Jefferson County, Montana Property Taxes
Median Jefferson County effective property tax rate: 0.71%, significantly lower than the national median of 1.02%.
Median Jefferson County home value: $377,859
Median annual Jefferson County tax bill: $2,698, $298 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Jefferson County calculated?
Property taxes in Jefferson County are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which is often lower than the actual market value due to property tax exemptions such as the homestead or senior exemption.
Understanding your county's property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Whether you live in Boulder or another part of Jefferson County, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated March 1, 2025
Jefferson County, Montana Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
0.71%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$2,683
$2,490
Property Tax Rates Across Jefferson County, Montana
Local government entities determine property tax rates, which can vary significantly within Montana. This variation is due to each county's annual estimation of its budgetary needs to provide essential services. The total budget is then divided by the combined assessed value of all taxable properties within the county, resulting in the property tax rate. Although the process involves votes and legal frameworks, this is the fundamental method employed each year.
In Jefferson County, the effective property tax rate stands at 0.71%, which is notably lower than the national median property tax rate of 1.02%. Within Montana, Boulder boasts the highest median property tax rate at 0.88%, while Three Forks offers the lowest at 0.65%. These figures highlight the diversity in property tax rates across the state and emphasize the importance of understanding local tax obligations. By comparing Jefferson County's rate to both state and national figures, property owners can gain valuable insights into their tax responsibilities and explore potential savings through property tax appeals or exemptions.
Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill ÷ assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.
Median Effective Jefferson County Tax Rate
0.71%
Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill ÷ assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.
Median Effective Montana Tax Rate
0.83%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across Jefferson County, Montana
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basin | 0.64% | 0.67% | 0.72% | 0.77% | 0.85% |
| Boulder | 0.72% | 0.77% | 0.88% | 0.92% | 1.00% |
| Butte | 0.74% | 0.76% | 0.79% | 0.84% | 0.93% |
| Cardwell | 0.63% | 0.65% | 0.67% | 0.72% | 0.83% |
| Clancy | 0.62% | 0.64% | 0.70% | 0.72% | 0.79% |
| East Helena | 0.62% | 0.67% | 0.71% | 0.73% | 0.83% |
| Jefferson City | 0.63% | 0.65% | 0.69% | 0.72% | 0.76% |
| Three Forks | 0.62% | 0.64% | 0.65% | 0.69% | 0.80% |
| Whitehall | 0.57% | 0.64% | 0.69% | 0.75% | 0.81% |
| Montana City | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Jefferson County, Montana
When examining property taxes in Jefferson County, understanding the distinction between "market value" and "assessed value" is crucial. The market value is what a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller in an open and competitive market, often influenced by location, property condition, and economic market trends. The Jefferson County Department of Revenue estimates the market value for tax purposes. The assessed value is the market value minus any applicable exemptions or limits determined by local laws and offerings. The tax assessed value is the figure used to calculate your property taxes or the amount multiplied by your tax rate to get your tax bill.
Assessment notices:
In Jefferson County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They’ll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of June. Each property owner receives an assessment notice that contains both the market value and assessed value, along with an estimate of your property tax bill. By providing insights into how assessed and market values are determined, this section helps property owners navigate their tax responsibilities and understand the valuation processes affecting their property taxes in Jefferson County.
For example, the median tax bill in Jefferson County is $3,673, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Three Forks has the highest median home price at $554,316.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Jefferson County, Montana
Source: Ownwell
$144,667
$349,492
$554,316
Median Jefferson County Market Value
$377,859
Median Montana Market Value
$317,400
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Jefferson County, Montana
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basin | $15,861 | $80,820 | $144,667 | $251,652 | $360,918 |
| Boulder | $12,806 | $86,250 | $219,400 | $313,513 | $450,830 |
| Butte | $82,302 | $134,669 | $212,859 | $375,384 | $460,528 |
| Cardwell | $56,468 | $217,234 | $337,962 | $519,640 | $781,759 |
| Clancy | $266,093 | $437,900 | $542,300 | $680,234 | $849,490 |
| East Helena | $87,815 | $211,798 | $367,350 | $447,250 | $557,269 |
| Jefferson City | $46,538 | $152,179 | $416,438 | $597,043 | $725,420 |
| Three Forks | $171,744 | $331,578 | $554,316 | $685,909 | $904,353 |
| Whitehall | $23,544 | $132,968 | $277,100 | $401,925 | $524,747 |
| Montana City | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Jefferson County, Montana
Median Jefferson County Tax Bill
$2,698
Median Montana Tax Bill
$2,646
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Jefferson County, Montana
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basin | $168 | $595 | $1,068 | $1,798 | $2,434 |
| Boulder | $335 | $1,028 | $1,978 | $2,694 | $3,673 |
| Butte | $752 | $1,131 | $1,742 | $2,852 | $3,504 |
| Cardwell | $790 | $1,528 | $2,289 | $3,536 | $5,062 |
| Clancy | $1,831 | $2,940 | $3,673 | $4,782 | $6,085 |
| East Helena | $663 | $1,735 | $2,623 | $3,240 | $3,898 |
| Jefferson City | $544 | $1,264 | $2,826 | $4,043 | $4,932 |
| Three Forks | $1,630 | $2,485 | $3,644 | $4,556 | $5,814 |
| Whitehall | $341 | $1,064 | $2,014 | $2,719 | $3,442 |
| Montana City | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell