Anaconda-Deer Lodge County: The Data Profile (2026)

The statistical profile of Anaconda-Deer Lodge County reveals a distinct economic anomaly in the post-remote work landscape. With a population of 9,512, the area functions as a micropolitan statistical unit rather than a traditional urban center. The primary economic friction point is the income-to-cost ratio: the median household income stands at $49,533, which is -33.6% lower than the US median of $74,580. However, this deficit is largely neutralized by a Cost of Living Index (COLI) of 100.0 across major expenditure categories, effectively stabilizing purchasing power for residents.

Educational attainment is a critical variable in labor market fluidity. Only 22.3% of the population holds a bachelor's degree or higher, significantly trailing the US average of 33.1%. This suggests a workforce historically anchored in trade, industrial, or service sectors rather than the high-mobility knowledge economy. The statistical target demographic for 2026 is the "geo-arbitrage specialist"—remote workers earning above the local median (likely $75,000+) who can leverage national-average wages while paying local-indexed costs, a strategy that has become the primary driver of stability in low-cost rural counties.

Cost of Living Analysis

The cost of living in Anaconda-Deer Lodge County is defined by its exact alignment with national averages, with the notable exception of energy costs. While housing, groceries, and transportation all index at 100.0, the average electricity rate is 12.66 cents/kWh, significantly lower than the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh. This 20.9% reduction in utility costs provides a distinct advantage for energy-intensive households.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis:
For a single earner on the median income of $49,533 ($4,128/mo), the monthly cost of $1,941 leaves a disposable income of roughly $2,187 before taxes. This is a healthy 53% savings rate, which is high for the US. However, for a family of four relying on a single median income, the $4,240 burn rate exceeds the take-home pay, requiring dual incomes or above-median earnings to achieve financial stability.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market in Anaconda-Deer Lodge County is currently mirroring the US average exactly, with a Housing Index of 100.0. This is a significant shift from historical trends where rural markets lagged behind. The median home price is estimated to align with the national curve, while the Price per Square Foot remains competitive due to larger lot sizes.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Buy vs. Rent Analysis:
The price-to-rent ratio in Anaconda-Deer Lodge County strongly favors renting in the short-to-medium term. With a median home price of $340,000 and annual rent for a 3BR at $15,300, the ratio is roughly 22:1. While buying builds equity, the 0.0% index variance means you are paying national prices in a local economy. Renters benefit from the -34.6% discount on 3BR units compared to the US average, preserving cash flow that is critical given the -33.6% income deficit.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

The economic stability of Anaconda-Deer Lodge County is anchored by an exceptionally low unemployment rate of 3.3%, which sits well below the US average of 4.0%. This indicates a tight labor market, though it often signals a lack of labor supply rather than high demand.

RTO & Commute Impact:
In 2026, the "Return to Office" (RTO) mandate has minimal impact on the local economy because the county lacks major corporate headquarters. The workforce is dominated by local services, healthcare, and public administration. For remote workers, the "commute" is effectively zero, but the 22.3% college education rate suggests infrastructure gaps in high-speed fiber internet, which is a critical risk factor for remote professionals.

Quality of Life Audit

While the economic metrics are favorable, the health profile of Anaconda-Deer Lodge County presents significant risk factors. The overall Health Score of 79.0/100 is rated "Good," but this is largely due to low population density and low pollution. The underlying lifestyle metrics reveal a population struggling with metabolic health.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety & Environment:
The county benefits from pristine air quality, with an AQI of 25 (Good) and PM2.5 levels of 3.5 µg/m³, roughly 56% cleaner than the national average. Crime data indicates a violent crime rate of approximately 2.1 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 14.5 per 1,000 residents, both significantly lower than urban benchmarks.

Schools & Weather:
School performance in the county averages a 5/10 rating on major educational aggregators, suggesting families may need to budget for private education or supplemental schooling. Weather is currently 39.0°F with sunny conditions, typical for the high-altitude Mountain West, requiring a tolerance for distinct four-season cycles.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Extreme Value: Rent is -34.6% cheaper than the US average, allowing for massive savings potential.
• Air Quality: AQI of 25 and PM2.5 of 3.5 µg/m³ offer a significant health advantage over urban centers.
• Job Security: An unemployment rate of 3.3% guarantees low competition for local employment.

Cons:

• Income Ceiling: Median income of $49,533 is $25,000 below the national average, limiting local wealth accumulation.
• Health Risks: Diabetes rate of 13.0% and Obesity rate of 32.5% indicate a community-wide health crisis.
• Education Gap: Only 22.3% of residents are college-educated, potentially leading to cultural isolation for professionals.

Final Recommendation:
Rent, Don't Buy. Anaconda-Deer Lodge County is a prime location for "Geo-Arbitrage" renters. If you earn a national-average salary or higher, the local rental market offers a -34% discount, maximizing disposable income. However, buying at a median price of $340,000—which matches the US average—locks you into a low-income economy with high asset costs. It is recommended for remote workers and retirees, but risky for local wage earners.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Anaconda-Deer Lodge County?
For a single person, a salary of $60,000 is sufficient to cover the $1,941 monthly budget and build savings. For a family, a combined income of $95,000+ is required to comfortably cover the $4,240 monthly burn rate while saving for the $340,000 home market.

2. How does the value proposition compare to larger cities?
While the $806 rent for a 1BR is -32.8% cheaper than the US average, the income deficit is -33.6%. The value is neutral in raw terms, but the lifestyle arbitrage comes from the $12.66 electricity rates and AQI of 25, which are unavailable in major metros at any price.

3. Is the crime rate truly lower?
Yes. With a violent crime rate estimated at 2.1 per 1,000 (vs a national average of ~4.0 per 1,000), the statistical safety is roughly 47% higher than the average US city.

4. When is the best time to move?
Based on the current temperature of 39.0°F and sunny conditions, the immediate window is optimal for moving logistics. However, prospective residents should verify high-speed internet availability (fiber/cable) before signing a lease, as infrastructure lags in 9,512 population zones.