Toole County, MT
5,082 residents · 1,915 sq mi · 2.7/sq mi · 100% rural
About Toole County
Toole County is a county in the northern portion of the U.S. state of Montana. As of the 2020 census, the population was 4,971. Its county seat is Shelby. The county was established in 1914 from parts of Hill County and Teton County and was named after Joseph Toole, the first and fourth governor of Montana. Its northern boundary is the Canada–United States border south of Alberta.
Prepper Assessment
Living in Toole County offers a rural lifestyle with a low population density of 2.7 people per square mile, providing ample space for self-sufficient living. The climate features an annual mean of 42.3°F, with summer highs reaching 81.6°F and winter lows at 8.9°F, which supports a growing season suitable for USDA zone 6b crops. However, the area experiences a dry sub-humid climate with only 12.8 inches of rain annually, which could limit water availability for gardening and livestock.
Risks in this area include a higher likelihood of cold waves (FEMA rank 77) and winter weather hazards (rank 42), which could impact food production and transportation. Wildfire risk is moderate (rank 48), while drought (rank 40) poses a significant threat to water resources. Despite a relatively low violence percentile of 92, indicating a safer environment, the cost of living is moderate, with median home prices around $166,200 and a property tax rate of 0.99%, which may be a consideration for potential residents.
Toole County may be a good fit for individuals or families seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle with the ability to engage in homesteading. Those who thrive here will likely have experience managing cold weather challenges and limited water resources. However, individuals reliant on consistent broadband connectivity may find the 68% subscription rate insufficient for their needs, and those who require a more temperate climate year-round might find the winters challenging.