Cost of Living in Chouteau County, Montana
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Chouteau County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Chouteau County ranks #221 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 7%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Chouteau County, Montana
Chouteau County offers exceptional housing value
Chouteau County's 10.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the nation's most affordable, as renters earning $56,927 pay just $485/month for housing. This exceptional affordability reflects genuinely low rents paired with moderate local incomes.
Chouteau leads Montana by significant margin
At 10.2%, Chouteau's rent-to-income ratio crushes Montana's state average of 15.9%, making it the state's clear affordability champion. The county's $485 median rent is the lowest in the entire eight-county comparison.
Chouteau rents unbeatable in region
Chouteau's $485 median rent is nearly $200/month below Big Horn ($686) and Blaine ($689), and substantially undercuts every other county in this comparison. Monthly homeowner costs of $608 similarly rank among the lowest, with median home values of $185,100 offering genuine accessibility.
Housing barely dents Chouteau budgets
A Chouteau County renter earning $56,927 spends roughly $485/month on housing—just 10.2% of gross income, leaving substantial room for savings and other needs. Homeowners enjoy even more relief: at $608/month, ownership costs claim only 12.8% of median household income.
Chouteau County: Montana's affordability treasure
If housing costs are your primary concern, Chouteau County delivers unmatched value in Montana with a 10.2% rent-to-income ratio. Compare its exceptional affordability against any peer—Big Horn (14.5%), Blaine (12.7%), or Broadwater (18.4%)—to appreciate the county's genuine advantage.
Cost of Living Advisory: Chouteau County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Chouteau County is affordable. The median rent is $485/month against a median household income of $56,927, putting rent at 10.2% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Chouteau County is $485/month, while owner costs run $608/month. Renting saves approximately $123/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $19,400/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $26,057/year. With a median household income of $56,927, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 16.0% of renter households in Chouteau County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to McCone County where rent averages $543/month, Chouteau County is approximately 11% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Chouteau County
Rent Burden
10.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,328
per month
Owner Cost Burden
12.8%
of gross income
The median home in Chouteau County may be a stretch
Median home value is $185,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,478 vs. your max of $1,328.
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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