Powell County, Montana

Income Data

+2% vs. Montana average
$63,432
Median Household Income
$30,316
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$63,432
+2% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$30,316
-23% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
24.8%
income as % of home value
Rank in Montana
#27 / 56
by median household income

How Powell County Compares

Powell County$63,432
Montana Average$62,295
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$63,432
Median Household Income
$30,316
Per Capita Income
$255,700
Median Home Value
24.8%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Powell County, Montana

Powell approaches national income baseline

Powell County's median household income of $63,432 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by 15%, a meaningful but not insurmountable gap typical of rural mountain counties. The per capita income of $30,316 falls notably below the national average, reflecting household income concentration rather than uniform wage strength. Powell ranks in the upper-middle tier of rural American counties economically.

Solid upper-middle tier in Montana

Powell County's median household income of $63,432 ranks solidly above Montana's average of $62,295 by 1.8%, placing it in the state's upper-middle cohort. However, per capita income of $30,316 trails the state average of $35,700 substantially, suggesting income concentration in fewer households. Powell maintains economic stability despite uneven household wealth distribution.

Mountain county outperforms plains peers

Powell's $63,432 ranks between Park County ($66,607) to the south and Petroleum County ($59,318) to the north, making it a regional performer. The county significantly outearns Pondera ($53,500) and nearly matches Powder River ($68,009), reflecting its position as a mountain community with access to diverse employment. Logging, recreation, and small manufacturing supplement ranching economies here.

Premium housing creates affordability stretch

Powell County's median home value of $255,700 represents 4 years of median household income—a stretched ratio—creating genuine affordability pressure despite strong household earnings. The 14.6% rent-to-income ratio remains manageable, but homeownership typically requires substantial down payments or inheritance. Renters and first-time buyers face particular challenges in this mountain real estate market.

Strategic home equity leverage

Powell County residents should consider home equity as a wealth-building tool given mountain real estate appreciation trends; building a substantial down payment through aggressive saving accelerates long-term wealth gains. The household income concentration (low per capita despite decent median) suggests targeted skill development could boost earnings in logging, recreation management, or healthcare. Refinancing opportunities during rate declines can free capital for retirement or education investments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Powell County, Montana?
The median household income in Powell County, Montana is $63,432, 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 Powell County?
The per capita income in Powell County is $30,316, 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 $63,432.
How does Powell County compare to the Montana average?
Powell County's median household income of $63,432 is higher than the Montana state average of $62,295. The per capita income is $30,316, compared to the state average of $35,700.
What is the per capita income in Powell County, Montana?
The per capita income in Powell County, Montana is $30,316, 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 Powell County income higher than the Montana average?
Powell County's median household income of $63,432 is higher than the Montana average of $62,295. This difference of $1,137 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 Powell County rank for income in Montana?
Powell County ranks #27 out of 56 counties in Montana by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $63,432 and per capita income of $30,316, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

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County median: $63,432 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

+2%

vs. National Median

-15%

vs. Powell County MedianAbout equal
vs. Montana Average2% above
vs. National Median15% below

Income Adequacy

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Your monthly income ($5,286) vs. median rent ($770/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.