Powell County
MT · Pop. 7,029 · Rural County
Powell County sits in Montana across 2,326 square miles, home to 7,029 people at 3 per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on hay, haylage. A median home price of $256,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.71% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 5a with a 56-day growing season, average summer highs of 77.3°F and average winter lows of 7.5°F. Annual rainfall averages 12.3 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Deer Lodge Medical Center is 31.3 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 54.7% of homes. On the hazard side, wildfire risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.71% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A strong agricultural economy built on hay, haylage means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
- At 3 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
- A low unemployment rate of 4% reflects a stable local job base.
- A low poverty rate of 6.3% signals a relatively stable local economy.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- A 56-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- Annual rainfall of just 12.3 inches means irrigation and water storage are core requirements.
- Broadband reaches only 54.7% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
- The nearest hospital, Deer Lodge Medical Center, is 31.3 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
At a glance
Powell County, MT is a challenging place to homestead on the data.
- Homestead score
- 19/100
- Median home price
- $256k
- Property tax
- 0.71%
- Growing season
- 56 days (zone 5a)
- Annual rainfall
- 12.3"
- Broadband
- 54.7%
- Nearest hospital
- Deer Lodge Medical Center, 31.3 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Powell County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Powell County?
- Powell County is in USDA hardiness zone 5a with a 56-day growing season, average summer highs of 77.3°F, and average winter lows of 7.5°F. The established crops are hay, haylage.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $256,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.71%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 54.7% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Deer Lodge Medical Center is 31.3 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Montana Resources
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LandWatch
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Lands of America
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AcreTrader
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More counties in Montana
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The closest counties to Powell County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
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