Golden Valley
Montana

What stands out

Three things set Golden Valley County apart from the other 3,142 counties: natural-hazard risk is among the safest in America (1 of 100), homeownership is in the top 2% of American counties (86%), and the overdose death rate is in the bottom 4% of American counties (0 per 100,000). Within Montana it ranks 2nd of 56 counties for natural-hazard risk, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Golden Valley County, Montana. 841 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population grew 1.1% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +22).

Montana has no sales tax and a two-bracket income tax with a top rate of 5.65% for 2026. It taxes Social Security above income thresholds. Home prices in Bozeman, Missoula and the Flathead Valley roughly doubled between 2019 and 2023 as remote workers arrived, and the state passed a package of zoning reforms in 2023 to add housing supply. Wildfire smoke is now a regular late-summer feature.

Money

The typical household here brings in $54,792 a year, lower than 68% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $48,494. Unemployment runs 3.2%, lower than 58% of American counties. 12% of workers work from home.

Montana takes 4.8% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,644 a year.

Home

The median home costs $238K, pricier than 51% of American counties, about 2.1 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $650 a month. Property tax is 0.67% of home value, roughly $929 a year on that median home, lower than 69% of American counties. 86% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.7 per 1,000 residents, lower than 63% of American counties.

There are 2 active physicians in the county, about 23.8 per 10,000 people. 19.6% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

91% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 64 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 75% of eligible voters turned out. Under Montana law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is protected by state law, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 46°F, highs near 59 and lows near 33, colder than 89% of American counties. About 18 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 1 out of 100, safer than almost every county in America; the county has had 10 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 115 Mbps down, slower than 83% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation.