Cost of Living in Beaverhead County, Montana
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Beaverhead County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Beaverhead County ranks #372 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 12%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Beaverhead County, Montana
Beaverhead renters pay slightly more than nation
At 16.5%, Beaverhead's rent-to-income ratio sits just above the national norm, meaning renters here dedicate a bit more of their paychecks to housing than the typical American household. The county's median rent of $800 is lower than many urban centers, but local incomes of $58,072 lag the national median of $74,755 by about 22%, creating the squeeze.
Affordability challenge in rural Montana
Beaverhead's 16.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks as a mid-tier affordability challenge among Montana counties, slightly above the state average of 15.9%. The county mirrors statewide pressures: lower wages paired with housing costs that haven't declined proportionally.
Beaverhead rents competitive with rural peers
At $800/month, Beaverhead's median rent undercuts Carbon County ($882) and Cascade County ($902), placing it closer to Big Horn and Blaine counties. However, Beaverhead homeowners face steeper mortgage costs ($829/month) than Big Horn buyers ($537/month), reflecting higher median home values of $282,000 versus $148,200.
Housing eats nearly one-sixth of income
A renter earning Beaverhead's median household income of $58,072 spends roughly $800/month on housing—about 16.5% of gross income. Homeowners with a median monthly cost of $829 face a similar burden, leaving limited room in household budgets for other expenses.
Consider Beaverhead for balanced rural living
If you're weighing Montana relocation, Beaverhead offers competitive rental prices and a genuine sense of rural community. Compare its 16.5% rent-to-income ratio against pricier neighbors like Broadwater (18.4%) and Cascade (16.4%) to find your best fit.
Cost of Living Advisory: Beaverhead County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Beaverhead County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $800/month in gross rent, with 28.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $800/month rent versus $829/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $29/month cheaper — a 3% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $32,000/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $35,529/year. With a median household income of $58,072, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Beaverhead County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Montana, Beaverhead County is more affordable than Sheridan County by roughly 7% ($800/mo vs $749/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Beaverhead County
Rent Burden
16.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,355
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.1%
of gross income
The median home in Beaverhead County may be a stretch
Median home value is $282,000. Estimated monthly cost: $2,251 vs. your max of $1,355.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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