Cost of Living in Hill County, Montana
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Hill County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Hill County ranks #2,918 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 7%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Hill County, Montana
Hill County's housing squeeze is real
Hill County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.3% is the highest among these eight counties and well above the national standard, with median household income of $55,313 trailing the nation by $19,442. Residents here dedicate the most income to housing relative to their earnings.
Most strained affordability in this survey
At 16.3%, Hill County posts the highest rent-to-income ratio among these Montana counties, placing significant pressure on local budgets. The median rent of $752 pairs with below-state-average incomes, creating the crunch.
Neither cheap nor well-paying
Hill County's $752 rent sits between Glacier's $553 and Lake's $884, and at $187,600, median home values are modest compared to Granite's $339,500. Owner costs of $754 monthly are notably high relative to the county's modest income base.
Owner and renter costs nearly equal
Hill County renters pay $752 monthly while owners pay $754—nearly identical—on a median income of $55,313. This rare symmetry masks an uncomfortable truth: both paths to housing consume 16.3% of income.
High costs for a rural county
Hill County's 16.3% housing ratio is the highest in this group, suggesting your paycheck will stretch further almost anywhere else in rural Montana. Compare closely to Glacier or Judith Basin before committing.
Cost of Living Advisory: Hill County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Hill County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $752/month in gross rent, with 24.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Hill County is $752/month, while owner costs run $754/month. Renting saves approximately $2/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,080/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $32,314/year. With a median household income of $55,313, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Hill County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Pondera County where rent averages $806/month, Hill County is approximately 7% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Hill County
Rent Burden
16.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,291
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.4%
of gross income
The median home in Hill County may be a stretch
Median home value is $187,600. Estimated monthly cost: $1,498 vs. your max of $1,291.
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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