Cost of Living in Garfield County, Montana
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Garfield County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Garfield County ranks #146 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 5%)
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?
Cost of Living Advisory: Garfield County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Garfield County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $802/month in gross rent, with 23.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Garfield County pay $802/month on average, compared to $594/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 26%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $32,080/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $25,457/year. With a median household income of $61,750, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 23.0% of renter households in Garfield County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Teton County where rent averages $750/month, Garfield County is approximately 7% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Garfield County
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
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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