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Fergus County?
- Fergus County is in USDA hardiness zone 4b with a 114-day growing season, average summer highs of 77.4°F, and average winter lows of 13.5°F. The established crops are hay, wheat, barley.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $203,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.84%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 76.3% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Central Montana Medical Center is 15 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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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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