Montana climbed to seventh nationally for fiscal health in Truth in Accounting’s 2026 Financial State of the States report, up from 22nd in 2021 and eighth in 2025.
Gov. Greg Gianforte attributed the improvement to spending restraint, debt reduction and tax relief. “Montana continues to rank in the top 10 for fiscal health in the nation thanks to our responsible budgeting,” he said. The report cited the state’s use of its Debt and Liability Free Fund to retire outstanding obligations.
Gianforte signed legislation in 2023 to pay off the state’s general obligation debt, which his administration estimated would save $40 million over two years. He also secured tax reductions in 2023 and 2025 and has advocated further reductions in the top individual income tax rate. The state’s continuing pension, retiree health care and other obligations remain relevant to its financial position.