Several Montana towns have been cited as the “poorest” depending on the source and the specific metric used, such as median household income, poverty rates, or a combination of factors. Here are the main contenders based on recent data and different analytical approaches:
Bozeman: According to one source, Bozeman is considered the poorest city in Montana among larger cities, with nearly 18% of its population living below the poverty line. This is attributed to the high cost of living relative to median salaries, particularly in the context of housing affordability.
Havre: Another source names Havre as the poorest town in Montana, referencing a report by US Culture, although the article notes that Havre’s median household income is actually above the state average, which may seem contradictory.
North Browning: Roadsnacks.net analyzed census data and identified North Browning as the poorest area in the state, considering factors like poverty level, median household income, and unemployment rate.
Plains: A survey from 24/7 Wall St. listed Plains as the poorest town in Montana, with a median household income just under $25,000—far below the state average.
Livingston: An older MSN Money report named Livingston as the poorest town, citing a median household income of $39,015, which is still higher than some other towns currently listed as the poorest.
Hamilton: According to Planet Of Facts, Hamilton is considered the poorest town in Montana based on median household income, with an average yearly income of just over $32,000.
Summary Table
| Town | Claimed Poorest By | Median Household Income | Notable Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bozeman | XL Country (by poverty) | ~$60,000 | 18% below poverty line, high cost of living |
| Havre | US Culture/XL Country | ~$63,000 | Discrepancy noted, railroad town |
| North Browning | Roadsnacks.net | Not specified (low) | High poverty, low income, high unemployment |
| Plains | 24/7 Wall St. | <$25,000 | 35% on SNAP, low home values |
| Livingston | MSN Money | $39,015 | Older data, higher education rate |
| Hamilton | Planet Of Facts | $32,006 | Poorest by median household income |
Sources:
1. https://xlcountry.com/havre-montana-2/
2. https://newstalkkgvo.com/poorest-town-in-montana/
