County property tax calculator
Property Tax Calculator for Powell County
Powell County taxes property at 0.707%, below the 1.07% national average. On the county's median home value of $255,700, that works out to $1,808 per year, or $151 per month in escrow — a lighter monthly load than most of the country. Counties with rates in this range often lean on sales tax, state transfers, or other revenue sources to fund services, which keeps the property tax burden lower for homeowners. For buyers who plan to hold long-term, the cumulative savings versus a high-tax market can be substantial. Escrow will still fluctuate with assessments, but the baseline rate gives a predictable starting point. The lower effective rate here also means escrow adjustments have a smaller absolute impact on monthly payments when property assessments change year over year. Buyers who plan to hold the home for a decade or more often find this matters more than the initial purchase price gap against higher-tax neighbors, especially once equity builds and the tax line becomes a smaller percentage of total carrying cost. Powell County is one of the more affordable markets in Montana. A median home value of $255,700 places entry-level pricing within reach for first-time buyers and investors alike. With FHA loans at 3.5% down or VA loans at 0%, the barrier to entry is often the lowest in the region. Lower valuations also mean lower absolute tax bills and insurance premiums. The trade-off may be distance from major employment centers or access to specific school districts. Buyers exploring this tier should compare commute cost and time against the lower purchase price. Rental demand in entry-priced markets is often steady, which supports the investor case. With entry-level pricing and access to first-time buyer programs, this market often allows buyers to enter with a smaller cash reserve than premium or expensive tiers would require.
Property Tax Details
National average is 1.07%
Used to project future tax burden
Annual Property Tax
$0
Insights
Property Tax Landscape in Powell County
Powell County's 0.707% rate tracks close to Montana's average of 0.77%. There is no meaningful deviation for local buyers — the county sits in the middle of the state's tax picture. On a median home, the annual tax burden is close to what a buyer would expect anywhere in Montana. This alignment makes the county easy to compare against others in the state without adjusting for tax rate. Escrow analysis follows the same pattern as state peers. For buyers considering multiple counties in Montana, this one will feel familiar on the tax line. Within Montana, Powell County ranks as the 28th lowest of 56 counties by effective property tax rate.
Powell County is one of the more affordable markets in Montana. A median home value of $255,700 places entry-level pricing within reach for first-time buyers and investors alike. With FHA loans at 3.5% down or VA loans at 0%, the barrier to entry is often the lowest in the region. Lower valuations also mean lower absolute tax bills and insurance premiums. The trade-off may be distance from major employment centers or access to specific school districts. Buyers exploring this tier should compare commute cost and time against the lower purchase price. Rental demand in entry-priced markets is often steady, which supports the investor case. Median household income in Powell County runs below the Montana state average at $63,432. Buyers here often rely on FHA, USDA, or state down-payment assistance programs to make the numbers work. The price-to-income ratio of 4.0x is workable but requires planning. Households at the median can typically qualify for conventional or FHA financing at current rates. Median gross rent runs $770 per month, giving renters a baseline to compare against ownership costs in the same market.
Property Tax Scenarios — Powell County
Entry-level markets still carry ongoing tax obligations. The scenarios below show what annual and monthly escrow looks like across five price points, from below median to above. Buyers evaluating a first purchase here should use these numbers to plan the full monthly carrying cost, not just principal and interest.
| Home Value | Annual Tax | Monthly Escrow | 10-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| $130,000 | $919 | $77 | $9,191 |
| $190,000 | $1,343 | $112 | $13,433 |
| $255,000 | $1,803 | $150 | $18,029 |
| $385,000 | $2,722 | $227 | $27,220 |
| $510,000 | $3,606 | $300 | $36,057 |
Frequently asked questions
Buyers in low-tax jurisdictions often have specific questions about long-term savings, escrow mechanics, and comparisons with other counties in the state. The answers below use Powell County's own data.
What is the property tax rate in Powell County?
Powell County has an effective property tax rate of 0.707%, below the national average (national average: 1.07%). On a median home of $255,700, that's about $1,808 per year, or $151 monthly through escrow.
How much are property taxes on a home in Powell County?
At the county median of $255,700, annual property taxes run roughly $1,808, collected through mortgage escrow at about $151 per month.
How does Powell County compare to Montana?
Powell County's 0.707% rate is essentially in line with Montana's statewide average of 0.77%. The difference equals about $161 per year on a median home.
What is the median income in Powell County?
Median household income in Powell County is $63,432 (Census ACS 2023). Median gross rent runs $770 per month.
Are property taxes deductible in Powell County?
Yes, property taxes are deductible on federal returns when you itemize, subject to the SALT cap ($10,000 for most filers). Powell County homeowners paying $1,808 annually may benefit if their combined state and local tax burden exceeds the standard deduction.
How are property taxes calculated in Powell County?
The county assessor multiplies your home's assessed value by the local tax rate. On a $255,700 home at the county's effective rate of 0.707%, the annual bill is approximately $1,808.
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Disclaimer: This calculator and the content on this page are for educational purposes only. They do not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Rates, loan limits, and eligibility criteria vary by lender, location, and borrower profile. Always consult a licensed financial professional before making borrowing decisions. CalcPier is independent and not affiliated with any lender listed on this page.