countyscore
51.5
County Score
Disaster Risk 75.4Cost of Living 70.7Safety 51.7

County Report Card

About Pondera County, Montana

Competitive with the national median

Pondera County holds a composite score of 51.5, which is just above the national median of 50.0. This indicates that the county provides a standard of living that aligns with the middle of the American experience. It offers a balanced, if not exceptional, profile on a national level.

Below the Montana state average

The county's score of 51.5 is lower than the Montana average of 56.4. While it remains competitive, it struggles in key areas like income and water quality compared to other parts of the state. However, its affordability remains a significant draw.

Resilience and housing affordability

Pondera County shines in environmental resilience with a risk score of 75.4. Its cost score of 70.7 is supported by a median home value of $179,200, making it accessible for first-time buyers. These scores represent a stable and affordable base for residents.

Economic and infrastructure gaps

The income score of 21.8 is low, reflecting a median household income of $53,500. Water quality is a significant challenge with a score of 15.1, requiring attention to local infrastructure. Additionally, the tax score of 46.2 is impacted by an effective rate of 0.884%, which is higher than some neighboring counties.

Best for cost-conscious rural living

Pondera County is best suited for individuals who prioritize low housing costs and environmental stability. It offers a quiet lifestyle for those who are less dependent on high local wages, such as retirees or those with portable careers. The focus here is on affordability and long-term resilience.

Score breakdown

Tax46.2Cost70.7Safety51.7Health49.9Schools44.3Income21.8Risk75.4Water15.1Weather45.3
🏛46.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠70.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼21.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡51.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤49.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓44.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡75.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧15.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤45.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱29.6
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Pondera County?

Many homeowners in Pondera County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Pondera County with Yakutat City and Borough →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Yakutat City and Borough
Alaska
Median income: $80,625
51.5
Polk County
Arkansas
Median income: $49,252
51.5
Columbia County
Georgia
Median income: $96,122
51.5
Franklin County
Georgia
Median income: $52,264
51.5
Jackson County
Indiana
Median income: $70,208
51.5
Hamilton County
Kansas
Median income: $61,929
51.5
Union County
South Dakota
Median income: $84,137
51.5
DeKalb County
Tennessee
Median income: $48,484
51.5

Nearby counties

Toole County
Montana
49.1
Teton County
Montana
62.9
Liberty County
Montana
57.1
Glacier County
Montana
52.6
Lewis and Clark County
Montana
38.4
Flathead County
Montana
39.8
Cascade County
Montana
33.5
Chouteau County
Montana
65.7

Deep Dives

Pondera County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Pondera County

via TaxByCounty

Pondera County taxes near national average

Pondera County's effective rate of 0.884% sits above the national median of 0.84%, placing it around the 60th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $1,584 remains below the national median of $2,690, reflecting Montana's smaller home values.

Among Montana's highest-taxed counties

At 0.884%, Pondera County ranks among the highest effective tax rates in Montana, well above the state average of 0.767%. Only a few Montana counties tax at higher rates than Pondera.

Highest-taxed in the surrounding region

Pondera County's 0.884% rate tops all nearby counties in this analysis, including Prairie (0.855%), Phillips (0.848%), and Petroleum (0.726%). Regional homeowners pay measurably more in Pondera than in surrounding jurisdictions.

Median home costs $1,584 yearly

A home valued at Pondera County's median of $179,200 generates roughly $1,584 in annual taxes at the 0.884% rate. Mortgage holders pay around $1,486, while owners without mortgages pay $1,670.

Verify your assessment—savings await

With Pondera's above-average tax rate, keeping your assessed value accurate is crucial to controlling costs. If your home's assessed value seems high relative to recent comparable sales, file an appeal with the county assessor at no cost—overassessments are common and correction could save you hundreds annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Pondera County

via CostByCounty

Pondera County's affordability challenge deepens

Pondera County faces the highest rent-to-income ratio in this analysis at 18.1%, exceeding the national average by 3.4 percentage points and Montana's state average by 2.2 points. The median household income of $53,500 ranks among the lowest here, while $806 monthly rents consume nearly one-fifth of household income.

Montana's most strained rental market

Pondera County's 18.1% rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds Montana's 15.9% state average, placing it among the state's least affordable counties. With rents of $806 monthly against a median income of just $53,500, Pondera renters face genuine affordability pressure statewide.

Highest burden despite moderate rents

Pondera County's $806 median rent falls between Petroleum County ($769) and Musselshell County ($865), yet its 18.1% rent-to-income ratio far exceeds all neighbors. The county's uniquely low median income of $53,500 creates this disparity—making housing unaffordable despite rents that seem moderate regionally.

Housing squeezes Pondera household budgets

Renters here spend $806 monthly (18.1% of median household income of $53,500), while homeowners pay $621 monthly (13.9% of income). The gap reveals that Pondera's rental market is substantially less affordable than ownership, and both exceed national norms—creating budget strain across housing types.

Pondera demands careful financial planning

Pondera County's 18.1% rent-to-income ratio signals affordability challenges for relocating families, despite median rents of $806. Consider higher-income opportunities before moving, or explore nearby Petroleum County's better rent-to-income ratio (15.6%) or Phillips County's exceptional affordability (12.9%).

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Pondera County

via IncomeByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Pondera County

via CrimeByCounty

Pondera County Excels in Public Safety

Pondera County boasts a total crime rate of 1,085.7 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 2,385.5. Its safety score of 98.3 indicates a very secure community for residents. Living here offers a level of protection far beyond most parts of the country.

Meeting the Montana Standard for Safety

Pondera County’s safety score of 98.3 slightly exceeds the Montana state average of 98.2. With a crime rate of 1,085.7, it sits just below the state average of 1,112.5. These numbers confirm that the county is a typical, safe Montana community.

Comparing Pondera to Nearby Counties

Pondera County is safer than Powell County, which reports a crime rate of 1,157.5 per 100,000. However, it sees more activity than Powder River County, which reports a remarkably low rate of 56.4. The county maintains a consistent middle-ground safety profile for the region.

Property Crime Dominates Local Reports

The property crime rate of 968.8 makes up the majority of local incidents, though it remains much lower than the national average of 2,015.7. Violent crime is exceptionally rare at 116.9 per 100,000, which is less than a third of the national rate. Two reporting agencies provide reliable data for these statistics.

Simple Steps for a Safer Home

Since property crime is the primary concern, residents should ensure that vehicles and garages are always locked. Motion-activated lights are a cost-effective way to deter potential intruders during the night. Maintaining a clear line of sight around your property helps eliminate hiding spots for opportunistic thieves.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Pondera County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy near national levels

Pondera County residents live to 76.6 years on average, slightly below the US average of 78.8 years but slightly above Montana's 76.3 years. However, 17.6% report poor or fair health—higher than the national average of 16%—suggesting room for improvement in population wellness.

Average longevity, above-average health concerns

Pondera County's 76.6-year life expectancy sits just above Montana's 76.3-year average, placing it in the mid-tier of state rankings. Its 17.6% poor/fair health rate ties for the highest among these eight counties, indicating significant health challenges despite comparable life expectancy to the state average.

Mixed outcomes among regional peers

Pondera County's 76.6 years matches Musselshell's longevity but trails Park County's 78.1 years substantially. Its 50 primary care providers per 100K outpaces Phillips (24) and Musselshell (20) but falls far short of Park County's 109 per 100K.

Highest uninsured rate in the group

Pondera County's uninsured rate of 13.5% stands significantly above Montana's 11.9% average, meaning roughly 1 in 7.4 residents lack health coverage. With 50 primary care providers per 100K, the county offers moderate access, but gaps in coverage may prevent many from seeking preventive care.

Bridge the coverage gap now

Pondera County's elevated uninsured rate means many neighbors lack essential health protection—you don't have to be one of them. Visit Healthcare.gov today to explore plans, and ask about tax credits and Medicaid options that can make coverage affordable.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Pondera County

via SchoolsByCounty

Extensive Infrastructure for Pondera Students

Pondera County supports 968 students through 15 public schools and 7 school districts. The landscape is dominated by 8 elementary schools, along with 4 middle and 3 high schools. This network serves a mix of agricultural towns and more remote rural areas.

Academic Challenges and Steady Funding

The county's graduation rate of 79.4% sits below both state and national averages. Spending per-pupil is $9,097, which is very close to the Montana state average of $9,334. The resulting composite school score of 52.5 is slightly below the state average but remains above the national median.

Conrad and Heart Butte Districts

Conrad Elementary is the largest district with 342 students, followed closely by Heart Butte K-12 Schools with 208 students. These districts manage several small campuses to serve their diverse populations. Charter schools are not part of the county's educational landscape.

A Blend of Town and Country Schools

Pondera County features a mix of 11 rural schools and 4 town-based campuses, providing different living environments for families. Meadowlark School is the largest campus with 154 students, while the average school size remains small at 65. This scale ensures that even in town-based schools, the atmosphere remains personal.

Relocating to Pondera’s School Communities

Families moving to Pondera County often look toward Conrad for the most robust school services. Educational quality varies by district, so researching specific local scores is essential for home buyers. The school system remains the focal point for community activities and residential stability.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Pondera County

via RiskByCounty

Pondera County presents below-average risk

With a composite risk score of 24.62, Pondera County carries Very Low natural disaster exposure relative to U.S. averages. The county's multi-hazard profile remains manageable and well-controlled compared to national norms.

Lower risk than typical Montana county

Pondera County's score of 24.62 is notably below Montana's state average of 33.31, placing it in the safer third of Montana's counties. The county's risk profile is about 26% lower than the state median.

Middle ground among regional peers

Pondera County's risk score of 24.62 falls between Musselshell County (17.05) and Park County (66.28) in its region. The county offers moderate exposure compared to higher-risk mountain counties while maintaining safer conditions than some eastern peers.

Earthquakes and wildfires are key concerns

Pondera County faces notable earthquake risk (51.30) and wildfire risk (70.29), while flood (29.33) and tornado (4.55) hazards remain moderate to low. The county's proximity to the Rocky Mountain Front creates seismic exposure alongside fire season vulnerability.

Earthquake and wildfire coverage recommended

Residents should ensure homeowners policies include wildfire coverage and consider earthquake insurance due to the county's elevated seismic risk. Secure structures against seismic activity and maintain 100-foot defensible zones for fire protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Pondera County

via WeatherByCounty

Classic High Latitude Living

Pondera’s 43.9°F average temperature is roughly 10.5 degrees lower than the US median. This represents a classic northern semi-arid climate.

Benchmark for Montana Temperatures

The county tracks very closely with the Montana average of 43.7°F. It represents the middle-ground for the state's thermal profile.

Dry Air and Moderate Snow

It is notably dry, receiving only 12.6 inches of precipitation compared to the 15.4-inch state average. However, it still catches 46.8 inches of snow, outpacing many eastern plains counties.

Mild Summers with Few Extremes

Summers are cool and comfortable, seeing only 11 days of heat over 90°F. Winters average 24.3°F, supported by a significant 46.8-inch annual snowpack.

Managing Snow and Wind

Outdoor recreation thrives in the mild 64.0°F summers, requiring little more than a light jacket. Winter residents should focus on wind protection and snow management for the 46.8 inches of annual fall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Pondera County

via SoilByCounty

Unmapped Northern Soil Profile

Specific pH and taxonomic data for Pondera County are not currently cataloged. These northern plains soils typically require local testing to identify precise acidity or alkalinity.

Texture Data Currently Missing

Sand, silt, and clay percentages are unavailable in the current regional record. Understanding texture is vital, so consider a simple jar test to find your soil's composition.

Fertility Information Not Available

Specific organic matter and available water capacity figures are not part of the dataset for this county. Building soil fertility remains a priority for successful local agriculture.

Hydrologic Records Unlisted

Drainage class and hydrologic group data are currently missing for Pondera County. Localized assessment is necessary to determine how the ground handles snowmelt and rain.

Resilient Gardening in Zone 4a

Zone 4a supports cold-weather champions like kale, onions, and potatoes. With a short growing season, every sunny day counts for your garden's development.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Pondera County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating High Difficulty in Pondera

Pondera County presents a significant challenge with a lawn difficulty score of 29.6. In this Zone 4a environment, the climate is harsher than the Montana average, making traditional green lawns a labor-intensive endeavor.

The driest Conditions in the Region

Annual precipitation is only 12.6 inches, which is well below the state average of 15.4 inches. Fortunately, there are only 11 extreme heat days per year, so while water is scarce, the grass isn't constantly battling scorching temperatures.

Foundational Work for Local Lawns

Specific soil metrics are not available, but local growers should expect the need for significant soil prep. Adding high-quality topsoil or organic amendments is essential to support turf in this low-moisture environment.

A Year of Severe Drought

Pondera County has spent 53 weeks in drought over the last year, with 79% of the area currently in severe drought (D2+). Water conservation is critical, and homeowners should prioritize deep root soaking over daily light misting.

Focus on Cold-Hardy Varieties

Stick with Zone 4a hardy grasses such as Fine Fescue or specialized drought-resistant blends. Seeding should occur after the May 20 frost date to ensure the young shoots aren't killed by a late spring freeze.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pondera County's county score?
Pondera County, Montana has a composite county score of 51.5 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Pondera County rank among counties in Montana?
Pondera County ranks #39 among all counties in Montana on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Pondera County, Montana?
The median annual property tax in Pondera County is $1,584, with an effective tax rate of 0.88%. This earns Pondera County a tax score of 46.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Pondera County?
The median household income in Pondera County, Montana is $53,500 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Pondera County earns an income score of 21.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Pondera County, Montana a good place to live?
Pondera County scores 51.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #39 in Montana. The best way to evaluate Pondera County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Pondera County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.