Cost of Living in Madison County, Montana

$1,159/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$440,500

Median Home Value

40% above state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$1,159/mo

40% above state average

Median Home Value

$440,500

56% above national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

24.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How Madison County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Madison County$1,159/mo

Montana Average$825/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$1,159/mo

Median Gross Rent

$440,500

Median Home Value

$849/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

24.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Madison County, Montana

Madison County renters exceed affordability limits

Madison County's 20.6% rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds the 15% national standard and Montana's 15.9% state average. The $1,159 monthly median rent is 40% higher than the state average, driven partly by tourism and recreation demand in this scenic southwest region.

Among Montana's priciest rental markets

Madison County ranks among the state's least affordable counties for renters, with a 20.6% rent-to-income ratio substantially above Montana's 15.9% average. Only a handful of counties—notably Missoula and parts of the Gallatin Valley—face steeper affordability challenges.

Second-highest rents in this survey group

At $1,159 per month, Madison County's median rent trails only Missoula County ($1,125 is close, but Lewis and Clark at $1,062 is lower), and far exceeds the rural counties. This places Madison among the region's premium rental markets, rivaling Missoula despite a smaller population.

Recreation appeal comes with housing costs

Renters earning the median $67,420 annually spend roughly $13,908 on rent—a substantial 20.6% of gross income. Homeowners paying $849 monthly ($10,188 yearly) face lower ownership costs, but the median home value of $440,500 means significant down-payment and mortgage burdens for buyers.

Plan carefully for Montana's mountain living

Madison County's 20.6% rent-to-income ratio and $1,159 rents reflect its appeal to recreationalists and retirees—but affordability requires advance planning. If relocating here, secure income well above the $67,420 median or prioritize homeownership to lock in costs before property values climb further.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Madison County

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

20.6%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,573

per month

Owner Cost Burden

15.1%

of gross income

The median home in Madison County may be a stretch

Median home value is $440,500. Estimated monthly cost: $3,517 vs. your max of $1,573.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio20.6%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Madison County, Montana?

Madison County, Montana has a median monthly rent of $1,159/mo and a median home value of $440,500. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 24.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Madison County?

The median gross rent in Madison County is $1,159/mo. This is 40% above state average for Montana.

Is Madison County affordable?

Madison County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 24.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Madison County's rent compare to the state average?

Madison County's median rent of $1,159/mo is 40% above state average of $825/mo for Montana.

What is the median home value in Madison County?

The median home value in Madison County, Montana is $440,500. This is 56% above the national median home value of $281,900.