Lewis and Clark County, Montana

County Distress Index: Healthy · 34.4 | 75,011 people · 30th most distressed in Montana
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Lewis and Clark County, MT ranks among the least distressed counties in the country at 34.4 — 2504th nationally out of 3144 counties. The primary driver is Economic Vitality, where wages are low relative to housing costs, business formation lags, and the local economy lacks dynamism. Within Montana, it ranks 30th of 56 counties. Among its 7 neighboring counties, 4 show less distress.

The Numbers Behind the Score

The CDI measures five statistically derived factors of household financial distress, PCA-weighted. Lewis and Clark County's primary driver is Economic Vitality at 65.0 — above the national median.

Economic Vitality Primary driver 65.0
Wage-to-Rent Ratio 85
Rent-to-Income Ratio 83
Business Formation Rate 1
House Price Change (YoY) 32
Housing Cost Burden 55.6
Rent-Burdened (30%+) 59
Severely Rent-Burdened (50%+) 36
Mortgage-Burdened (30%+) 85
Homeownership Rate 72
Legal Distress 29.3
Bankruptcy Filing Rate 29
Consumer Credit Distress 23.2
Debt in Collections 16
Medical Debt 41
Auto Loan Delinquency 36
Credit Card Delinquency 7
Uninsured Rate 31
Subprime Credit Population 18
Structural Poverty 21.1
Unemployment Rate 45
Poverty Rate 15
Income vs. State Median 11
Child Poverty Rate 9
Disability Rate 37
Transfer Income Dependency 18

Scores are percentile-based: 50 = national median, higher = more distressed.

Neighbors and Peers

Neighboring Counties

CountyScoreZonevs. Lewis and Clark County
Lewis and Clark County, MT 34.4 Healthy —
Cascade County, MT 44.7 Normal +10.3
Flathead County, MT 38.3 Normal +3.9
Broadwater County, MT 36.9 Normal +2.5
Powell County, MT 32.9 Healthy -1.5
Meagher County, MT 26.7 Healthy -7.7
Teton County, MT 25.5 Healthy -8.9
Jefferson County, MT 16.5 Healthy -17.9

Population Peers

CountyScoreZonevs. Lewis and Clark County
Albemarle County, VA 34.4 Healthy -0.0
Eagle County, CO 34.4 Healthy -0.0
Putnam County, NY 34.3 Healthy -0.1
Roanoke County, VA 34.6 Healthy +0.2
Grand Traverse County, MI 34.6 Healthy +0.2

Download Data

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Find Help in Lewis and Clark County

HUD-Approved Housing Counselors

Free foreclosure prevention and financial counseling near Lewis and Clark County.

MONTANA LEGAL SERVICES ASSOCIATION
HELENA
800-666-6899 Website
Homeless/DisplacementRental Help
ROCKY MOUNTAIN DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
Helena
406-447-1680 Website
Foreclosure PreventionFinancial CounselingPre-PurchaseHomebuyer Education

See all counselors in Montana →

Find an Attorney

State Bar of Montana Lawyer Referral Service offers a lawyer referral service for bankruptcy, foreclosure defense, and consumer rights.

State Bar of Montana Lawyer Referral Service 406-442-7660

Free Legal Aid

Legal aid organizations serving Lewis and Clark County residents at no cost.

Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA) 1-800-666-6899

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the distress score for Lewis and Clark County, Montana?

    Lewis and Clark County has a County Distress Index score of 34.4 out of 100, placing it in the Healthy zone. It ranks 2,504th nationally out of 3,144 counties and 30th in Montana out of 56 counties.

  • What drives financial distress in Lewis and Clark County?

    The primary driver of distress in Lewis and Clark County is Economic Vitality, where the county scores 65.0 out of 100. This domain is measured by indicators including Wage-to-Rent Ratio, Rent-to-Income Ratio, Business Formation Rate.

  • How does Lewis and Clark County compare to neighboring counties?

    Lewis and Clark County (34.4) can be compared to its 7 neighboring counties: Cascade County, MT (44.7); Flathead County, MT (38.3); Broadwater County, MT (36.9).

  • How is the County Distress Index calculated?

    The County Distress Index uses PCA-weighted percentile scoring across five statistically derived factors: Consumer Credit Distress (47.5%), Housing Cost Burden (22.3%), Structural Poverty (13.6%), Economic Vitality (9.2%), and Legal Distress (7.4%). Each county's indicators are ranked against all 3,144 U.S. counties. A score of 50 means the county is at the national median; higher scores indicate greater distress.

  • How often is the CDI updated?

    Annually, aligned to Census American Community Survey and Urban Institute Debt in America release windows — the slowest-moving source inputs. Between annual refreshes, faster-cadence indicators (BLS unemployment, QCEW wages) may drive light mid-year updates if a specific component moves meaningfully. Current data compiled April 14, 2026; next full refresh early 2027.

  • What does the Healthy zone mean?

    The CDI divides counties into five zones: Healthy (below 46), Normal (46–55), Elevated (55–71), Serious (71–86), and Crisis (86 and above). Lewis and Clark County's score of 34.4 sits in the Healthy zone (below 46).

  • What data sources power Lewis and Clark County's CDI score?

    Lewis and Clark County's CDI score draws on Urban Institute Debt in America (Equifax credit-bureau panel), U.S. Census Bureau (American Community Survey 5-year, Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates), Bureau of Labor Statistics (LAUS, QCEW), U.S. Courts Administrative Office (F-5A bankruptcy filings), and HUD Fair Market Rents. Every number on this page traces to one of these public sources.

  • What is the population of Lewis and Clark County?

    Lewis and Clark County, Montana has a population of approximately 75,011 (2023 Census estimate), classified as a mid county.