Cost of Living in Polson, MT
Population 5,334 · Montana · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Polson is a smaller Montana community of around 5000 residents, where median household incomes of $51,463 and housing costs ($321,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.9% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Geographically, Polson lies roughly 145 miles east of the nearest major metro, Spokane Valley. Housing prices track closely with Spokane Valley's $344,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Polson
The median home value in Polson is $321,000 — 5% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $921/month, 30% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $51,463/year is 31% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.9%, above the national average of 4.8%. Montana's top state income tax rate is 6.8% and the combined sales tax is 0.0%. The climate averages highs of 60.9°F and lows of 34.4°F. Overall, Polson has a cost of living index of 91 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 9% less expensive.
Polson has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 36 | 42 | 53 | 61 | 71 | 78 | 89 | 88 | 77 | 61 | 43 | 34 |
| Low °F | 22 | 22 | 27 | 32 | 40 | 46 | 51 | 49 | 42 | 34 | 27 | 22 |
| Precip" | 1.19 | 1.29 | 1.11 | 1.36 | 1.80 | 2.03 | 0.93 | 1.05 | 0.99 | 1.34 | 1.95 | 1.38 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Polson, MT?
Polson has a cost index of 91 (100 = national average). It is 9% below the national average.
What is average rent in Polson, MT?
The median gross rent in Polson is $921 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Polson?
The median home value in Polson is $321,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Polson?
The median household income in Polson is $51,463 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Polson, MT?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Polson is 0.0%. The Montana state income tax top rate is 6.8%.
Is Polson, MT affordable?
Polson is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 91 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in Polson?
Polson has average high temperatures of 60.9°F and average lows of 34.4°F. Annual precipitation is 16.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Polson at a Glance
- Population
- 5,334
- Median Income
- $51,463
- Home Value
- $321,000
- Median Rent
- $921/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 60.9°F
- Sales Tax
- 0.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Montana Rankings
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