Cost of Living in Deer Lodge County, Montana
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Deer Lodge County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Deer Lodge County ranks #1,712 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 46%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Deer Lodge County, Montana
Deer Lodge: Low Income, Moderate Housing Burden
Deer Lodge County faces a challenging affordability scenario: rents consume 16% of income while median household income is just $49,533—the lowest in this Montana sample. Monthly rent of $661 is relatively modest, but against the county's thin wages, it creates meaningful budget strain for renters. This county illustrates how rural economic conditions can pressure even modest housing costs.
Deer Lodge Slightly Above Montana Average
At 16%, Deer Lodge's rent-to-income ratio nudges above Montana's 15.9% state average, reflecting both tight local wages and housing costs that haven't declined proportionally. Median income of $49,533 is substantially below the state's economic profile, indicating structural economic challenges beyond housing supply. Deer Lodge represents struggling rural Montana, where affordability issues stem from income weakness rather than housing inflation.
Deer Lodge: Lowest Income in the Region
Deer Lodge's median household income of $49,533 trails every other county in this sample, falling short of Daniels County ($58,000) by nearly $8,500 annually. Rent here ($661) is reasonable in absolute terms but burdensome relative to local earnings, revealing an income gap problem rather than a housing cost problem. The county's historical mining economy has not smoothly transitioned to modern employment.
Deer Lodge's Wage-Housing Mismatch
Renters earning a median of $49,533 annually ($4,128 monthly) spend $661 on rent—16% of income, edging above comfort thresholds. Homeowners fare somewhat better at $827 monthly, though that still consumes nearly 20% of median income, an unsustainable ratio for most families. The county's real challenge is wage stagnation, not housing cost explosion.
Deer Lodge: Consider Job Market First
Deer Lodge offers the lowest rents in this sample and modest home values ($209,700), but the county's weak median income signals limited job opportunities for relocating workers. Retirees or those with remote income may find Deer Lodge affordable, but job seekers should verify employment prospects before committing. The county's economic transition remains incomplete, affecting long-term affordability stability.
Cost of Living Advisory: Deer Lodge County
Affordability Verdict
Deer Lodge County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $661/month — about 16.0% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Deer Lodge County pay $661/month on average, compared to $827/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 20%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $26,440/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $35,443/year. With a median household income of $49,533, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Deer Lodge County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Powder River County where rent averages $609/month, Deer Lodge County is approximately 9% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Deer Lodge County
Rent Burden
16.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,156
per month
Owner Cost Burden
20.0%
of gross income
The median home in Deer Lodge County may be a stretch
Median home value is $209,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,674 vs. your max of $1,156.
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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