Cost of Living in Glacier County, Montana
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Glacier County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Glacier County ranks #1,333 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 42%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Glacier County, Montana
Affordable rent, stretched incomes
Glacier County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.7% sits comfortably below the national standard, but median household income of $45,129 trails the national average by $29,626. The low rent of $553 monthly is a bright spot for one of Montana's lower-income counties.
Montana's most affordable rentals
Glacier County boasts the lowest median rent in the state at $553 per month, well below Montana's $825 average. Its 14.7% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the best statewide, making housing accessible despite lower wages.
The budget option in central Montana
Glacier's $553 rent significantly undercuts Garfield County's $802 and Judith Basin's $502, making it the most affordable for renters in its peer group. Owner costs of $468 monthly are similarly rock-bottom compared to neighboring counties.
Low costs can't fully offset low wages
While Glacier renters pay just $553 monthly and owners $468, the median household income of $45,129 means housing still consumes a meaningful share of already-tight budgets. The 14.7% ratio is good, but absolute dollars matter when income lags significantly.
Best rents in Montana, but plan carefully
Glacier County offers Montana's lowest housing costs—a real advantage if you earn remote income or have savings to relocate. Just verify your job prospects here, since local wages are among the state's lowest.
Cost of Living Advisory: Glacier County
Affordability Verdict
Glacier County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $553/month — about 14.7% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Glacier County pay $553/month on average, compared to $468/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 15%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $22,120/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $20,057/year. With a median household income of $45,129, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 23.0% of renter households in Glacier County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Montana, Glacier County is more affordable than Judith Basin County by roughly 10% ($553/mo vs $502/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Glacier County
Rent Burden
14.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,053
per month
Owner Cost Burden
12.4%
of gross income
The median home in Glacier County may be a stretch
Median home value is $153,400. Estimated monthly cost: $1,225 vs. your max of $1,053.
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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