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
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.
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
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.