IncomeBy County

Pondera County, Montana

Income Data

-14% vs. Montana average
$53,500
Median Household Income
$28,921
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$53,500
-14% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$28,921
-27% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
29.9%
income as % of home value
Rank in Montana
#48 / 56
by median household income

How Pondera County Compares

Pondera County$53,500
Montana Average$62,295
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$53,500
Median Household Income
$28,921
Per Capita Income
$179,200
Median Home Value
29.9%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Pondera County, Montana

Pondera faces significant income challenges

Pondera County's median household income of $53,500 trails the national median of $74,755 by 28%—one of Montana's steeper gaps and a marker of genuine economic hardship. The per capita income of $28,921 falls 16% below the national average, reflecting both lower wages and household income concentration. This income profile places Pondera among the nation's economically challenged rural counties.

Montana's lower-income counties

Pondera County's median household income of $53,500 ranks in Montana's bottom quartile, trailing the state average of $62,295 by 14%. The per capita income of $28,921 significantly underperforms the state average of $35,700, indicating economic stress across household structures. Pondera faces more serious income challenges than most Montana counties.

Region's weakest economic performer

Pondera's $53,500 median income substantially trails all neighbors: Musselshell ($59,010), Petroleum ($59,318), Phillips ($58,156), and Powder River ($68,009). Only Prairie County statewide ranks lower, at $45,192. This disadvantage reflects limited employment diversity and agricultural sector concentration in an area where farm income has faced headwinds.

Stretched budgets despite affordability

A median home value of $179,200 represents 3.35 years of median household income—affordable—but the 18.1% rent-to-income ratio approaches the stress threshold. At approximately $4,458 monthly household income before taxes, Pondera residents face genuine constraints on healthcare, education, and emergency savings. Affordability helps, but underlying income weakness remains the core challenge.

Skills investment and side income strategy

Pondera County residents should prioritize income growth through education, trade certifications, or remote work opportunities that escape local wage constraints. Even modest income increases create meaningful wealth-building opportunities when housing costs stay low; each 5% raise should flow toward emergency savings first, then retirement accounts. Explore federal and state assistance programs for job training, childcare, and education to boost earning power over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Pondera County, Montana?
The median household income in Pondera County, Montana is $53,500, 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 Pondera County?
The per capita income in Pondera County is $28,921, 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 $53,500.
How does Pondera County compare to the Montana average?
Pondera County's median household income of $53,500 is lower than the Montana state average of $62,295. The per capita income is $28,921, compared to the state average of $35,700.
What is the per capita income in Pondera County, Montana?
The per capita income in Pondera County, Montana is $28,921, 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 Pondera County a low-income area in Montana?
Pondera County's median household income of $53,500 is below the Montana average of $62,295. The per capita income of $28,921 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 Pondera County rank for income in Montana?
Pondera County ranks #48 out of 56 counties in Montana by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $53,500 and per capita income of $28,921, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Pondera County

$
1.00x

Your income is above the Pondera County median

County median: $53,500 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

-14%

vs. National Median

-28%

vs. Pondera County MedianAbout equal
vs. Montana Average▼ 14% below
vs. National Median▼ 28% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent5.5x

Your monthly income ($4,458) vs. median rent ($806/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

Sponsored

Grow Your Wealth

See how your income stacks up in Pondera County, Montana? Start investing smarter with a robo-advisor that builds a diversified portfolio for you.

WealthfrontBetterment
Start Investing

Counties with Similar Income Levels

Trinity County
California
$53,498
+0%
Jackson County
North Carolina
$53,479
+0%
Tucker County
West Virginia
$53,475
+0%
Franklin County
Illinois
$53,471
+0%
Henderson County
Tennessee
$53,471
+0%
Lincoln County
Kansas
$53,546
+0%
Sponsored

Compare Financial Products in Montana

Compare savings accounts, CDs, and money market rates from top banks to make the most of your earnings.

Compare Rates

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

Explore more data for this county

Property TaxCost of LivingCrime RateHealthSchoolsRiskWaterWeatherCounty Score