Hunt & Live

Fallon County, MT

3,011 residents · 1,621 sq mi · 1.9/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
43.7°F
15.5" rain/yr
Water
dry sub-humid
Aridity index 0.81
Hardiness
Zone 6b
Winter low ~-2.7°F

About Fallon County

Fallon County is a county located in the U.S. state of Montana. As of the 2020 census, the population was 3,049. Its county seat is Baker. The county was created in 1913 from a portion of Custer County. It is named for Benjamin O'Fallon, a nephew of Captain William Clark and an Indian agent for the upper Missouri region from 1823 to 1827.

74
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #369 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a rural experience with a low population density of 1.9 people per square mile, promoting a sense of remoteness. The climate has an annual mean temperature of 43.7°F, with a growing season suitable for USDA zone 6b, allowing for a variety of crops. However, the dry sub-humid classification and only 15.5 inches of annual rainfall may limit extensive agricultural endeavors, making water conservation practices essential for self-sufficient living.

Natural hazards include cold waves, winter weather, and a moderate wildfire risk, with FEMA rankings of 68, 58, and 56, respectively. While the area boasts a low violence percentile of 92, indicating safety, the rural setting may present challenges in accessing emergency services. The median home price is $231,300, which could be a significant investment for potential homesteaders, especially given the median household income of $79,750.

This county is best suited for individuals or families seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle with the ability to adapt to colder climates and limited water resources. Those with experience in agriculture or self-sufficiency practices may thrive here. However, individuals reliant on urban amenities or those unprepared for the challenges of rural living may find this location unsuitable. The low density and natural beauty could be a hidden gem for the right homesteader.

AI-generated analysis based on county data (climate, hazards, density, housing, economy). For general orientation only.

Key Facts

Ranked #597 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#14 of 56 in MT
Ranked #14 of 56 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: cold wave
FEMA ranks cold wave risk at 68/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Extremely rural
Only 1.9 people per square mile — fewer than 5/sqmi places you in the bottom 5% nationally for density.
Climate profile
Classified as dry sub-humid with a 43.7°F annual mean and 15.5" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 6b.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $231,300.

Score Breakdown

Violence
68
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
5
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
4
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
5.4
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 68
Drought 20
Earthquake 8
Hail 25
Heat Wave 13
Riverine Flood 6
Ice Storm 19
Landslide 15
Lightning 9
Strong Wind 9
Tornado 11
Wildfire 57
Winter Weather 58

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
85.2°F
Winter low
7.3°F
Heating degree days
8,280
Cooling degree days
536

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$231,300
Median HH income
$79,750
Price to income
2.9×
Property tax rate
0.59%
~$1,371/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
37.2
Homeownership
72.1%
Poverty rate
12.7%

Connectivity

Broadband households
64.4%
No internet access
7.6%

Explore Fallon County Further

Similar Counties

Data sources. Prepper scores are national percentile ranks of firearm fatalities (County Health Rankings 2024 / CDC WONDER), FEMA National Risk Index 2023 composite disaster score, and population density (ACS 2022 + TIGER 2022 land area). Climate from NOAA nClimDiv 1991–2020 normals. Hardiness zone is estimated from climate data and may differ from the official USDA PHZM. Demographics and housing from Census ACS 5-year 2022. All scores are for comparison purposes only and do not constitute advice about where to live.