Judith Basin County
MT · Pop. 2,053 · Rural County
Judith Basin County, Montana covers 1,870 square miles with a population of 2,053 and a density of 1.1 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 $214,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.45%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 4b with a 116-day growing season, average summer highs of 78.2°F and average winter lows of 15.8°F. Annual rainfall averages 16.8 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Central Montana Medical Center is 40.6 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 91.7% 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 0.45% holds annual carrying costs down.
- Broadband reaches 91.7% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- A strong agricultural economy built on hay, wheat, barley means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
- At 1.1 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
- A low unemployment rate of 3.3% reflects a stable local job base.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- A 116-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- Annual rainfall of just 16.8 inches means irrigation and water storage are core requirements.
- The nearest hospital, Central Montana Medical Center, is 40.6 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
At a glance
Judith Basin County, MT is a challenging place to homestead on the data.
- Homestead score
- 39/100
- Median home price
- $214k
- Property tax
- 0.45%
- Growing season
- 116 days (zone 4b)
- Annual rainfall
- 16.8"
- Broadband
- 91.7%
- Nearest hospital
- Central Montana Medical Center, 40.6 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Judith Basin County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Judith Basin County?
- Judith Basin County is in USDA hardiness zone 4b with a 116-day growing season, average summer highs of 78.2°F, and average winter lows of 15.8°F. The established crops are hay, wheat, barley.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $214,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.45%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 91.7% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Central Montana Medical Center is 40.6 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
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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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