Lake County, Montana

Income Data

-1% vs. Montana average
$61,965
Median Household Income
$33,786
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$61,965
-1% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$33,786
-14% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
16.8%
income as % of home value
Rank in Montana
#28 / 56
by median household income

How Lake County Compares

Lake County$61,965
Montana Average$62,295
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$61,965
Median Household Income
$33,786
Per Capita Income
$369,200
Median Home Value
16.8%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Lake County, Montana

Lake County slightly below national income average

Lake County's median household income of $61,965 trails the national median of $74,755 by $12,790. The county earns approximately 83% of the national average, closer to national norms than most rural Montana peers.

Near-average earnings within Montana

Lake County's $61,965 median household income sits nearly even with Montana's $62,295 state average, placing it in the middle of these eight surveyed counties. Its per capita income of $33,786 tracks just below the state mean of $35,700.

Solid standing among regional peers

Lake County's $61,965 median income ranks second only to Jefferson County ($76,576) and compares favorably to Garfield County ($61,750). The county outperforms all other neighbors in this analysis, establishing itself as a moderate economic performer.

High home values strain housing affordability

Lake County's 17.1% rent-to-income ratio is the highest in this group, pushing toward the 30% affordability threshold and indicating housing cost stress. The median home value of $369,200 represents 6 years of median household income, among the most challenging ratios for homeownership.

Address housing costs before aggressive investing

Lake County residents face above-average housing burdens that limit investment capacity; prioritizing fixed-rate homeownership over renting could reduce long-term cost strain. Once housing becomes more manageable relative to income, households should direct freed-up resources toward retirement and diversified investment accounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Lake County, Montana?
The median household income in Lake County, Montana is $61,965, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Lake County?
The per capita income in Lake County is $33,786, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $61,965.
How does Lake County compare to the Montana average?
Lake County's median household income of $61,965 is lower than the Montana state average of $62,295. The per capita income is $33,786, compared to the state average of $35,700.
What is the per capita income in Lake County, Montana?
The per capita income in Lake County, Montana is $33,786, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Lake County a low-income area in Montana?
Lake County's median household income of $61,965 is below the Montana average of $62,295. The per capita income of $33,786 is also lower than the state average of $35,700. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Lake County rank for income in Montana?
Lake County ranks #28 out of 56 counties in Montana by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $61,965 and per capita income of $33,786, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

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County median: $61,965 per year

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vs. State Average

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vs. National Median

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vs. National Median17% below

Income Adequacy

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Your monthly income ($5,164) vs. median rent ($884/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.