Recent analyses and reports offer differing answers to the question of which town is the poorest in Montana, depending on whether the focus is on cities or smaller towns and which data sources are used.
Bozeman: The Poorest City by Poverty Rate
According to data compiled by Stacker and cited by multiple local news outlets, Bozeman currently holds the title of the poorest city in Montana when ranked by the percentage of residents living below the poverty line.
Nearly 18% of Bozeman’s population lives below the poverty line, despite a median household income of around $55,000 to $60,000.
The high cost of living, especially for housing, has outpaced incomes, leaving many residents struggling financially—even though Bozeman is home to Montana State University and several high-profile companies.
Havre: The Poorest Town by Median Income
Other sources, such as US Culture, identify Havre as the poorest town in Montana. Havre, a railroad town in the northern part of the state with about 10,000 residents, has a median household income just over $63,000 and a median home price under $250,000.
While these figures may not seem as dire as Bozeman’s poverty rate, Havre is singled out due to its economic struggles and lack of growth compared to other Montana communities.
Other Notable Mentions
- Deer Lodge has also been named in past years as Montana’s poorest town based on older data, with a median household income of about $37,000.
- Missoula and Butte consistently rank high on lists of Montana’s poorest cities, with poverty rates above 17%.
Summary Table
| Town/City | Poverty Rate (%) | Median Household Income | Notable Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bozeman | 17.8 | $55,569–$60,000 | Stacker, local news |
| Havre | Not specified | ~$63,000 | US Culture |
| Deer Lodge | Not specified | ~$37,000 | Cat Country 102.9 |
| Missoula | 17.5 | $47,426 | Stacker |
| Butte | 17.3 | $45,797 | Stacker |
Bozeman is widely recognized as the poorest city in Montana based on poverty rate, while Havre is often cited as the poorest town by other measures. Both communities highlight the growing economic challenges facing many Montanans in 2025.
Sources:
- https://xlcountry.com/popular-montana-city-ranked-poorest-in-the-state/
- https://xlcountry.com/havre-montana-2/
- https://mooseradio.com/ixp/12/p/popular-montana-city-ranked-poorest-in-the-state/
- https://hdpulse.nimhd.nih.gov/data-portal/_social/poverty/map?statefips=30&demo=00007