Cost of Living in Garfield County, Montana

$802/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$178,300

Median Home Value

3% below state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$802/mo

3% below state average

Median Home Value

$178,300

37% below national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

23.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How Garfield County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Garfield County$802/mo

Montana Average$825/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$802/mo

Median Gross Rent

$178,300

Median Home Value

$594/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

23.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Garfield County, Montana

Garfield stays below the national threshold

Garfield County residents spend 15.6% of their income on rent, edging below the national 15.9% benchmark that experts consider affordable. With a median household income of $61,750—about 17% below the national average of $74,755—locals are managing housing costs more efficiently than most Americans.

Better than average across Montana

Garfield's rent-to-income ratio of 15.6% beats Montana's state average of 15.9%, placing it among the more affordable counties statewide. The median rent of $802 is just slightly below the state average of $825, suggesting balanced housing costs for rural Montana.

Competitive with rural Montana peers

Garfield's $802 monthly rent sits between Glacier County's lower $553 and Granite County's $734, offering a middle ground among sparsely populated counties. Homeownership costs $594 monthly, comparable to Glacier's $468 but notably cheaper than Granite's $608.

Rent and ownership split fairly evenly

Renters in Garfield dedicate $802 monthly to housing while owners pay $594, with median home values at $178,300. The county's 15.6% rent-to-income ratio means the typical household has room in their budget for other necessities.

A stable choice for rural Montana living

If you're weighing Montana counties, Garfield offers below-state-average affordability without the income demands of booming areas. Compare its $802 rent to neighbors and ask: can you build a life where housing doesn't squeeze your paycheck?

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Garfield County

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

15.6%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,441

per month

Owner Cost Burden

11.5%

of gross income

You can likely afford the median home in Garfield County

Median home value is $178,300. Estimated monthly cost: $1,423 vs. your max of $1,441.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio15.6%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Garfield County, Montana?

Garfield County, Montana has a median monthly rent of $802/mo and a median home value of $178,300. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 23.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Garfield County?

The median gross rent in Garfield County is $802/mo. This is 3% below state average for Montana.

Is Garfield County affordable?

Garfield County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 23.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Garfield County's rent compare to the state average?

Garfield County's median rent of $802/mo is 3% below state average of $825/mo for Montana.

What is the median home value in Garfield County?

The median home value in Garfield County, Montana is $178,300. This is 37% below the national median home value of $281,900.