Cost of Living in Carter County, Montana
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Carter County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Carter County ranks #29 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 1%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Carter County, Montana
Carter County faces tight affordability squeeze
Carter County's 16.8% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national norm, as renters earning $52,171—the lowest median income in this comparison—spend $731/month on housing. This combination of below-average wages and persistent housing costs creates genuine affordability strain.
Carter ranks among Montana's most challenged
At 16.8%, Carter's rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds Montana's state average of 15.9%, placing it among the state's most housing-burdened counties. The pressure intensifies when considering that Carter's median income of $52,171 is the lowest in this group.
Carter struggles despite modest rents
Carter's $731 median rent is below Big Horn ($686) and Blaine ($689) but exceeds no neighboring county except Beaverhead, Cascade, and Carbon. The county's real challenge stems from low median incomes of $52,171—the group's weakest—making even modest rents unaffordable.
Low incomes strain housing affordability
A Carter County renter earning the median $52,171 spends roughly $731/month on housing—16.8% of gross income, limiting resources for other necessities. Homeowners fare slightly better at $581/month (11.1% of income), but the county's overall economic picture reflects rural Montana's wage challenges.
Carter: weigh low wages against modest costs
Considering Carter County? Its 16.8% rent-to-income ratio reflects tight budgets, though rents themselves remain moderate compared to urban markets. Compare Carter's affordability pressures against higher-income counties like Blaine (12.7%) or Carbon (14.9%) before making the move.
Cost of Living Advisory: Carter County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Carter County is affordable. The median rent is $731/month against a median household income of $52,171, putting rent at 16.8% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $731/month rent versus $581/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $150/month cheaper — a 21% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $29,240/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $24,900/year. With a median household income of $52,171, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Carter County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Carter County sits 9% more expensive than Liberty County ($668/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Carter County
Rent Burden
16.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,217
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.4%
of gross income
The median home in Carter County may be a stretch
Median home value is $176,600. Estimated monthly cost: $1,410 vs. your max of $1,217.
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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