Glacier County
MT · Pop. 13,713 · Rural County
Glacier County sits in Montana across 2,995 square miles, home to 13,713 people at 4.6 per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on wheat, hay, barley. The median home price is $153,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.81%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 4a with a 84-day growing season, average summer highs of 74.5°F and average winter lows of 15.6°F. Annual rainfall averages 26.1 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Blackfeet Community Hospital is 9.8 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 63.9% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, wildfire risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.81% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $153,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Blackfeet Community Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 9.8 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A strong agricultural economy built on wheat, hay, barley means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
- At 4.6 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 84-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- Broadband reaches only 63.9% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
- A poverty rate of 30.3% reflects a constrained local economy with limited off-farm income options.
At a glance
Glacier County, MT is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 41/100
- Median home price
- $153k
- Property tax
- 0.81%
- Growing season
- 84 days (zone 4a)
- Annual rainfall
- 26.1"
- Broadband
- 63.9%
- Nearest hospital
- Blackfeet Community Hospital, 9.8 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Glacier County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Glacier County?
- Glacier County is in USDA hardiness zone 4a with a 84-day growing season, average summer highs of 74.5°F, and average winter lows of 15.6°F. The established crops are wheat, hay, barley.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $153,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.81%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 63.9% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Blackfeet Community Hospital is 9.8 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 2 hospitals in the county.
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More counties in Montana
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The closest counties to Glacier 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.