Powder River County, Montana
5 ZIP codes · Avg score 46/100 · Grade D · Updated 2026-06-03
Drinking water quality in Powder River County has lagged behind state benchmarks — multiple documented violations across 5 ZIP codes keep the county's grade low.
How Powder River County Compares
How Powder River County Compares
Powder River County scores 9 points below the Montana state average (55/100) and 22 points below the national average (68/100).
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
ZIP Code Risk Map
Water Quality Map: Powder River County, Montana
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Key Risk Factors
Health risk index: 14 (asthma 10.9%, diabetes 12.1%)
Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $958, driven primarily by wildfire
Infrastructure: 0.356% avg pipe failure probability, 20% of ZIPs at high risk
66% of homes built before 1978 (lead paint era)
County Health Indicators vs National Average
Black markers indicate national averages. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.
Infrastructure Overview
Sources: Census ACS (housing age), EPA SDWIS (infrastructure risk model), state bridge inspection data.
Compound Risk Breakdown
Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $958
Bar widths proportional to share of total annual risk cost. Source: compound risk model (FEMA, EPA, USGS).
Housing Age Distribution
796 housing units in Powder River County
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034 (Year Structure Built).
Water Safety Affordability
How much it costs to fix water issues relative to home values in Powder River County
Remediation costs are relatively manageable for most homeowners in Powder River County, representing a small fraction of property value.
Remediation includes water filtration, lead abatement, radon mitigation, and flood protection where applicable. Source: Census ACS, EPA SDWIS.
Health Outcomes vs National Average
CDC PLACES data for Powder River County residents
Black markers = national averages. Red = above national avg. Green = below. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.
All ZIP Codes in Powder River County
5 ZIP codes tracked in Powder River County.
| # | ZIP Code | City | Safety Score | Grade | Violations | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 59317 | Broadus | 69 | C | 3 | $161K |
| 2 | 59311 | Alzada | 40 | D | 0 | — |
| 3 | 59314 | Biddle | 40 | D | 0 | — |
| 4 | 59316 | Boyes | 40 | D | 0 | — |
| 5 | 59343 | Olive | 40 | D | 0 | — |
Recommended Buyer Guides for Powder River County
Independent picks. EPA-grounded. Matched here.
- Best Lead Paint Test Kits — 66% of homes built before 1978
- Best Radon Test Kits — EPA Radon Zone 1 (highest risk) dominant in county
- Best HEPA Air Purifiers for Wildfire Smoke — Wildfire is the top compound risk factor
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Powder River County, Montana
Overview
Powder River County in Montana covers 5 ZIP codes with an average Home Safety Score of D (46/100).
1 of 5 ZIP codes have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
← Back to Montana water quality report
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Home values: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (median estimates by ZCTA)
Updated daily.
What You Can Do
Powder River County has a grade of D. Here are steps to protect your household.
Test your tap water
Order a certified lab test kit ($20-$50) to check for lead, bacteria, and other contaminants specific to your ZIP code.
Consider a certified water filter
NSF-certified filters can remove most common contaminants. Match the filter to your test results for best protection. Try our filter matcher
Contact your water utility
Request the latest Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) from your water provider. It details exactly what was found in your water supply.
Check for lead in your home
66% of homes in this county were built before 1978. Older plumbing and solder can leach lead into drinking water, especially in the morning.