Cost of Living in Big Horn County, Montana
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Big Horn County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Big Horn County ranks #2,293 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 27%)
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Big Horn County
Affordability Verdict
Big Horn County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $686/month — about 14.5% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $686/month rent versus $537/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $149/month cheaper — a 22% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $27,440/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $23,014/year. With a median household income of $56,680, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 19.0% of renter households in Big Horn County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Big Horn County sits 7% less expensive than Wheatland County ($741/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Big Horn County
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
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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