Cost of Living in Fergus County, Montana
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Fergus County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Fergus County ranks #906 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 29%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Fergus County, Montana
Fergus: Rents Rising Faster Than Wages
Fergus County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.4% exceeds both the national and state averages, signaling housing strain despite modest absolute costs. Median household income of $59,731 trails the national median by $15,000, while rents of $868 monthly push affordability pressure higher than nearby counties. This pattern suggests rents are rising faster than local wage growth in Fergus.
Fergus Ranks Among Montana's Least Affordable
At 17.4%, Fergus County's rent-to-income ratio is the highest in this Montana sample, exceeding the state average of 15.9% and indicating real affordability challenges. Local median income of $59,731 is below state averages, compounding the strain from rents that run above many comparable counties. Fergus faces the dual pressure of low wages and rising rents.
Fergus Rents Outpace Similar County Wages
Fergus's $868 monthly rent is $280 cheaper than Custer ($918) but higher than Fallon ($772), yet its median income of $59,731 is lower than both neighbors. This unfavorable ratio creates the state's highest rent-to-income burden in this sample, suggesting Fergus renters face tighter budgets than peers in comparable eastern Montana counties. Wage and rent dynamics have diverged significantly here.
Fergus: Budget Squeezed by Rental Burden
Fergus renters earn a median of $59,731 annually ($4,978 monthly) but spend $868 on rent—17.4% of income, well above the 15% comfort threshold. Homeowners fare slightly better at $710 monthly (14.2% of income), suggesting ownership is more accessible than renting here. The rental market has grown increasingly strained relative to local wages.
Fergus: Renters Should Explore Alternatives
Fergus County's 17.4% rent-to-income ratio is the highest in central Montana, leaving renters with less discretionary income than neighbors like Fallon or Daniels. Prospective residents earning wages locally should strongly consider homeownership or look to nearby Fallon County ($772 rent) for better rental affordability. The county suits those with outside income sources more than those depending on Fergus employment.
Cost of Living Advisory: Fergus County
Affordability Verdict
Fergus County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $868/month — about 17.4% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Fergus County is $868/month, while owner costs run $710/month. Owning saves approximately $158/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $34,720/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $30,429/year. With a median household income of $59,731, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 23.0% of renter households in Fergus County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Lincoln County where rent averages $810/month, Fergus County is approximately 7% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Fergus County
Rent Burden
17.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,394
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.3%
of gross income
The median home in Fergus County may be a stretch
Median home value is $202,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,618 vs. your max of $1,394.
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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