Cost of Living in Dawson County, Montana
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Dawson County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Dawson County ranks #1,820 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 42%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Dawson County, Montana
Dawson: Balanced Housing-to-Income Equation
Dawson County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.9% sits comfortably below both the national and Montana state average, reflecting solid affordability for renters. Median household income of $70,953 is closer to the national median ($74,755) than most Montana rural counties, while rents of $823 remain moderate. This combination positions Dawson as an accessible housing market for working families.
Dawson Outperforms Montana on Affordability
At 13.9%, Dawson County beats Montana's state average of 15.9% for rent-to-income ratios, placing it among the more livable counties statewide. Monthly rents near the state median ($823 vs. $825) pair with above-average local income, creating favorable conditions for renters. Dawson represents the sweet spot of Montana's housing market—not inflated by tourism, but economically stable.
Dawson Sits Between Custer and Fallon
Dawson's $823 monthly rent falls between Custer County's pricier $918 and Fallon County's $772, offering a middle ground in eastern Montana. Home values of $187,400 are the lowest among these eastern peers, making Dawson competitive for both renters and homebuyers. The county balances affordability with relative economic stability in this regional cluster.
Dawson's Housing: Sustainable for Local Wages
Renters in Dawson spend $823 monthly on an income of $70,953 annually, consuming just 13.9% of earnings—a healthy ratio that leaves room for savings and other costs. Homeowners pay $796 monthly, slightly less than renters, reflecting an unusual dynamic where ownership remains more accessible than renting. This dual affordability makes Dawson attractive to mixed-income households.
Dawson: Eastern Montana's Balanced Choice
Dawson County offers solid affordability without the extreme isolation of far-eastern counties, with reasonable rents and ownership costs aligned to local wages. The county's energy sector provides economic diversity and stability, appealing to those seeking job security beyond seasonal tourism. If you want Montana without extreme remoteness or inflated costs, Dawson deserves serious consideration.
Cost of Living Advisory: Dawson County
Affordability Verdict
Dawson County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $823/month — about 13.9% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Dawson County is $823/month, while owner costs run $796/month. Owning saves approximately $27/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $32,920/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $34,114/year. With a median household income of $70,953, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 19.0% of renter households in Dawson County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Dawson County sits 7% more expensive than Fallon County ($772/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Dawson County
Rent Burden
13.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,656
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.5%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Dawson County
Median home value is $187,400. Estimated monthly cost: $1,496 vs. your max of $1,656.
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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