Cost of Living in Judith Basin County, Montana
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Judith Basin County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Judith Basin County ranks #5 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 0%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Judith Basin County, Montana
The affordability champion of the group
Judith Basin County's rent-to-income ratio of 10.9% is the lowest among all eight counties and dramatically outperforms the national average, despite median household income of $55,417 that trails the nation by $19,338. At just $502 monthly rent, Judith Basin offers extraordinary housing accessibility.
Best rent value in rural Montana
Judith Basin's 10.9% rent-to-income ratio and $502 median rent are exceptional even by Montana standards, far outpacing the state average of 15.9% and $825. This small county packs Montana's most affordable housing market.
Unbeaten on price, everywhere else
Judith Basin's $502 rent is $251 cheaper than Garfield's $802 and $232 cheaper than Glacier's $553—the lowest in the entire group. Owner costs of $598 are similarly rock-bottom, making Judith Basin a genuine outlier for affordability.
Housing barely touches the budget
Renters spend just $502 monthly and owners $598 on a median income of $55,417, consuming only 10.9% of income—leaving substantial room for other needs. Judith Basin is where housing expenses stop being a struggle.
Montana's hidden affordability gem
Judith Basin County is the rare rural Montana county where housing costs won't dominate your budget, even on modest income. If you're relocating to trade city costs for rural peace, Judith Basin delivers unmatched affordability.
Cost of Living Advisory: Judith Basin County
Affordability Verdict
Judith Basin County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $502/month representing approximately 10.9% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 16.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Judith Basin County pay $502/month on average, compared to $598/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 16%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $20,080/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $25,629/year. With a median household income of $55,417, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 16.0% of renter households in Judith Basin County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Glacier County where rent averages $553/month, Judith Basin County is approximately 9% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Judith Basin County
Rent Burden
10.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,293
per month
Owner Cost Burden
12.9%
of gross income
The median home in Judith Basin County may be a stretch
Median home value is $214,200. Estimated monthly cost: $1,710 vs. your max of $1,293.
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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