Lake County, Montana Property Taxes
Property Taxes in Lake County, Montana
Median Lake County effective property tax rate: 0.69%, significantly lower than the national median of 1.02%.
Median Lake County home value: $342,000
Median annual Lake County tax bill: $2,710, higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Lake County calculated?
Property taxes in Lake 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 Lake County or another part of Lake County, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated April 13, 2026
Lake County, Montana Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
0.69%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$2,360
$2,190
How Does the Lake County Property Tax Calculator Work?
Use this Lake County property tax calculator to estimate your annual property tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies Lake County's median effective tax rate of 0.69% to generate your estimate.
Enter your property's estimated assessed value — the figure the appraisal district assigns for tax purposes, which is typically lower than market value after applicable exemptions. Our calculator uses the median effective rate for a more accurate estimate than the statutory millage rate alone.
Your actual bill may vary based on your specific exemptions, local school district levies, and any special assessment districts that apply to your property. Lake County's median effective tax rate is lower than Montana's 0.78% median rate and well below the national median property tax rate of 1.02%. The county's median property tax bill is $2,710, which is $310 higher than the state median bill and above the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
For a more precise estimate, scroll down to explore city and ZIP code-level tax rate trends across Lake County.
Property Tax Rates Across Lake County, Montana
What Are Effective Property Tax Rates Across Lake County?
Local government entities set tax rates, which vary widely across Lake County. Each year, the county estimates its budget for public services and divides that total by the assessed value of all taxable property within its jurisdiction.
Below, compare Lake County's effective property tax rate to other counties in Montana or the U.S. median of 1.02%.
Lake County's median effective rate stands at 0.69%, which is lower than the national median of 1.02%. Within Lake County, the highest rate is found in HOT SPRINGS at 0.88%, while LAKESIDE has the lowest at 0.53%.
These variations reflect differences in local school district levies, special assessment districts assessments, and special district bonds — which compound the base county rate.
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 Lake County Tax Rate
0.69%
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
0.78%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across Lake County, Montana
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arlee | 0.46% | 0.78% | 0.83% | 0.90% | 1.05% |
| Big Arm | 0.55% | 0.66% | 0.67% | 0.69% | 0.72% |
| Bigfork | 0.52% | 0.56% | 0.58% | 0.61% | 0.65% |
| Charlo | 0.66% | 0.70% | 0.83% | 1.08% | 1.68% |
| Dayton | 0.49% | 0.52% | 0.54% | 0.57% | 0.67% |
| Elmo | 0.48% | 0.55% | 0.64% | 0.69% | 0.75% |
| Hot Springs | 0.71% | 0.76% | 0.88% | 0.97% | 1.10% |
| Lakeside | 0.50% | 0.52% | 0.53% | 0.54% | 0.56% |
| Pablo | 0.21% | 0.62% | 0.62% | 0.73% | 0.79% |
| Polson | 0.62% | 0.66% | 0.71% | 0.84% | 0.88% |
| Proctor | 0.49% | 0.55% | 0.58% | 0.62% | 0.71% |
| Ravalli | 0.72% | 0.72% | 0.80% | 0.84% | 0.87% |
| Rollins | 0.50% | 0.52% | 0.54% | 0.56% | 0.58% |
| Ronan | 0.31% | 0.66% | 0.71% | 0.92% | 1.02% |
| Saint Ignatius | 0.65% | 0.77% | 0.83% | 0.89% | 1.26% |
| St Ignatius | 0.48% | 0.72% | 0.78% | 0.89% | 1.24% |
| Swan Lake | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Lake County, Montana
When examining property taxes in Lake 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 Lake County appraisal district 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 Lake County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They'll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of July.
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 Lake County.
For example, the median tax bill in Lake County is $2,710, compared with the national median property tax bill of $2,400. Tax bills range significantly across the county, with Lakeside reaching the highest median home price at $1,027,750.
Median Lake County Market Value
$342,000
Median Montana Market Value
$317,000
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Lake County, Montana
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arlee | $8,200 | $84,030 | $219,306 | $363,300 | $472,420 |
| Big Arm | $70,336 | $335,150 | $631,500 | $911,600 | $1,178,542 |
| Bigfork | $121,190 | $329,774 | $503,000 | $839,150 | $1,357,400 |
| Charlo | $8,930 | $53,600 | $206,865 | $362,228 | $495,797 |
| Dayton | $110,668 | $305,275 | $592,650 | $1,127,725 | $1,422,300 |
| Elmo | $9,880 | $115,100 | $523,400 | $735,500 | $1,034,120 |
| Hot Springs | $8,930 | $85,755 | $188,285 | $262,046 | $337,289 |
| Lakeside | $346,145 | $644,814 | $1,027,750 | $1,331,815 | $1,727,850 |
| Pablo | $5,600 | $9,400 | $39,300 | $187,431 | $237,973 |
| Polson | $72,385 | $225,600 | $382,100 | $612,300 | $995,160 |
| Proctor | $104,353 | $251,646 | $421,950 | $590,725 | $784,195 |
| Ravalli | $3,720 | $8,300 | $80,068 | $209,650 | $298,298 |
| Rollins | $238,408 | $436,335 | $798,600 | $1,337,150 | $1,835,600 |
| Ronan | $8,600 | $100,000 | $242,509 | $350,100 | $489,320 |
| Saint Ignatius | $29,320 | $182,900 | $272,400 | $417,826 | $555,653 |
| St Ignatius | $6,800 | $12,320 | $66,410 | $243,164 | $406,688 |
| Swan Lake | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Lake County, Montana
Property tax bills in Lake County, Montana are calculated by applying the local tax rate to a home’s assessed value, which is based on the market value of the property. That means two homes with different values can have very different tax bills, even if they are in the same county. Factors such as location, property characteristics, and local taxing jurisdictions all play a role in determining the final amount.
For many homeowners, the bill can vary widely. In Lake County, the 25th percentile tax bill is $1,626, while the 75th percentile tax bill is $4,213 and the 90th percentile tax bill is $6,496. The median home price is $342,000, which helps explain why property taxes can be a meaningful part of housing costs. Tax bills also differ across communities, with Lakeside showing the highest median tax bill at $5,316 and Pablo the lowest at $441.
Median Lake County Tax Bill
$2,710
Median Montana Tax Bill
$2,559
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Lake County, Montana
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arlee | $353 | $1,365 | $2,410 | $3,382 | $4,360 |
| Big Arm | $1,096 | $2,669 | $4,510 | $6,053 | $8,033 |
| Bigfork | $881 | $2,014 | $2,984 | $4,870 | $7,921 |
| Charlo | $335 | $1,231 | $2,483 | $3,746 | $4,864 |
| Dayton | $732 | $1,843 | $3,298 | $5,881 | $7,216 |
| Elmo | $857 | $2,441 | $3,804 | $4,693 | $6,522 |
| Hot Springs | $545 | $1,114 | $1,681 | $2,611 | $4,719 |
| Lakeside | $1,402 | $3,071 | $5,316 | $6,952 | $9,030 |
| Pablo | $59 | $118 | $441 | $1,554 | $1,910 |
| Polson | $585 | $1,783 | $2,873 | $4,467 | $6,889 |
| Proctor | $1,165 | $1,901 | $2,643 | $3,486 | $4,513 |
| Ravalli | $208 | $592 | $1,321 | $2,032 | $2,630 |
| Rollins | $1,389 | $2,422 | $4,323 | $7,029 | $9,536 |
| Ronan | $288 | $1,149 | $2,128 | $2,936 | $4,091 |
| Saint Ignatius | $494 | $1,791 | $2,671 | $3,775 | $5,188 |
| St Ignatius | $179 | $331 | $1,734 | $2,741 | $5,021 |
| Swan Lake | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Don't miss the deadline to appeal!
Dates | |
|---|---|
| Appeal Deadline | July 31 |
Links | |
|---|---|
| Lake Tax Assessor | |
| Website | svc.mt.gov |