countyscore
59.4
County Score
Disaster Risk 90.1Water Quality 86Schools 84.7

County Report Card

About Powell County, Montana

Outperforming the national average

Powell County's composite score of 59.5 comfortably beats the national median of 50.0. This indicates a high baseline for quality of life compared to the rest of the country. It is a well-rounded county that performs reliably across several major dimensions.

Stronger than the Montana average

At 59.5, Powell County ranks above the Montana state average of 56.4. It offers a compelling mix of educational quality and environmental stability that makes it competitive within the region. It is a solid choice for those looking for the best of Montana living.

Top-tier schools and resilience

The county excels in education with a school score of 84.7 and shows great resilience with a risk score of 90.1. Water quality is also a major asset, scoring 86.0. These strengths highlight a community that invests in its future and its environment.

Health and safety focus areas

The health score of 43.9 and safety score of 48.3 are the primary areas where the county has room to improve. While income is moderate at $63,432 (score of 49.3), health service access appears more limited. Enhancing local safety initiatives and health facilities could further boost the overall score.

Ideal for families and environmentalists

Powell County is a great match for families who prioritize high-quality schools and living in a disaster-resilient area. The combination of strong educational metrics and environmental stability makes it a safe bet for long-term residency. It suits those who appreciate a balanced lifestyle in a secure, natural setting.

Score breakdown

Tax62.3Cost56.2Safety48.3Health43.9Schools84.7Income49.3Risk90.1Water86Weather42.1
🏛62.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠56.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼49.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡48.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤43.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓84.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡90.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤42.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱26.4
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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Nearby counties

Lewis and Clark County
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Granite County
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Deer Lodge County
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48.9
Jefferson County
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Missoula County
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Teton County
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Silver Bow County
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Deep Dives

Powell County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Powell County

via CrimeByCounty

Powell County Matches National Safety Trends

Powell County reports a total crime rate of 1,157.5 per 100,000 residents, which is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a solid safety score of 98.2. Residents benefit from a rural environment that is statistically much safer than the U.S. average.

A Perfect Reflection of Montana Safety

Powell County’s safety score of 98.2 exactly matches the Montana state average. Its total crime rate of 1,157.5 is only slightly higher than the state average of 1,112.5. This makes Powell County a quintessential example of Montana’s overall safety profile.

Comparing Local Safety to Neighbors

Powell County has a slightly higher crime rate than Pondera County, which sits at 1,085.7. However, it is significantly safer than Park County, which reports 1,697.5 crimes per 100,000 residents. Local law enforcement keeps the county competitive within the regional safety landscape.

Analyzing Local Crime Categories

Violent crime in Powell County is 528.7, which is higher than both the state average (261.3) and national average (369.8). However, property crime is very low at 628.8, compared to the national average of 2,015.7. This indicates that while property is secure, personal safety requires more attention.

Prioritizing Safety and Awareness

With violent crime rates trending higher than property crime, personal awareness is a key safety strategy. Installing security cameras and ensuring outdoor areas are well-lit can help maintain the county's low property crime rate. Active participation in neighborhood watch programs can improve overall security.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Powell County

via SchoolsByCounty

A High-Performing Education Infrastructure

Powell County supports 708 students across 8 public schools and 7 school districts. The infrastructure is heavily weighted toward early education with 6 elementary schools, supported by 1 middle and 1 high school. This system serves both the town of Deer Lodge and the surrounding rural valleys.

Exceptional Graduation and Academic Success

The county achieves a stellar 95.0% graduation rate, far outperforming the national average of 87.0%. Per-pupil spending of $9,421 is slightly above the state average, fueling a strong composite school score of 61.4. This data indicates a highly effective school system that yields significant student outcomes.

Deer Lodge Leads District Enrollment

Deer Lodge Elementary is the county’s largest district, educating 426 students across two campuses. Other smaller districts like Avon and Elliston serve their respective local communities with focused elementary programs. The county maintains a traditional public school system with no charter schools.

Town Centers and Rural Valleys

The county features 3 town-based schools and 5 rural campuses, with an average school size of 89. O D Speer School is the largest with 336 students, while Elliston School serves just 19 children. This mix provides families with the choice between a larger town school or a very small rural classroom.

Settling Near Powell’s Top Schools

With some of the best graduation rates in Montana, Powell County is a high-value choice for families. Homes in Deer Lodge offer the most convenient access to the county's largest and most diverse schools. Real estate buyers should prioritize school district boundaries to take advantage of these strong academic results.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Powell County

via WeatherByCounty

Colder Than the National Average

A 39.8°F average temperature puts Powell County nearly 15 degrees below the national median. This is a cold, high-elevation climate typical of the continental divide.

Among Montana's Coldest Counties

Powell is significantly colder than the 43.7°F Montana average. It ranks as one of the state's chilliest jurisdictions.

A Cooler Mountain Landscape

While specific snowfall data is unavailable, the 15.2 inches of precipitation matches the state average. July temperatures are much lower at 62.1°F than the nearby eastern plains.

Short, Mild Summers

Summer heat is rare with only 10 days hitting 90°F and a seasonal average of 59.2°F. Winters are cold, averaging 21.1°F with January lows dipping to 20.8°F.

Insulating for Sub-40 Temps

High-performance home insulation is vital for the sub-40°F annual average. Cooling needs are minimal, as the 62.1°F July average is naturally refreshing.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Powell County

via SoilByCounty

Mountain Valley Soil Profiles

Specific pH and taxonomic order data for Powell County are not currently available. The region's complex topography usually results in highly variable soil conditions.

Texture Statistics Not Cataloged

Sand, silt, and clay percentages are missing from the current county record. Understanding your soil's texture is the first step toward improving its drainage and fertility.

Fertility Metrics Unlisted

Organic matter and water capacity averages are not recorded for this county. Using compost and cover crops can help compensate for any lack of natural organic material.

Limited Drainage Information

The dataset does not include a dominant drainage class or hydrologic group for Powell County. Observe local slopes and moisture levels to understand how water moves on your land.

Planting Success in Zone 4b

USDA Zone 4b provides a steady window for cool-weather vegetables and hardy shrubs. With the right care, your Powell County garden can be highly productive.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Powell County

via LawnByCounty

Montana’s Toughest Lawn Terrain

Powell County is one of the most difficult places to grow a lawn, with a score of 26.4. This is well below the national average of 50.0 and even trails the state's already challenging average of 33.4.

Cool Temps and Low Energy

A low annual temperature of 39.8°F and only 1102 growing degree days mean grass grows very slowly here. With only 10 extreme heat days, the primary challenge isn't the heat, but the lack of heat energy and moisture needed for rapid growth.

Building Soil for Cold Climates

Data on local soil composition is limited, but the cool climate often leads to slower decomposition of organic matter. Adding finished compost can help jumpstart biological activity and provide essential nutrients to slow-growing turf.

Persistent Drought Challenges

The county spent 49 weeks in drought over the last year, putting extreme stress on local landscapes. To survive such long periods without natural rain, prioritize watering early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues.

Prepare for a Short Season

Due to the harsh climate, choose the most cold-tolerant species like Blue Grama or Fine Fescue. Because frost dates are highly variable, monitor local ground temperatures closely before attempting any spring seeding.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Powell County's county score?
Powell County, Montana has a composite county score of 59.4 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 Powell County rank among counties in Montana?
Powell County ranks #25 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 Powell County, Montana?
The median annual property tax in Powell County is $1,809, with an effective tax rate of 0.71%. This earns Powell County a tax score of 62.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Powell County?
The median household income in Powell County, Montana is $63,432 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Powell County earns an income score of 49.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Powell County, Montana a good place to live?
Powell County scores 59.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #25 in Montana. The best way to evaluate Powell 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 Powell 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.