CountyScore

Pondera County

Montana · MT

#31 in Montana
72.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Pondera County, Montana

Solid Performer Beating National Median

Pondera County scores 72.1, 44% above the national median of 50.0. This respectable livability score reflects balanced performance across affordability and stability, though without standout excellence in any single area.

Right at Montana's Average

Pondera's score of 72.1 matches Montana's state average exactly, placing it squarely in the middle of statewide county performance. The county represents a typical Montana livability profile with predictable strengths and challenges.

Affordable Living and Tax Relief

Pondera offers a cost score of 84.5 with median rents of $806/month and homes valued at $179,200, alongside a tax score of 77.4 reflecting a 0.884% effective rate. These factors provide solid affordability for families seeking manageable housing expenses.

Lowest Incomes and Moderate Health

With an income score of 18.3 and median household income of just $53,500 (lowest in this group), Pondera struggles with wage growth and earning potential. The health score of 67.0 also suggests room for improvement in health care access or outcomes.

Best for Simple, Affordable Living

Pondera County suits those seeking unambitious, cost-effective rural living with minimal tax burden and a tight-knit community feel. It works well for retirees with fixed incomes, farming families, and those who value simplicity over economic advancement.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax77.4Cost84.5SafetyComing SoonHealth67SchoolsComing SoonIncome18.3Risk75.4WaterComing Soon
🏛77.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠84.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼18.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤67
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡75.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Pondera County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Geneva County
Alabama
72.1
Median income: $50,951
Winston County
Alabama
72.1
Median income: $48,032
Stone County
Arkansas
72.1
Median income: $38,531
Montezuma County
Colorado
72.1
Median income: $63,005
Rio Grande County
Colorado
72.1
Median income: $62,166

Deep Dives

Pondera County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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