Cost of Living in Big Horn County, Montana

$686/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$148,200

Median Home Value

17% below state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$686/mo

17% below state average

Median Home Value

$148,200

47% below national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

19.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How Big Horn County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Big Horn County$686/mo

Montana Average$825/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$686/mo

Median Gross Rent

$148,200

Median Home Value

$537/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

19.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Big Horn County, Montana

Big Horn offers Montana's most affordable rents

Big Horn County's 14.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks as one of the most affordable housing markets in Montana, comfortably below the national norm. With median rent just $686/month and median incomes of $56,680, renters here dedicate less of their paycheck to housing than peers across the country.

Big Horn ranks among Montana's best values

At 14.5%, Big Horn's rent-to-income ratio beats Montana's state average of 15.9%, placing it solidly in the affordability-friendly tier. This county consistently outperforms peers on housing costs relative to income, a rare win in today's market.

Big Horn undercuts most adjacent counties

Big Horn's $686 median rent is the lowest among comparable rural Montana counties, trailing only Chouteau ($485) and Blaine ($689). Homebuyers also find relief here: median home values of $148,200 and monthly owner costs of $537 represent some of Montana's gentlest entry points to ownership.

Less than 15 cents on the dollar for rent

Big Horn renters earning the county median of $56,680 spend roughly $686/month on housing—just 14.5% of gross income. Homeowners face even lighter burdens: at $537/month, mortgage and ownership costs consume barely 11% of median household income.

Big Horn excels for budget-conscious relocators

If affordability is your top priority, Big Horn County delivers genuine value with the state's lowest rent-to-income ratio. Compare its 14.5% burden against pricier Montana neighbors like Broadwater (18.4%) and Beaverhead (16.5%) to maximize your housing dollar.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Big Horn County

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

14.5%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,323

per month

Owner Cost Burden

11.4%

of gross income

You can likely afford the median home in Big Horn County

Median home value is $148,200. Estimated monthly cost: $1,183 vs. your max of $1,323.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio14.5%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Big Horn County, Montana?

Big Horn County, Montana has a median monthly rent of $686/mo and a median home value of $148,200. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 19.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Big Horn County?

The median gross rent in Big Horn County is $686/mo. This is 17% below state average for Montana.

Is Big Horn County affordable?

Big Horn County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 19.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Big Horn County's rent compare to the state average?

Big Horn County's median rent of $686/mo is 17% below state average of $825/mo for Montana.

What is the median home value in Big Horn County?

The median home value in Big Horn County, Montana is $148,200. This is 47% below the national median home value of $281,900.