CountyScore

Powell County

Montana · MT

#22 in Montana
73.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Powell County, Montana

Solid Livability Above National Baseline

Powell County scores 73.6, nearly 47% above the national median of 50.0. This solid performance reflects balanced strengths in affordability and tax efficiency, positioning the county competitively nationwide.

Slightly Above State Average

At 73.6, Powell County ranks above Montana's 72.1 state average, placing it in the upper half of statewide county performance. The county demonstrates consistent livability across multiple dimensions without exceptional peaks.

Low Taxes and Solid Risk Profile

Powell excels with a tax score of 82.4 (0.708% effective rate) and a risk score of 90.1, indicating strong economic and environmental stability. The cost score of 81.0 and median home value of $255,700 offer reasonable affordability for the region.

Health Care and Health Outcomes Gap

The health score of 65.6 is the lowest metric among Powell's dimensions, suggesting limited health care access or outcomes. Combined with a modest income score of 24.8 and median income of $63,432, the county may struggle to support families with complex medical needs.

Suited for Stable, Low-Maintenance Living

Powell County works best for healthy retirees and professionals who prioritize tax efficiency and economic stability over health care specialization or rapid income growth. The strong risk profile makes it attractive for risk-averse households seeking predictable, quiet communities.

Score breakdown

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

Tax82.4Cost81SafetyComing SoonHealth65.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome24.8Risk90.1WaterComing Soon
🏛82.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠81
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼24.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤65.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡90.1
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 Powell County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Scott County
Arkansas
73.6
Median income: $45,955
Ontonagon County
Michigan
73.6
Median income: $51,844
Lake County
Minnesota
73.6
Median income: $75,621
Redwood County
Minnesota
73.6
Median income: $67,024
Putnam County
Missouri
73.6
Median income: $56,875

Deep Dives

Powell County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Powell County

via TaxByCounty

Powell County taxes just below national norm

Powell County's effective rate of 0.708% sits modestly below the national median of 0.84%, placing it in the 40th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $1,809 remains below the national median of $2,690 despite Powell's higher median home values.

Below Montana's average tax rate

At 0.708%, Powell County's effective rate runs below the Montana state average of 0.767%, ranking it in the lower-tax tier of the state. Powell stands out as one of Montana's more tax-efficient counties.

Competitive rates among regional peers

Powell County's 0.708% rate ranks in the middle-to-lower range regionally, beating Pondera (0.884%), Prairie (0.855%), and Phillips (0.848%) while trailing Park (0.571%) and Musselshell (0.625%). Regionally, Powell offers solid tax efficiency.

Median home costs $1,809 yearly

A home valued at Powell County's median of $255,700 generates approximately $1,809 in annual property taxes at the 0.708% rate. Mortgage holders pay $1,870, while owners without mortgages pay $1,755.

Appeal overassessments—it's free

With Powell County's higher median home values, assessment accuracy matters even more to your tax bill. If your home's assessed value diverges from recent comparable sales, contact the county assessor about filing an appeal—a straightforward, cost-free process that frequently yields tax relief.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Powell County

via CostByCounty

Powell County balances rents and ownership

Powell County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.6% sits comfortably below the national average and slightly below Montana's 15.9% state standard. With a median household income of $63,432 and rents of $770 monthly, Powell County offers relatively balanced housing affordability compared to national patterns.

Solid middle ground in Montana's housing market

Powell County's 14.6% rent-to-income ratio runs 1.3 percentage points below Montana's state average of 15.9%, placing it among the state's more affordable counties. The median rent of $770 sits just below the state median of $825, delivering consistent value.

Competitive pricing between renters and owners

Powell County's median rent of $770 runs slightly higher than Petroleum County ($769) and Phillips County ($623) but substantially lower than Park County ($927). However, Powell's median home value of $255,700 exceeds all neighbors except Park County, creating a trade-off between rental and ownership affordability.

Homeownership carries steeper cost here

Renters in Powell County pay $770 monthly (14.6% of median household income of $63,432), while homeowners spend $893 monthly (16.9% of income). This county uniquely burdens homeowners more than renters—a pattern suggesting that owning here requires financial commitment despite moderate median home values of $255,700.

Powell County favors renters over buyers

Powell County presents an unusual advantage for renters, with a 14.6% housing burden that undercuts Montana's average, while homeownership at $893 monthly consumes nearly 17% of income. If renting appeals, Powell offers solid value; buyers should budget carefully against the county's $255,700 median home values.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Powell County

via IncomeByCounty

Powell approaches national income baseline

Powell County's median household income of $63,432 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by 15%, a meaningful but not insurmountable gap typical of rural mountain counties. The per capita income of $30,316 falls notably below the national average, reflecting household income concentration rather than uniform wage strength. Powell ranks in the upper-middle tier of rural American counties economically.

Solid upper-middle tier in Montana

Powell County's median household income of $63,432 ranks solidly above Montana's average of $62,295 by 1.8%, placing it in the state's upper-middle cohort. However, per capita income of $30,316 trails the state average of $35,700 substantially, suggesting income concentration in fewer households. Powell maintains economic stability despite uneven household wealth distribution.

Mountain county outperforms plains peers

Powell's $63,432 ranks between Park County ($66,607) to the south and Petroleum County ($59,318) to the north, making it a regional performer. The county significantly outearns Pondera ($53,500) and nearly matches Powder River ($68,009), reflecting its position as a mountain community with access to diverse employment. Logging, recreation, and small manufacturing supplement ranching economies here.

Premium housing creates affordability stretch

Powell County's median home value of $255,700 represents 4 years of median household income—a stretched ratio—creating genuine affordability pressure despite strong household earnings. The 14.6% rent-to-income ratio remains manageable, but homeownership typically requires substantial down payments or inheritance. Renters and first-time buyers face particular challenges in this mountain real estate market.

Strategic home equity leverage

Powell County residents should consider home equity as a wealth-building tool given mountain real estate appreciation trends; building a substantial down payment through aggressive saving accelerates long-term wealth gains. The household income concentration (low per capita despite decent median) suggests targeted skill development could boost earnings in logging, recreation management, or healthcare. Refinancing opportunities during rate declines can free capital for retirement or education investments.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Powell County

via HealthByCounty

Lower life expectancy, higher health burden

Powell County residents live to just 75.8 years, more than 3 years shorter than the US average of 78.8 years. At 19.0%, the county's poor/fair health rate is the third-highest among these eight counties and notably above the national average of 16%, reflecting concentrated health challenges.

Below-average lifespan, above-average struggles

Powell County's 75.8-year life expectancy falls 0.5 years below Montana's 76.3-year average, while its 19.0% poor/fair health rate ranks third-highest among the eight counties. This combination signals that Powell County residents face more significant and sustained health challenges than much of the state.

Shorter lifespan, comparable provider access

Powell County's 75.8 years trails Musselshell (76.2), Pondera (76.6), and Powder River (77.5) counties, with only Phillips County (75.0) ranking lower. Its 71 primary care providers per 100K exceeds Phillips (24) and Musselshell (20), suggesting provider access alone doesn't explain the shorter lifespan.

Elevated uninsured rate and health challenges

Powell County's uninsured rate of 12.9% sits above Montana's 11.9% average, with roughly 1 in 7.7 residents lacking coverage. Despite having 71 primary care providers per 100K, the combination of higher uninsurance and poor self-reported health suggests barriers beyond provider availability may be limiting care access.

Invest in coverage and prevention

Powell County's health challenges begin with ensuring all residents have insurance—visit Healthcare.gov to find plans you can afford. Once covered, work with local providers on preventive care and chronic disease management to improve long-term health outcomes.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Powell County

via RiskByCounty

Powell County presents minimal national risk

Powell County's composite risk score of 9.96 indicates Very Low natural disaster exposure compared to U.S. averages. The county's combined hazard profile is approximately one-fifth of typical American communities' risk levels.

Well below Montana's average risk

Powell County's score of 9.96 is substantially lower than Montana's state average of 33.31, placing it among the state's safest counties. The county experiences roughly 70% less risk than the typical Montana community.

Among the safest in its region

Powell County's risk score of 9.96 is comparable to Musselshell County (17.05) and significantly lower than Park County (66.28). It ranks as one of the more stable communities in south-central Montana.

Wildfire and earthquakes are notable

Powell County faces elevated wildfire risk (86.36) and moderate earthquake risk (59.48), while flood (15.78) and tornado (2.16) risks remain low. The county's forest terrain and mountain proximity create seasonal fire exposure alongside seismic vulnerability.

Wildfire and earthquake coverage important

Homeowners should ensure wildfire coverage is included in their policies and consider earthquake insurance given the county's seismic activity. Create defensible space around structures and secure homes for seismic resistance to address both primary hazards.

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.