Cost of Living in Liberty County, Montana
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Liberty County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Liberty County ranks #855 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 27%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Liberty County, Montana
Liberty County offers surprising affordability
Liberty County renters spend just 15.1% of household income on housing, slightly below the national standard and nearly identical to the Montana state average of 15.9%. At $668 per month, median rent is 19% below the state average, making this northeastern county genuinely affordable for renting households.
Middle-of-pack affordability for Montana
Liberty County ranks squarely at the state median for rental affordability, with its 15.1% rent-to-income ratio placing it very close to Montana's 15.9% average. This consistency masks a critical factor: local median household income of $53,264 is substantially below the state norm, suggesting limited wage opportunities.
Cheapest rents in this corner of Montana
Liberty County's $668 rent is the lowest among these eight surveyed counties and significantly undercuts neighbors McCone County ($543 for ownership but in a different economic zone) and the pricier western counties. This affordability advantage pairs with a rural lifestyle and wide open spaces.
Low costs, but lower incomes too
The median household income of $53,264 means renters pay roughly $8,000 annually for a $668 monthly rent—a reasonable portion of their budget. However, homeowners paying $718 monthly ($8,616 yearly) face similar pressures on incomes that are $21,491 below the national median.
Ideal for remote workers seeking rural living
Liberty County's low rent of $668 and 15.1% housing ratio make it attractive for remote workers who can maintain higher incomes from afar. If you're relocating for flexibility and affordability, verify your remote work arrangement can sustain you—local wage opportunities remain limited.
Cost of Living Advisory: Liberty County
Affordability Verdict
Liberty County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $668/month — about 15.0% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $668/month rent versus $718/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $50/month cheaper — a 7% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $26,720/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $30,771/year. With a median household income of $53,264, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Liberty County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Liberty County sits 10% more expensive than Powder River County ($609/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Liberty County
Rent Burden
15.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,243
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.2%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Liberty County
Median home value is $116,800. Estimated monthly cost: $932 vs. your max of $1,243.
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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