Phillips County
MT · Pop. 4,224 · Rural County
Phillips County sits in Montana across 5,140 square miles, home to 4,224 people at 0.8 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 $175,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.85%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 4a with a 141-day growing season, average summer highs of 83.3°F and average winter lows of 8.8°F. Annual rainfall averages 13 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Phillips County Hospital is 8.1 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 84% 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 0.85% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $175,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Phillips County Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 8.1 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 0.8 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 141-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- Annual rainfall of just 13 inches means irrigation and water storage are core requirements.
- Average winter lows of 8.8°F demand serious cold-weather infrastructure for livestock and water systems.
At a glance
Phillips County, MT is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 50/100
- Median home price
- $175k
- Property tax
- 0.85%
- Growing season
- 141 days (zone 4a)
- Annual rainfall
- 13"
- Broadband
- 84%
- Nearest hospital
- Phillips County Hospital, 8.1 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Phillips County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Phillips County?
- Phillips County is in USDA hardiness zone 4a with a 141-day growing season, average summer highs of 83.3°F, and average winter lows of 8.8°F. The established crops are wheat, hay, barley.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $175,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.85%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 84% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Phillips County Hospital is 8.1 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital 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 Phillips 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.