countyscore
67.7
County Score
Disaster Risk 96Safety 93.6Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Powder River County, Montana

Strong national standing

Powder River County earns a 67.7 composite score, placing it far above the national median of 50.0. This high ranking reflects a quality of life that is superior to many rural and suburban counties across the nation. It is a standout performer in the American West.

Leading the state of Montana

With a score of 67.7, Powder River County significantly outpaces the Montana state average of 56.4. It is one of the premier counties in the state for those seeking safety and financial value. It offers a combination of high performance and low costs that is hard to find elsewhere.

Exceptional safety and cost efficiency

The county is incredibly safe, boasting a safety score of 93.6 and a risk score of 96.0. It is also one of the most affordable places in the state, with a cost score of 81.7 and a median gross rent of only $609. The income score of 61.9 is also strong for the region, with a median income of $68,009.

Educational and health improvements

The county's school score of 47.4 suggests that educational infrastructure is a potential area for community growth. Health scores also sit at 49.9, which is adequate but lower than the elite marks seen in safety and cost. Residents trade some proximity to services for a very high level of personal security.

A premier choice for safety-seekers

Powder River County is an ideal destination for those who want an extremely safe, low-risk environment without sacrificing income potential. It is perfectly suited for remote workers or families who value financial flexibility and peace of mind. Your dollar goes much further here while living in one of Montana's safest pockets.

Score breakdown

Tax50.6Cost81.7Safety93.6Health49.9Schools47.4Income61.9Risk96Water86Weather31.6
🏛50.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠81.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼61.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡93.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤49.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓47.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡96
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤31.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱43.3
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 →
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Deep Dives

Powder River County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Powder River County

via TaxByCounty

Powder River County taxes above average

Powder River County's effective rate of 0.828% exceeds the national median of 0.84%, placing it in the 50th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $1,237 remains well below the national median of $2,690, reflecting this region's lower home values.

Above Montana's average tax rate

At 0.828%, Powder River County's effective rate runs above the Montana state average of 0.767%, ranking it among the higher-taxed counties statewide. Only a modest number of Montana counties exceed this rate.

Higher burden than most regional peers

Powder River County's 0.828% rate exceeds Musselshell (0.625%), Park (0.571%), and Powell (0.708%), though it trails Pondera (0.884%) and Prairie (0.855%). It ranks in the upper tier of the eight-county region analyzed.

Median home costs $1,237 yearly

A home valued at Powder River County's median of $149,400—the lowest among these eight counties—generates $1,237 in annual taxes at the 0.828% rate. Mortgage holders pay $1,290, while owners without mortgages pay $1,173.

Challenge overassessments cost-free

Even with modest home values, Powder River County's elevated tax rate means assessment accuracy directly affects your budget. If your home's assessed value exceeds recent neighborhood sales, you can file a free appeal—many rural Montana homeowners discover they're substantially overassessed.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Powder River County

via CostByCounty

Powder River County: rentability champion

Powder River County's rent-to-income ratio of just 10.8% ranks among the nation's most affordable and beats Montana's state average by 5.1 percentage points. At $609 monthly, rents consume the smallest share of income across this entire analysis—a genuine outlier for housing accessibility.

Montana's most affordable rental market

Powder River County's 10.8% rent-to-income ratio sits nearly 5 percentage points below Montana's 15.9% state average, making it the state's most affordable county by this metric. The median rent of $609 represents a 26% discount to the state median of $825, delivering exceptional rental value.

Lowest rents paired with strong income

Powder River County's $609 median rent is the cheapest in the regional cluster, $14 below Phillips County ($623), $160 below Petroleum County ($769), and $318 below Musselshell County ($865). Combined with the highest median household income of $68,009 among its neighbors, Powder River achieves superior affordability through both low costs and higher pay.

Renters enjoy exceptional value here

Renters pay just $609 monthly (10.8% of median household income of $68,009), while homeowners spend $713 monthly (12.6% of income). Powder River County reverses typical patterns: homeownership carries slightly higher burden than renting, yet both remain exceptionally affordable.

Powder River County: top choice for renters

If affordable housing is your goal, Powder River County delivers unmatched rental value at $609 monthly and 10.8% of income—the lowest burden in this entire analysis. The combination of low rents and the region's highest median income ($68,009) makes this county the standout choice for financial-conscious relocators.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Powder River County

via IncomeByCounty

Powder River ranks in U.S. middle class

Powder River County's median household income of $68,009 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by just 9%—a modest gap reflecting genuine middle-class earning power. The per capita income of $41,750 exceeds the national average, indicating broadly distributed wealth across households. This income profile ranks Powder River among Montana's stronger performers and competitive rural counties nationally.

Montana's income leader among peers

At $68,009, Powder River County's median household income ranks among Montana's highest, exceeding the state average of $62,295 by 9.2%. The per capita income of $41,750 substantially outpaces the state average of $35,700, demonstrating strong economic health across household structures. Powder River stands as an economic leader within Montana's rural county system.

Clear economic advantage in region

Powder River's $68,009 median income leads all neighbors: Park County ($66,607), Powell County ($63,432), Musselshell ($59,010), and Petroleum ($59,318). Only Powder River maintains income above $67,000 in its geographic cluster, a distinction reflecting energy sector employment and stable ranching operations. This regional advantage attracts workers and enables household financial security.

Excellent affordability and strong security

Powder River's median home value of $149,400 represents just 2.2 years of median household income—the best affordability ratio in its region—while the 10.8% rent-to-income ratio provides extraordinary housing security. At roughly $5,667 monthly household income before taxes, families have genuine discretionary spending and savings capacity. This combination creates an ideal environment for wealth building.

Accelerate wealth during peak earning years

Powder River County residents should capitalize on strong income-to-housing ratios by maximizing retirement contributions and investment accounts; the tax benefits compound significantly over working decades. Home equity here builds rapidly—consider strategic refinancing or HELOC strategies to fund education or business ventures. Energy sector workers should diversify income sources and build emergency reserves, as commodity prices create cyclical income risks.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Powder River County

via CrimeByCounty

Extraordinary Safety in Powder River County

Powder River County is one of the safest areas in the nation, with a crime rate of just 56.4 per 100,000 residents. This earns the county a near-perfect safety score of 99.9. For comparison, the national crime rate is more than 40 times higher at 2,385.5.

Leading Montana in Peace and Quiet

With a safety score of 99.9, Powder River County far outpaces the Montana state average of 98.2. Its crime rate of 56.4 is a fraction of the state average of 1,112.5. This makes it a premier destination for those prioritizing a low-crime lifestyle.

Setting the Regional Standard for Safety

Powder River County is significantly safer than neighboring Prairie County, which has a crime rate of 311.7. It also maintains a lower rate than Musselshell County's 670.2. It is a regional leader in keeping crime almost non-existent.

Virtually No Reported Property Crime

The county reported a property crime rate of 0.0, meaning theft and burglary are extremely rare. The violent crime rate is also minimal at 56.4, far below the national average of 369.8. Note that these figures come from a single reporting agency, representing a very specific data set.

Guarding a High Standard of Safety

While crime is rare, keeping your home secure helps preserve this high community standard. Simple measures like high-quality locks and yard maintenance can prevent the county's first property crimes. Community awareness remains the best tool for keeping Powder River County secure.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Powder River County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy solid, health concerns high

Powder River County residents live to 77.5 years, slightly below the US average of 78.8 years but notably above Montana's 76.3 years. Yet 18.6% report poor or fair health—the second-highest rate among these eight counties—revealing a disconnect between longevity and daily health experiences.

Good longevity masked by health struggles

Powder River County's 77.5-year life expectancy ranks above Montana's average, but its 18.6% poor/fair health rate ties for second-highest in the state sample, suggesting residents live longer but experience more chronic health challenges. This pattern warrants investigation into healthcare access and lifestyle factors.

Strong lifespan, weak health perception

Powder River County's 77.5 years exceeds Phillips (75.0) and Powell (75.8) but trails Park County's 78.1 years. Its 18.6% poor/fair health rate is the highest or near-highest among all measured neighbors, suggesting unique health stressors despite average-to-good longevity.

Uninsured and underserved

Powder River County's uninsured rate of 13.5% matches Pondera County as the joint-highest in this group, well above Montana's 11.9% average. Data on primary care and mental health provider availability is not currently published, suggesting this rural county may face acute healthcare workforce shortages.

Find affordable coverage today

With 13.5% uninsured, Powder River County residents need to prioritize health coverage as a foundation for better health. Healthcare.gov offers plans and financial assistance—take the first step toward protecting your family's health today.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Powder River County

via SchoolsByCounty

Focused Education in Powder River

Powder River County operates 5 public schools serving a total of 237 students across 4 districts. The system includes 3 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 1 high school. This concentrated infrastructure reflects the county's low population density and rural character.

High Investment Amidst Lower Grad Rates

Graduation rates currently stand at 75.0%, which is below the Montana state average of 83.7%. However, the county invests $10,631 per student, significantly more than the state average. This funding helps maintain a school score of 53.5, nearly matching the state benchmark of 53.7.

Broadus Schools Anchor the County

Broadus Elementary is the largest district, serving 150 students across its two schools. The Powder River County District High School provides secondary education for most students in the region. There are no charter schools in the county, with all students attending traditional public institutions.

True Rural Schooling at Every Level

Every school in the county is located in a rural setting, with an average size of only 47 students. Broadus School is the largest at 112 students, while South Stacey Elementary operates with just 5 pupils. Such extreme smallness allows for unparalleled individual attention and community involvement.

Finding a Home in Broadus and Beyond

When looking for property in Powder River County, proximity to the Broadus school hub is a major consideration for many buyers. The local schools serve as the social glue for this remote ranching community. Prospective residents should explore how these small schools provide a unique and supportive environment for children.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Powder River County

via RiskByCounty

Powder River County is exceptionally safe

Powder River County's composite risk score of 4.01 ranks among America's safest communities, with Very Low natural disaster exposure. The county's hazard profile is approximately 8% of typical national risk levels.

One of Montana's safest counties

Powder River County's score of 4.01 ranks as one of the lowest in Montana, well below the state average of 33.31. The county's risk exposure is roughly 88% lower than typical Montana communities.

Safest county in its region

Powder River County's risk score of 4.01 is lower than all nearby counties, including Musselshell (17.05), Phillips (34.51), and Petroleum (1.30). It represents an exceptionally stable natural hazard environment across southeastern Montana.

Wildfire is the primary seasonal threat

Wildfire risk of 87.98 is Powder River County's dominant hazard, while flood (7.82), tornado (7.28), and earthquake (17.97) risks all remain minimal. The county's rangeland landscape creates fire season vulnerability despite overall very low disaster exposure.

Wildfire insurance and seasonal vigilance

Ensure your homeowners policy includes wildfire coverage and maintain defensible space as your primary protective measures. Monitor fire season conditions and keep emergency evacuation plans current, as this is your county's only notable natural hazard.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Powder River County

via WeatherByCounty

A Land of Thermal Extremes

At 46.7°F, this county remains nearly 8 degrees cooler than the national median. It is a quintessential western landscape with hot summers and cold winters.

Warmer than the State Norm

Powder River is 3 degrees warmer than the Montana state average of 43.7°F. This makes it one of the warmest counties in the entire state.

A Regional Heat Leader

The 72.4°F July average is higher than most neighbors, highlighting its position as a regional heat hub. Precipitation of 14.8 inches stays just below the state norm.

Intense Heat and Moderate Snow

Summer is intense with 38 days reaching at least 90°F and a 69.2°F seasonal mean. Winters are manageable by Montana standards, averaging 25.0°F with 31.1 inches of snow.

Focusing on Summer Cooling

Air conditioning is a high priority here due to the frequent 90°F+ heat days. Residents must also prepare for the 31.1 inches of snow that typically falls between October and May.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Powder River County

via SoilByCounty

Southeastern Soil Data Gaps

Taxonomic and pH details for Powder River County are currently missing from the central database. In this part of the state, soils are frequently shaped by historical river sediment.

Composition Details Unlisted

The specific breakdown of sand, silt, and clay is not currently available for this county. Local soils often range from sandy loams to heavier clays along the river basin.

Fertility Figures Not Available

Organic matter and water capacity stats are currently unrecorded for this area. Adding organic amendments is a standard practice for local growers to ensure plant health.

Water Management Data Missing

There is no current data on the dominant drainage class or hydrologic group for the county. Proper site-level assessment is recommended before starting any major drainage projects.

Garden Potential in Zone 4b

Zone 4b allows for a range of cool-season crops and native grasses. Start your garden journey with hardy perennials that can withstand the region's temperature swings.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Powder River County

via LawnByCounty

Competitive Growing in Powder River

Powder River County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 43.3, outperforming the state average of 33.4. The Zone 4b classification offers a reasonable environment for home lawns, provided you can manage the specific moisture needs of the area.

Warm Summers and Moderate Growing Days

With 2437 growing degree days, this county offers one of the more robust growing windows in the state. However, 38 extreme heat days and just 14.8 inches of rain mean your lawn will require frequent intervention during July and August.

Customizing Your Lawn's Substrate

While detailed soil data is missing, the high heat and moderate rain suggest that focus should be on moisture-retaining additives. Regular aeration can help prevent soil compaction, allowing what little water falls to reach the root zone.

Relative Stability Despite Dryness

The county only faced 13 weeks of drought in the past year, though the entire area is currently classified as abnormally dry. Monitoring soil moisture and adjusting your irrigation schedule weekly can prevent your lawn from entering early dormancy.

Targeting the Late Spring Window

Cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass thrive here if established correctly. For the best results, start your seeding or sodding efforts after the May 17 frost date when soil temperatures begin to consistently rise.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Powder River County's county score?
Powder River County, Montana has a composite county score of 67.7 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 Powder River County rank among counties in Montana?
Powder River County ranks #10 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 Powder River County, Montana?
The median annual property tax in Powder River County is $1,237, with an effective tax rate of 0.83%. This earns Powder River County a tax score of 50.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Powder River County?
The median household income in Powder River County, Montana is $68,009 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Powder River County earns an income score of 61.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Powder River County, Montana a good place to live?
Powder River County scores 67.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #10 in Montana. The best way to evaluate Powder River 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 Powder River County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.