Montana · Property Tax & Closing Costs
Montana property tax by county
Property tax rates, median home values, and closing cost estimates for all 56 counties in Montana. The average effective rate across the state is 0.73%, ranking Montana 26 of 51. Data is sourced from the US Census Bureau American Community Survey 2024 5-year estimates.
Average rate
0.73%
across 56 counties
National rank
#26
of 51, highest rate first
Median home value
$235,550
county median in state
Rate range
0.41%–1.34%
Madison County → Blaine County
Same home, different county
On a $235,550 home (the typical county median in Montana), the annual property tax bill depends heavily on where you buy:
Difference
$2,181/yr
$182/mo · $21,812 over 10 years
Estimate: purchase price × each county's effective rate. Actual bills depend on assessed value, local levies, and exemptions.
Lowest property tax rates in Montana
The five Montana counties with the lowest effective property tax rates, useful for buyers comparing total cost of ownership across the state.
| County | Rate |
|---|---|
| Madison County | 0.41% |
| Judith Basin County | 0.45% |
| Carter County | 0.45% |
| Mineral County | 0.48% |
| Sweet Grass County | 0.49% |
Highest property tax rates in Montana
The five Montanacounties with the highest effective property tax rates. High rates often reflect strong school district funding or municipal services rather than weakness, but they materially change a buyer's monthly carrying cost.
| County | Rate |
|---|---|
| Blaine County | 1.34% |
| Roosevelt County | 1.28% |
| Sheridan County | 1.23% |
| Valley County | 1.18% |
| Dawson County | 1.14% |
Montana real estate transfer tax
Montana does not charge a state real estate transfer tax, so buyers and sellers avoid a cost that adds thousands of dollars at closing in many other states.
No transfer tax, but a Realty Transfer Certificate must be filed with the county Clerk and Recorder at recording (no associated tax, only nominal recording fees).
Official Montana source → · Verified April 2026
Closing costs in Montana
Across Montana's 56 counties, buyer closing costs run $2,629 to $11,763 at each county's median home value with 20% down. Cash needed at closing, with closing costs and the down payment, runs $22,349 to $145,283. Pick your county for your own figures.
Montana closing cost calculatorMontana property tax exemptions
Ways buyers in Montana may reduce their annual property tax. These programs apply statewide; verify county specifics with your local assessor.
Elderly Homeowner/Renter Credit
Refundable state income tax credit up to $1,150 for Montana homeowners 62+ with household income under $45,000. Does not require filing a Montana income tax return.
View official source →Property Tax Assistance Program (PTAP)
Income-based 30/50/80% property tax rate reduction on the first $418,000 of a home's market value. Income ranges updated annually.
View official source →Montana Disabled Veterans Property Tax Assistance
100% disabled veterans (or unmarried surviving spouses) may qualify for a 50/70/80/100% reduction of property tax rate on the home's market value based on income.
View official source →Last verified April 2026. Exemption amounts and eligibility change frequently. Always confirm with your county assessor before claiming.
All 56 counties in Montana
Effective property tax rate, median home value, and median annual taxes paid for every county in Montana. Click a county to open its full property tax calculator and closing cost breakdown.
Source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey 2024 5-year estimates, tables B25077 (median home value) and B25103 (median real estate taxes paid). Effective rate is computed as median taxes paid divided by median home value at the county level and represents the typical owner-occupied home. Actual bills vary by purchase price, exemptions, and special assessments.