Carter County, Montana
4 ZIP codes · Avg score 46/100 · Grade D · Updated 2026-06-03
Across Carter County's 4 ZIP codes, EPA data shows a below-average compliance pattern — health-based violations are documented in several areas, and independent testing is a reasonable step for concerned households.
How Carter County Compares
How Carter County Compares
Carter County scores 9 points below the Montana state average (55/100) and 22 points below the national average (68/100).
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Risk Factors
Health risk index: 14.4 (asthma 11%, diabetes 12.2%)
Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $758, driven primarily by wildfire
Infrastructure: 0.345% avg pipe failure probability, 25% of ZIPs at high risk
60% of homes built before 1978 (lead paint era)
County Health Indicators vs National Average
Black markers indicate national averages. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.
Infrastructure Overview
Sources: Census ACS (housing age), EPA SDWIS (infrastructure risk model), state bridge inspection data.
Compound Risk Breakdown
Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $758
Bar widths proportional to share of total annual risk cost. Source: compound risk model (FEMA, EPA, USGS).
Housing Age Distribution
641 housing units in Carter County
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034 (Year Structure Built).
Water Safety Affordability
How much it costs to fix water issues relative to home values in Carter County
Remediation costs are relatively manageable for most homeowners in Carter County, representing a small fraction of property value.
Remediation includes water filtration, lead abatement, radon mitigation, and flood protection where applicable. Source: Census ACS, EPA SDWIS.
Health Outcomes vs National Average
CDC PLACES data for Carter County residents
Black markers = national averages. Red = above national avg. Green = below. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.
All ZIP Codes in Carter County
4 ZIP codes tracked in Carter County.
| # | ZIP Code | City | Safety Score | Grade | Violations | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 59324 | Ekalaka | 62 | C | 9 | $139K |
| 2 | 59319 | Capitol | 40 | D | 0 | — |
| 3 | 59332 | Hammond | 40 | D | 0 | — |
| 4 | 59345 | Powderville | 40 | D | 0 | $208K |
Recommended Buyer Guides for Carter County
While many sites publish identical guide lists across every county they cover, the selection here changes by location — driven by the EPA, NSF, FEMA, and CDC datasets that describe the actual conditions documented for this jurisdiction in the federal record.
- Best Lead Paint Test Kits — 60% of homes built before 1978
- Best Radon Test Kits — EPA Radon Zone 1 (highest risk) dominant in county
- Best HEPA Air Purifiers for Wildfire Smoke — Wildfire is the top compound risk factor
Overview
Carter County in Montana covers 4 ZIP codes with an average Home Safety Score of D (46/100).
1 of 4 ZIP codes have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
← Back to Montana water quality report
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Home values: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (median estimates by ZCTA)
Updated daily.
What You Can Do
Carter County has a grade of D. Here are steps to protect your household.
Test your tap water
Order a certified lab test kit ($20-$50) to check for lead, bacteria, and other contaminants specific to your ZIP code.
Consider a certified water filter
NSF-certified filters can remove most common contaminants. Match the filter to your test results for best protection. Try our filter matcher
Contact your water utility
Request the latest Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) from your water provider. It details exactly what was found in your water supply.
Check for lead in your home
60% of homes in this county were built before 1978. Older plumbing and solder can leach lead into drinking water, especially in the morning.