Cost of Living in Cascade County, Montana
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Cascade County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Cascade County ranks #2,947 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 6%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Cascade County, Montana
Cascade County mirrors national affordability trends
Cascade County's 16.4% rent-to-income ratio sits above the national norm, as renters earning $66,203 pay $902/month for housing. The county represents a moderate-to-challenging affordability landscape typical of many American mid-sized markets.
Cascade slightly above Montana state average
At 16.4%, Cascade's rent-to-income ratio modestly exceeds Montana's state average of 15.9%, positioning it as a moderate-challenge county. The county's higher incomes of $66,203 provide some cushion, but housing costs remain persistent.
Cascade balances higher income with higher rents
Cascade's $902 median rent is the region's second-highest, trailing only Broadwater ($978), while median incomes of $66,203 rank third. Monthly homeowner costs of $1,046 similarly reflect mid-to-high pricing, with home values of $243,300 exceeding most rural peers.
Housing absorbs roughly one-sixth of income
A Cascade County renter earning $66,203 spends approximately $902/month on housing—16.4% of gross income, a notable share for a rural Montana county. Homeowners dedicate $1,046/month to ownership costs—roughly 18.9% of income—pushing toward the financial strain threshold.
Cascade County: moderate challenge, reasonable balance
Relocating to Cascade County? The county's 16.4% rent-to-income ratio represents a moderate affordability challenge, though higher incomes than many rural peers help cushion the blow. Stack it against pricier Broadwater (18.4%), more affordable Blaine (12.7%), or Big Horn (14.5%) to find your best fit.
Cost of Living Advisory: Cascade County
Affordability Verdict
Cascade County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $902/month — about 16.3% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Cascade County pay $902/month on average, compared to $1,046/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 14%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $36,080/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $44,829/year. With a median household income of $66,203, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Cascade County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Montana, Cascade County is less affordable than Wibaux County by roughly 6% ($902/mo vs $964/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Cascade County
Rent Burden
16.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,545
per month
Owner Cost Burden
19.0%
of gross income
The median home in Cascade County may be a stretch
Median home value is $243,300. Estimated monthly cost: $1,942 vs. your max of $1,545.
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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