Sanders County, Montana

Income Data

-13% vs. Montana average
$54,035
Median Household Income
$31,554
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$54,035
-13% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$31,554
-20% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
16.7%
income as % of home value
Rank in Montana
#46 / 56
by median household income

How Sanders County Compares

Sanders County$54,035
Montana Average$62,295
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$54,035
Median Household Income
$31,554
Per Capita Income
$323,800
Median Home Value
16.7%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Sanders County, Montana

Sanders trails the national average

Sanders County's median household income of $54,035 is 27.8% below the U.S. median of $74,755, ranking it among America's lower-earning rural counties. The gap reflects economic constraints common to remote northwestern Montana.

Among Montana's lower earners

Sanders County's $54,035 falls 13.3% short of Montana's state average of $62,295, placing it in the lower third of the state's county rankings. The shortfall reflects limited employment options and smaller population base.

Sanders ranks near the bottom

Sanders County's $54,035 is second-lowest in this group, edging only Roosevelt County ($53,125) and falling nearly $18,000 behind Richland County. The county faces similar economic headwinds as other remote Montana communities.

Housing affordability varies with tenure

Sanders' rent-to-income ratio of 17.2% exceeds the safe threshold for renters, consuming more than one-sixth of income toward housing costs. However, the median home value of $323,800 relative to household income of $54,035 poses serious barriers to homeownership—a challenge other Montana counties avoid.

Sanders residents need intentional planning

With moderate incomes and elevated housing costs, Sanders households benefit from a clear financial strategy that prioritizes savings before major purchases. Working with a financial advisor to manage debt, build emergency reserves, and plan for retirement can mitigate economic volatility.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Sanders County, Montana?
The median household income in Sanders County, Montana is $54,035, 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 Sanders County?
The per capita income in Sanders County is $31,554, 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 $54,035.
How does Sanders County compare to the Montana average?
Sanders County's median household income of $54,035 is lower than the Montana state average of $62,295. The per capita income is $31,554, compared to the state average of $35,700.
What is the per capita income in Sanders County, Montana?
The per capita income in Sanders County, Montana is $31,554, 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 Sanders County a low-income area in Montana?
Sanders County's median household income of $54,035 is below the Montana average of $62,295. The per capita income of $31,554 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 Sanders County rank for income in Montana?
Sanders County ranks #46 out of 56 counties in Montana by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $54,035 and per capita income of $31,554, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Sanders County

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Your income is above the Sanders County median

County median: $54,035 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-13%

vs. National Median

-28%

vs. Sanders County MedianAbout equal
vs. Montana Average13% below
vs. National Median28% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent5.8x

Your monthly income ($4,503) vs. median rent ($774/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.