Powell County Public RecordsMontana

Powell County, Montana, had 4,034 registered voters as of 2022. Elections include federal, state, county, and local races, with recent presidential results showing 73% Republican and 24% Democrat support in 2020. Polling locations include the Powell County Community Center in Deer Lodge. The county clerk and recorder’s office administers elections, ensuring compliance with state laws. Voter concerns often focus on public land use, taxes, and education. Both Republican and Democratic parties are present, though Republicans dominate recent elections. Vote-by-mail and in-person early voting are available alongside traditional Election Day polling.

Powell County, Montana, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. According to recent data, the county reported around 45 total crimes in 2022, with about 7 violent crimes (including 1 robbery and 6 aggravated assaults) and 38 property crimes. The crime rate stands at approximately 10.5 incidents per 1,000 residents, lower than the Montana state average. Local law enforcement actively encourages community reporting, contributing to effective prevention efforts. Residents generally consider Powell County a safe area, with most offenses being minor property-related incidents.

Powell County, MT, has 6 public schools, including Powell County High School, serving about 700 students district-wide. Approximately 88% of adults have a high school diploma, while about 17% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The high school graduation rate is around 90%. School safety efforts include anti-bullying programs and security protocols, though incident rates are low. Educational programs offer Advanced Placement, vocational training, and adult education courses. Average test scores align with Montana state averages, with 45% proficiency in math and 55% in reading at the high school level.

Powell County, Montana, had an unemployment rate of about 2.8% as of early 2023. The workforce is concentrated in government (37%), agriculture and natural resources (13%), healthcare (11%), and retail (9%). Major occupations include office and administrative support (16%), management (14%), and sales (10%). Over 72% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 16 minutes, and most employment is located within the county, notably in Deer Lodge. Remote work remains low, with around 3% of employees working from home.

Powell County, MT, features a homeownership rate of approximately 76%, with median home values around $207,000 as of 2023. Rental properties comprise roughly 24% of the housing market, with median rents near $800 per month. The housing stock is primarily single-family homes, with some mobile homes and limited multi-family units. Neighborhoods like Deer Lodge and Elliston offer small-town living and rural surroundings. Property values have risen about 10% since 2020. Property tax rates average 1.2%, making homeownership relatively affordable compared to state and national averages.

As of 2023, Powell County, Montana has a population of approximately 6,800 people. The median age is around 44 years, with 17% under 18 and 21% aged 65 or older. Gender distribution is roughly 53% male and 47% female. The racial/ethnic makeup is predominantly White (over 90%), with Native American (about 3%), two or more races (4%), and Hispanic or Latino (3%) minorities.