Musselshell County, Montana

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS

-5% vs. Montana average

$59,010

Median Household Income

$35,879

Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income

$59,010

-5% vs. state avg

Per Capita Income

$35,879

-9% vs. national

Income-to-Housing Ratio

26.7%

income as % of home value

Rank in Montana

#33 / 56

by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate

N/A

Labor Force Participation

N/A

How Musselshell County Compares

Musselshell County$59,010

Montana Average$62,295

National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$59,010

Median Household Income

$35,879

Per Capita Income

$221,200

Median Home Value

26.7%

Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Musselshell County

Income Verdict

Musselshell County has a median household income of $59,010 and per capita income of $35,879 — a gap of $23,131, suggesting a higher share of single-earner or non-family households.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $865/month and a median household income of $59,010, rent consumes approximately 17.6% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

With a median household income of $59,010, residents of Musselshell County likely face budget constraints in higher-cost regions but may find cost of living manageable locally. Per capita income of $35,879 is in line with national norms for individual earners.

Neighbor Context

Musselshell County earns approximately 5.3% below the Montana state median household income of $62,295.

Data Story

About Household Income in Musselshell County, Montana

Musselshell trails U.S. income average

Musselshell County's median household income of $59,010 falls 21% below the national median of $74,755, placing it in the lower half of U.S. counties. While modest, this income level remains competitive within rural Montana's economic landscape. The gap reflects both agricultural and energy sector dependencies that characterize this region.

Mid-tier earner within Montana

Musselshell ranks solidly in the middle of Montana's 56 counties with a median household income of $59,010, which exceeds the state average of $62,295 by just 5%. This places the county in a relatively stable economic position compared to neighboring rural counties. The per capita income of $35,879 tracks closely with the state average of $35,700.

Comparable to regional peers

Musselshell's $59,010 median income sits between Petroleum County ($59,318) and Phillips County ($58,156), making it representative of north-central Montana's earnings profile. Park County to the south significantly outperforms at $66,607, while Pondera County lags at $53,500. These tight differences reflect the shared agricultural and small-town economy across the region.

Affordable housing, but tight budgets

A median home value of $221,200 represents less than 4 years of median household income—a favorable ratio—and the 17.6% rent-to-income ratio stays well below the 30% affordability threshold. However, at $59,010 annually, household budgets remain constrained for healthcare, education, and savings after covering basics. Dual-income households are common here out of necessity rather than choice.

Building wealth on modest incomes

Musselshell residents with stable income should prioritize automatic contributions to retirement accounts—even 3% of gross income adds up over decades. The low cost of living here ($221,200 median home) offers an opportunity to build equity faster than national averages; consider directing any raises or bonuses directly to savings. Local credit unions and financial planners can help turn steady earning into lasting wealth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Musselshell County, Montana?

The median household income in Musselshell County, Montana is $59,010, 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 Musselshell County?

The per capita income in Musselshell County is $35,879, 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 $59,010.

How does Musselshell County compare to the Montana average?

Musselshell County's median household income of $59,010 is lower than the Montana state average of $62,295. The per capita income is $35,879, compared to the state average of $35,700.

What is the per capita income in Musselshell County, Montana?

The per capita income in Musselshell County, Montana is $35,879, 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 Musselshell County a low-income area in Montana?

Musselshell County's median household income of $59,010 is below the Montana average of $62,295. The per capita income of $35,879 is also comparable to 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 Musselshell County rank for income in Montana?

Musselshell County ranks #33 out of 56 counties in Montana by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $59,010 and per capita income of $35,879, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Musselshell County

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County median: $59,010 per year

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vs. State Average

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vs. National Median

-21%

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