Cost of Living in Jefferson County, Montana
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Jefferson County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Jefferson County ranks #780 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 25%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Jefferson County, Montana
Affluence unlocks housing affordability
Jefferson County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.9% beats both the national average and Montana's state average, the only county in this group below the national threshold. Median household income of $76,576 slightly exceeds the national average of $74,755, enabling residents to absorb higher absolute costs.
Montana's most affordable for the affluent
Jefferson County ranks first among these counties with a 13.9% rent-to-income ratio, well below Montana's 15.9% average. Above-state-average income makes housing accessible despite higher absolute prices.
Premium homes, premium incomes
Jefferson's $886 rent and $408,000 median home value are among the highest in this group, but its $76,576 median income dwarfs neighbors like Granite ($54,646) and Hill ($55,313), making housing proportionally affordable. Owner costs of $1,166 monthly reflect the premium market.
Wealth enables housing comfort
Jefferson County renters spend $886 monthly and owners $1,166 on a median income of $76,576, yielding the group's lowest 13.9% ratio. Higher absolute costs are manageable here because incomes have risen to match them.
Premium living for premium earners
Jefferson County offers Montana's best housing affordability ratio, but only if your income matches—median earnings here top $76,000. If you're relocating with a strong salary, this county rewards it with comfort and good value relative to income.
Cost of Living Advisory: Jefferson County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Jefferson County is affordable. The median rent is $886/month against a median household income of $76,576, putting rent at 13.9% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $886/month rent versus $1,166/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $280/month cheaper — a 24% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $35,440/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $49,971/year. With a median household income of $76,576, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 20.0% of renter households in Jefferson County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Prairie County where rent averages $827/month, Jefferson County is approximately 7% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Jefferson County
Rent Burden
13.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,787
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.3%
of gross income
The median home in Jefferson County may be a stretch
Median home value is $408,000. Estimated monthly cost: $3,257 vs. your max of $1,787.
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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