IncomeBy County

Petroleum County, Montana

Income Data

-5% vs. Montana average
$59,318
Median Household Income
$39,877
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$59,318
-5% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$39,877
+1% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
34.1%
income as % of home value
Rank in Montana
#32 / 56
by median household income

How Petroleum County Compares

Petroleum County$59,318
Montana Average$62,295
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$59,318
Median Household Income
$39,877
Per Capita Income
$173,700
Median Home Value
34.1%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Petroleum County, Montana

Petroleum tracks below national average

Petroleum County's median household income of $59,318 falls 21% short of the U.S. median of $74,755, typical of rural counties dependent on agriculture and energy extraction. Despite this gap, the per capita income of $39,877 reflects reasonably efficient household structures for this region. The income profile reflects the county's limited economic diversification.

Holding steady in Montana's middle tier

Petroleum County ranks slightly above Montana's median household income of $62,295 at $59,318—placing it comfortably in the state's middle tier. Per capita income of $39,877 exceeds the state average of $35,700, suggesting relatively good household economic health. The county avoids both the prosperity of tourism-driven areas and the challenges of Montana's poorest counties.

North-central Montana's modest economy

Petroleum's $59,318 income slightly exceeds neighbors Musselshell ($59,010) and Phillips ($58,156), placing it within a tight cluster of central Montana counties. Pondera County to the west lags at $53,500, while Powder River County to the east leads at $68,009. This narrow range reflects shared agricultural, ranching, and small-town service economies across the region.

Affordable housing, tight monthly budgets

A median home value of $173,700 represents just under 3 years of median household income—an excellent affordability ratio—and the 15.6% rent-to-income ratio stays comfortably below the 30% benchmark. However, at roughly $4,943 monthly household income before taxes, families face genuine constraints on discretionary spending and emergency savings. Housing affordability is the county's economic strength.

Building on affordable home foundation

Petroleum County's affordable housing opens wealth-building doors unavailable in high-cost areas; first-time homebuyers should act decisively when mortgage rates favor borrowing. Tax-deferred retirement contributions ($23,500 limit for traditional 401(k)s in 2024) become powerful tools when housing costs stay manageable. Consider working with a fee-only financial planner to create a long-term wealth strategy leveraging the county's low cost of living.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Petroleum County, Montana?
The median household income in Petroleum County, Montana is $59,318, 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 Petroleum County?
The per capita income in Petroleum County is $39,877, 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 $59,318.
How does Petroleum County compare to the Montana average?
Petroleum County's median household income of $59,318 is lower than the Montana state average of $62,295. The per capita income is $39,877, compared to the state average of $35,700.
What is the per capita income in Petroleum County, Montana?
The per capita income in Petroleum County, Montana is $39,877, 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 Petroleum County a low-income area in Montana?
Petroleum County's median household income of $59,318 is below the Montana average of $62,295. The per capita income of $39,877 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 Petroleum County rank for income in Montana?
Petroleum County ranks #32 out of 56 counties in Montana by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $59,318 and per capita income of $39,877, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Petroleum County

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Your income is above the Petroleum County median

County median: $59,318 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-5%

vs. National Median

-21%

vs. Petroleum County MedianAbout equal
vs. Montana Average▼ 5% below
vs. National Median▼ 21% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent6.4x

Your monthly income ($4,943) vs. median rent ($769/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Counties with Similar Income Levels

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$59,307
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$59,304
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Humphreys County
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$59,333
+0%
Bowie County
Texas
$59,295
+0%
Adams County
Idaho
$59,286
+0%
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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.

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