The title of the poorest town in Montana is held by Plains, where the typical household earns just $24,844 annually, translating to a poverty rate of 59% among its residents.
Context and Comparisons
- Bozeman, often perceived as a wealthy city, has recently been noted for its economic struggles, with nearly 18% of its population living below the poverty line. However, it does not top the list of the poorest towns.
- Other cities such as Missoula and Great Falls also rank high on poverty lists but again do not surpass Plains in terms of median income.
Factors Contributing to Poverty
The economic challenges faced by towns like Plains are exacerbated by various factors, including:
- High cost of living relative to income levels.
- Limited job opportunities and economic development.
- Rising housing costs that strain local residents’ budgets.
In summary, while several towns in Montana struggle with poverty, Plains stands out as the town with the lowest median income and highest poverty rate.
Sources:-
- https://xlcountry.com/popular-montana-city-ranked-poorest-in-the-state/
- https://k99hits.com/10-poorest-montana-cities-2024/
- https://www.indexmundi.com/facts/united-states/quick-