Cost of Living in Carbon County, Montana
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Carbon County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Carbon County ranks #277 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 9%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Carbon County, Montana
Carbon strikes balance in housing costs
Carbon County's 14.9% rent-to-income ratio sits nearly at the national norm, with renters paying $882/month on median household incomes of $71,017. This near-equilibrium reflects both higher local wages and moderately priced housing, compared to several Montana peers.
Carbon performs slightly above state average
At 14.9%, Carbon's rent-to-income ratio beats Montana's state average of 15.9%, positioning it as a moderate-affordability county. The county's higher median income of $71,017 provides more breathing room than many rural Montana neighbors.
Carbon rents moderate, ownership steep
Carbon's $882 monthly rent sits between Beaverhead ($800) and Cascade ($902), offering middle-ground pricing for renters. However, homebuyers face the region's steepest costs: median home values of $379,300 and monthly owner costs of $1,003 exceed all comparable counties except Broadwater.
Renters fare better than homeowners here
Carbon renters earning $71,017 spend roughly $882/month on housing—14.9% of gross income, a manageable share. Homeowners, however, dedicate $1,003/month to ownership costs—roughly 16.9% of income—reflecting the county's elevated property values and mortgage pressures.
Carbon County: strong incomes, premium homes
Relocating to Carbon? The county rewards renters with solid affordability (14.9%) and higher-than-average incomes, but challenges homebuyers with premium property costs. Compare its 14.9% rent burden against pricier Broadwater (18.4%) or more affordable Blaine (12.7%) to decide if Carbon fits your plans.
Cost of Living Advisory: Carbon County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Carbon County is affordable. The median rent is $882/month against a median household income of $71,017, putting rent at 14.9% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Carbon County is $882/month, while owner costs run $1,003/month. Renting saves approximately $121/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $35,280/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $42,986/year. With a median household income of $71,017, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Carbon County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Carbon County sits 7% more expensive than Prairie County ($827/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Carbon County
Rent Burden
14.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,657
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.9%
of gross income
The median home in Carbon County may be a stretch
Median home value is $379,300. Estimated monthly cost: $3,028 vs. your max of $1,657.
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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