Property Tax in Montana (2026): Rates, Exemptions, and Real Numbers

Montana Property Tax Rates by County

Highest and lowest effective rates within Montana

Property Tax Calculator — Montana

Pre-loaded with Montana's 0.68% effective rate and $448,600 median price

Property Tax by City in Montana

Annual and monthly property tax by city, based on local median prices and the statewide effective rate

Montana Homestead Exemption

How Montana Assesses Property Values

Assessment cycle: Annual assessment by Department of Revenue. Statewide reappraisal cycle completed periodically.

Property Tax's Impact on Your True Monthly Cost

On a $448,600 home in Montana

Property tax represents 7% of the true monthly cost in Montana.

Mortgage Calculator Including Property Tax — Montana

See your full PITI (principal, interest, taxes, insurance) payment

How Montana's Property Tax Affects Affordability

$254/month in property tax reduces the home price you can afford. Use the affordability calculator to see the real impact.

Property Tax After Refinancing in Montana

Refinancing changes your P&I but not your property tax. If your home was reassessed at a higher value, your tax bill increases regardless of your rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the property tax rate in Montana?

Montana's effective property tax rate is 0.68%, ranking #33 nationally. The median annual property tax bill is $3,050 ($254/month). Rates range from 0.42% in Treasure County to 0.88% in Silver Bow County (Butte). Source: Tax Foundation Property Taxes by State 2024.

Does Montana have a homestead exemption?

Yes — Montana offers a homestead exemption for primary residences. Owner-occupied primary residences are classified as Class 4 property and taxed at 1.35% of market value (vs. 1.89% for non-owner-occupied). Elderly homeowner assistance program (EHHP) available for seniors 62+ with qualifying income.. Apply through your county assessor's office after purchasing your home.

How often is property reassessed in Montana?

Montana reassesses property on a annual assessment by department of revenue. statewide reappraisal cycle completed periodically. basis. When your property is reassessed, your tax bill changes based on the new assessed value multiplied by the applicable rate. If you believe your assessment is too high, you can appeal — most counties allow 30-90 days after receiving your assessment notice.

How is property tax calculated in Montana?

Property tax = Assessed Value × Mill Rate (or effective rate). In Montana, the effective rate is 0.68% of market value. On a $448,600 home: $448,600 × 0.68% = $3,050/year. Assessments may use a fraction of market value — the effective rate accounts for this.

Can I appeal my property tax assessment in Montana?

Yes. If your assessed value is higher than comparable sales in your area, you can file an appeal with your county assessment board. Steps: (1) Get your assessment notice, (2) Research comparable recent sales, (3) File an appeal by the deadline (typically 30-90 days from assessment notice). Studies show 20-40% of appeals result in a reduction. The process is free and you represent yourself — no attorney required.

Are property taxes included in my mortgage payment in Montana?

Most lenders require an escrow account that collects $254/month ($3,050/year ÷ 12) along with your mortgage payment, then pays the county on your behalf. If your loan-to-value is below 80%, you may be able to opt out of escrow and pay taxes directly. Note: if your assessed value rises, your escrow payment adjusts and your total monthly cost increases.

What Montana counties have the highest and lowest property taxes?

Montana's highest effective rate is in Silver Bow County (Butte) at 0.88%. The lowest is Treasure County at 0.42%. That's a 0.46% spread — on a $448,600 home, the difference is $2,064/year.