Cost of Living in Golden Valley County, Montana
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Golden Valley County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Golden Valley County ranks #72 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 2%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Golden Valley County, Montana
Housing eats a bigger slice here
Golden Valley's rent-to-income ratio of 16.1% exceeds both the national threshold and Montana's average, signaling tighter affordability. The median household income of $57,353 sits $17,402 below the national average, making the higher housing cost burden more acute.
Below-average wages, above-average ratios
At 16.1%, Golden Valley's rent-to-income ratio ranks among Montana's worst, indicating housing costs consume more income here than statewide. The median rent of $769 is competitive, but local incomes lag, creating the squeeze.
Pricier than Judith Basin, tighter budgets
Golden Valley's $769 rent falls between Judith Basin's bargain $502 and Granite County's $734, but lower local wages make that difference more painful. Homeowners face $664 monthly costs, comparable to Granite but with lower earning power.
Rent rises, income stays flat
Renters spend $769 monthly while owners pay $664 on a median household income of just $57,353, leaving limited flexibility for other costs. The 16.1% ratio means housing stress is a real issue for Golden Valley residents.
Only relocate if income travels with you
Golden Valley's rents are reasonable, but local wages won't stretch far—this is a county to consider only if you bring steady outside income or remote work. Compare to Judith Basin's exceptional affordability just nearby.
Cost of Living Advisory: Golden Valley County
Affordability Verdict
Golden Valley County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $769/month representing approximately 16.1% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 16.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $769/month rent versus $664/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $105/month cheaper — a 14% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,760/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $28,457/year. With a median household income of $57,353, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 16.0% of renter households in Golden Valley County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Montana, Golden Valley County is less affordable than Dawson County by roughly 7% ($769/mo vs $823/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Golden Valley County
Rent Burden
16.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,338
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.9%
of gross income
The median home in Golden Valley County may be a stretch
Median home value is $203,900. Estimated monthly cost: $1,628 vs. your max of $1,338.
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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