Cost of Living in Powell County, Montana
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Powell County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Powell County ranks #639 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 20%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Powell County, Montana
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Powell County
Affordability Verdict
Powell County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $770/month representing approximately 14.6% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 22.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Powell County is $770/month, while owner costs run $893/month. Renting saves approximately $123/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,800/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $38,271/year. With a median household income of $63,432, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 22.0% of renter households in Powell County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Dawson County where rent averages $823/month, Powell County is approximately 6% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Powell County
Rent Burden
14.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,480
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.9%
of gross income
The median home in Powell County may be a stretch
Median home value is $255,700. Estimated monthly cost: $2,041 vs. your max of $1,480.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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