Cost of Living in Broadwater County, Montana
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Broadwater County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Broadwater County, Montana
Broadwater ranks among Montana's costliest
Broadwater County's 18.4% rent-to-income ratio is the highest among these eight counties and notably above the national norm, reflecting a genuine affordability crunch. At $978/month for rent and $1,106/month for homeownership with median incomes of $63,636, residents dedicate nearly one-fifth of earnings to housing.
Broadwater struggles most in Montana context
With an 18.4% rent-to-income ratio, Broadwater significantly exceeds Montana's state average of 15.9%, marking it as the state's most housing-challenged county in this comparison. The gap widens when considering homeownership: median monthly costs of $1,106 and home values of $364,800 far outpace most neighbors.
Broadwater costs outpace all comparable counties
Broadwater's $978 rent and $1,106 monthly owner cost dwarf neighboring Big Horn ($686 rent, $537 owner cost) and Blaine ($689 rent, $533 owner cost). Even Beaverhead and Cascade offer somewhat gentler entry points, making Broadwater the region's priciest market by a substantial margin.
Housing consumes nearly one-fifth of budgets
Broadwater renters earning $63,636 spend roughly $978/month on housing—18.4% of gross income, approaching the threshold of financial strain. Homeowners face even tighter squeezes: at $1,106/month, ownership costs claim roughly 20.8% of median household income, well above financial advisors' 15% recommendation.
Broadwater: consider carefully before relocating
If you're eyeing Broadwater, weigh its high housing costs (18.4% rent-to-income) against nearby alternatives like Blaine (12.7%) or Big Horn (14.5%), which offer far more affordability. The county's premium prices reflect demand and home values, but nearby rural areas deliver similar Montana living at lower cost.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Broadwater County
Rent Burden
18.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,485
per month
Owner Cost Burden
20.9%
of gross income
The median home in Broadwater County may be a stretch
Median home value is $364,800. Estimated monthly cost: $2,912 vs. your max of $1,485.
Rent Affordability Guide
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.