Powell County, Montana

County Distress Index: Healthy · 32.9 | 7,133 people · 37th most distressed in Montana
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Powell County, MT ranks among the least distressed counties in the country at 32.9 — 2589th nationally out of 3144 counties. The primary driver is Structural Poverty, where income and poverty levels indicate moderate economic strain. Within Montana, it ranks 37th of 56 counties. Among its 6 neighboring counties, 5 show more distress.

The Numbers Behind the Score

The CDI measures five statistically derived factors of household financial distress, PCA-weighted. Powell County's primary driver is Structural Poverty at 59.0 — above the national median.

Structural Poverty Primary driver 59.0
Unemployment Rate 76
Poverty Rate 72
Income vs. State Median 43
Child Poverty Rate 46
Disability Rate 91
Transfer Income Dependency 44
Economic Vitality 40.9
Wage-to-Rent Ratio 34
Rent-to-Income Ratio 60
Business Formation Rate 48
House Price Change (YoY) 6
Consumer Credit Distress 31.3
Debt in Collections 35
Medical Debt 92
Auto Loan Delinquency 5
Credit Card Delinquency 5
Uninsured Rate 45
Subprime Credit Population 25
Housing Cost Burden 26.3
Rent-Burdened (30%+) 5
Severely Rent-Burdened (50%+) 10
Mortgage-Burdened (30%+) 86
Homeownership Rate 72
Legal Distress 5.0
Bankruptcy Filing Rate 5

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

Neighbors and Peers

Neighboring Counties

CountyScoreZonevs. Powell County
Powell County, MT 32.9 Healthy —
Deer Lodge County, MT 45.5 Normal +12.6
Missoula County, MT 40.5 Normal +7.6
Flathead County, MT 38.3 Normal +5.4
Granite County, MT 35.8 Normal +2.9
Lewis and Clark County, MT 34.4 Healthy +1.5
Jefferson County, MT 16.5 Healthy -16.4

Population Peers

CountyScoreZonevs. Powell County
Gilliam County, OR 32.9 Healthy -0.0
Power County, ID 32.8 Healthy -0.0
Somervell County, TX 32.8 Healthy -0.0
Stanley County, SD 32.8 Healthy -0.1
Wibaux County, MT 33.1 Healthy +0.2

Download Data

Export all distress indicators for Powell County as a CSV file.

Find Help in Powell County

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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 Powell 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 Powell County, Montana?

    Powell County has a County Distress Index score of 32.9 out of 100, placing it in the Healthy zone. It ranks 2,589th nationally out of 3,144 counties and 37th in Montana out of 56 counties.

  • What drives financial distress in Powell County?

    The primary driver of distress in Powell County is Structural Poverty, where the county scores 59.0 out of 100. This domain is measured by indicators including Unemployment Rate, Poverty Rate, Income vs. State Median.

  • How does Powell County compare to neighboring counties?

    Powell County (32.9) can be compared to its 6 neighboring counties: Deer Lodge County, MT (45.5); Missoula County, MT (40.5); Flathead County, MT (38.3).

  • 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). Powell County's score of 32.9 sits in the Healthy zone (below 46).

  • What data sources power Powell County's CDI score?

    Powell 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 Powell County?

    Powell County, Montana has a population of approximately 7,133 (2023 Census estimate), classified as a tiny county.