Cost of Living in Granite County, Montana
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Granite County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Granite County ranks #832 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 26%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Granite County, Montana
High home values, tight housing ratios
Granite County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.1% exceeds the national standard, driven by a median household income of $54,646 that lags the nation by $20,109. The median home value of $339,500 signals real estate appreciation—but those gains don't match local wages.
Pricey homes in a tight market
Granite's 16.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Montana's worst, and its $339,500 median home value is the state's second-highest despite below-average incomes. This mismatch reflects outside investment and lifestyle migration reshaping rural Montana.
Expensive compared to peers
Granite's $734 rent exceeds Judith Basin's $502 and Garfield's $802 sits nearly identical, but Granite's $339,500 home values tower over neighbors—Judith Basin sits at $214,200 and Garfield at $178,300. Owners here pay $608 monthly, moderate but on pricier land.
Real estate booming, local wallets stressed
Monthly rent of $734 and owner costs of $608 consume 16.1% of a median income of just $54,646, leaving residents stretched despite being homeowners in a rising market. The $339,500 median home value reflects outside wealth flowing in, not local prosperity.
Beautiful but increasingly unaffordable
Granite County's soaring home values and tight affordability ratios make it challenging for locals earning typical county wages. Relocate here only if you're buying as an investment or bring significant outside income.
Cost of Living Advisory: Granite County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Granite County is affordable. The median rent is $734/month against a median household income of $54,646, putting rent at 16.1% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Granite County is $734/month, while owner costs run $608/month. Owning saves approximately $126/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $29,360/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $26,057/year. With a median household income of $54,646, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Granite County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Beaverhead County where rent averages $800/month, Granite County is approximately 8% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Granite County
Rent Burden
16.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,275
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.4%
of gross income
The median home in Granite County may be a stretch
Median home value is $339,500. Estimated monthly cost: $2,710 vs. your max of $1,275.
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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