Powder River County, Montana

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS

+9% vs. Montana average

$68,009

Median Household Income

$41,750

Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income

$68,009

+9% vs. state avg

Per Capita Income

$41,750

+6% vs. national

Income-to-Housing Ratio

45.5%

income as % of home value

Rank in Montana

#16 / 56

by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate

N/A

Labor Force Participation

N/A

How Powder River County Compares

Powder River County$68,009

Montana Average$62,295

National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$68,009

Median Household Income

$41,750

Per Capita Income

$149,400

Median Home Value

45.5%

Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Powder River County

Income Verdict

Powder River County has a median household income of $68,009 and per capita income of $41,750 — a gap of $26,259, suggesting a higher share of single-earner or non-family households.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $609/month and a median household income of $68,009, rent consumes approximately 10.7% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

A median household income of $68,009 suggests moderate-to-strong purchasing power, generally sufficient to cover essentials with room for discretionary spending in most markets. Per capita income of $41,750 is in line with national norms for individual earners.

Neighbor Context

Powder River County earns approximately 9.2% above the Montana state median household income of $62,295, positioning it favorably within the state.

Data Story

About Household Income in Powder River County, Montana

Powder River ranks in U.S. middle class

Powder River County's median household income of $68,009 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by just 9%—a modest gap reflecting genuine middle-class earning power. The per capita income of $41,750 exceeds the national average, indicating broadly distributed wealth across households. This income profile ranks Powder River among Montana's stronger performers and competitive rural counties nationally.

Montana's income leader among peers

At $68,009, Powder River County's median household income ranks among Montana's highest, exceeding the state average of $62,295 by 9.2%. The per capita income of $41,750 substantially outpaces the state average of $35,700, demonstrating strong economic health across household structures. Powder River stands as an economic leader within Montana's rural county system.

Clear economic advantage in region

Powder River's $68,009 median income leads all neighbors: Park County ($66,607), Powell County ($63,432), Musselshell ($59,010), and Petroleum ($59,318). Only Powder River maintains income above $67,000 in its geographic cluster, a distinction reflecting energy sector employment and stable ranching operations. This regional advantage attracts workers and enables household financial security.

Excellent affordability and strong security

Powder River's median home value of $149,400 represents just 2.2 years of median household income—the best affordability ratio in its region—while the 10.8% rent-to-income ratio provides extraordinary housing security. At roughly $5,667 monthly household income before taxes, families have genuine discretionary spending and savings capacity. This combination creates an ideal environment for wealth building.

Accelerate wealth during peak earning years

Powder River County residents should capitalize on strong income-to-housing ratios by maximizing retirement contributions and investment accounts; the tax benefits compound significantly over working decades. Home equity here builds rapidly—consider strategic refinancing or HELOC strategies to fund education or business ventures. Energy sector workers should diversify income sources and build emergency reserves, as commodity prices create cyclical income risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Powder River County, Montana?

The median household income in Powder River County, Montana is $68,009, 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 Powder River County?

The per capita income in Powder River County is $41,750, 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 $68,009.

How does Powder River County compare to the Montana average?

Powder River County's median household income of $68,009 is higher than the Montana state average of $62,295. The per capita income is $41,750, compared to the state average of $35,700.

What is the per capita income in Powder River County, Montana?

The per capita income in Powder River County, Montana is $41,750, 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.

Why is Powder River County income higher than the Montana average?

Powder River County's median household income of $68,009 is higher than the Montana average of $62,295. This difference of $5,714 can be attributed to factors such as local industry mix, proximity to major employment centers, educational attainment levels, and cost of living. Counties with higher incomes often have a greater concentration of professional and technical occupations.

How does Powder River County rank for income in Montana?

Powder River County ranks #16 out of 56 counties in Montana by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $68,009 and per capita income of $41,750, it falls in the top third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Powder River County

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County median: $68,009 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

+9%

vs. National Median

-9%

vs. Powder River County MedianAbout equal

vs. Montana Average▲ 9% above

vs. National Median▼ 9% below

Income Adequacy

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Your monthly income ($5,667) vs. median rent ($609/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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