This Town Has Been Named The Poorest In Montana

Published On: February 22, 2025

This Town Has Been Named The Poorest In Montana

Plains, Montana, has been identified as the poorest town in the state according to recent data and analyses. This small town, located in Sanders County, has been facing significant economic challenges that have led to its current status.

Economic Indicators

Median Household Income

The most striking indicator of Plains’ economic struggles is its median household income. As of 2023, the median household income in Plains was just $24,661. This figure is significantly lower than the state average and places Plains at the bottom of Montana’s economic ladder.

Poverty Rate

Plains has a poverty rate of 20%, which is higher than the state average. This means that one in five residents in Plains lives below the poverty line, highlighting the economic hardship faced by a substantial portion of the population.

Home Values

The median home value in Plains is $153,000, which is considerably lower than the state average of $263,000. While this might seem like an advantage for affordability, it also reflects the lack of economic growth and investment in the area.

Factors Contributing to Economic Challenges

Education

One factor contributing to Plains’ economic situation is the lower rate of higher education among its residents. Only 11.8% of adults in Plains have a bachelor’s degree or higher, which is significantly below the state average of 33%. This educational gap can limit job opportunities and economic growth potential for the town.

Reliance on Assistance Programs

Almost 35% of Plains’ residents use SNAP benefits, compared to the state average of 9%. This high reliance on assistance programs indicates widespread financial struggle among the population.

Limited Economic Opportunities

Plains, like many small rural towns, faces challenges in attracting and retaining businesses and industries that could provide stable, well-paying jobs. This lack of economic diversity can make it difficult for residents to find employment opportunities that offer livable wages.

Comparison to Other Areas

Plains’ economic situation becomes even more apparent when compared to other areas:

The state median household income is over $60,000, more than double that of Plains.
Montana’s overall poverty rate is 14.4%, lower than Plains’ 20%.
The next poorest town mentioned in older data, Conrad, had a median household income of $43,372, which is significantly higher than Plains’ current figure.

Recent Developments and Challenges

The economic landscape of Montana has been changing rapidly in recent years. While some areas of the state have experienced growth and rising property values due to an influx of out-of-state buyers and development pressures, Plains seems to have been left behind in this trend.

The COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath have also presented additional challenges, particularly in sectors like healthcare, which are crucial for small towns. These factors may have exacerbated Plains’ existing economic difficulties.

Looking Forward

Despite its current status as Montana’s poorest town, Plains is not without hope. The community’s spirit of helpfulness and camaraderie, as noted by some residents, could be an asset in facing these challenges.

Additionally, as Montana grapples with statewide issues of affordable housing and economic development, there may be opportunities for towns like Plains to benefit from new initiatives or policies aimed at rural revitalization.

However, addressing the deep-rooted economic issues in Plains will likely require a multifaceted approach, including efforts to improve educational attainment, attract diverse industries, and enhance infrastructure.

As Montana continues to evolve economically, the fate of towns like Plains will be a critical indicator of the state’s ability to ensure prosperity for all its residents, not just those in rapidly growing urban areas.