Carter County
MT · Pop. 1,361 · Rural County
Carter County sits in Montana across 3,340 square miles, home to 1,361 people at 0.4 per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on hay, wheat, haylage. A median home price of $177,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.44% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 4b with a 121-day growing season, average summer highs of 81.4°F and average winter lows of 8.8°F. Annual rainfall averages 14.2 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Dahl Memorial Healthcare Association is 25.7 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 80.3% 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 0.44% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $177,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- A strong agricultural economy built on hay, wheat, haylage means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
- At 0.4 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
- A low unemployment rate of 1.9% reflects a stable local job base.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- A 121-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- Annual rainfall of just 14.2 inches means irrigation and water storage are core requirements.
- The nearest hospital, Dahl Memorial Healthcare Association, is 25.7 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
- Average winter lows of 8.8°F demand serious cold-weather infrastructure for livestock and water systems.
At a glance
Carter County, MT is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 46/100
- Median home price
- $177k
- Property tax
- 0.44%
- Growing season
- 121 days (zone 4b)
- Annual rainfall
- 14.2"
- Broadband
- 80.3%
- Nearest hospital
- Dahl Memorial Healthcare Association, 25.7 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Carter County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Carter County?
- Carter County is in USDA hardiness zone 4b with a 121-day growing season, average summer highs of 81.4°F, and average winter lows of 8.8°F. The established crops are hay, wheat, haylage.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $177,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.44%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 80.3% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Dahl Memorial Healthcare Association is 25.7 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 Carter 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.