Prairie County, Montana
Income Data
At a Glance
How Prairie County Compares
Detailed Income Statistics
Data Story
About Household Income in Prairie County, Montana
Prairie County faces severe income challenges
Prairie County's median household income of $45,192 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by 39%—one of America's steepest gaps and a marker of significant economic hardship. The per capita income of $29,068 falls 25% below the national average, reflecting both low wages and concentrated household poverty. This income profile places Prairie among the nation's economically most challenged counties.
Montana's lowest-income county
Prairie County's median household income of $45,192 ranks dead last among Montana's 56 counties, trailing the state average of $62,295 by 27%. The per capita income of $29,068 represents the state's lowest, falling 19% below Montana's average of $35,700. Prairie faces the state's most serious economic challenges and requires targeted economic development.
Dramatically outpaced by all regional peers
Prairie's $45,192 median income lags every neighbor by substantial margins: Phillips ($58,156), Powder River ($68,009), and Petroleum ($59,318) all significantly outperform. At $45,192, Prairie earns $13,000 annually less than its closest competitor—a 22% disadvantage. This gap reflects severe agricultural depression, limited employment diversity, and population decline in the county.
Affordability alone insufficient for security
Prairie County's median home value of $167,100 represents 3.7 years of median household income—affordable relative to earnings—but the 22% rent-to-income ratio signals severe household budget stress. At roughly $3,766 monthly household income before taxes, Prairie families face genuine hardship covering healthcare, transportation, childcare, and education. Low housing costs provide limited relief from fundamental income inadequacy.
Education and out-migration as strategies
Prairie County residents should prioritize education and skill development as escape routes from agricultural dependency; community college programs and trade certifications often lead to 30-50% income gains. Consider whether remote work or strategic relocation to higher-wage counties offers better long-term financial outcomes than staying in a declining local economy. Government assistance programs, low-income tax credits, and grant funding should be actively pursued to maximize available resources.
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Your income is above the Prairie County median
County median: $45,192 per year
vs. County Median
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vs. State Average
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vs. National Median
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Compare RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.