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
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Broadwater County ranks #1,148 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 37%)
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Broadwater County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Broadwater County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $978/month in gross rent, with 36.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Broadwater County pay $978/month on average, compared to $1,106/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 12%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $39,120/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $47,400/year. With a median household income of $63,636, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 36.0% of renter households in Broadwater County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Montana, Broadwater County is more affordable than Park County by roughly 6% ($978/mo vs $927/mo).
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
Income Needed Calculator
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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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