Cost of Living in Meagher County, Montana
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Meagher County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Meagher County ranks #232 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 7%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Meagher County, Montana
Meagher County renters face moderate strain
Meagher County's 18.6% rent-to-income ratio exceeds both the national 15% standard and Montana's 15.9% state average, placing renters under measurable affordability pressure. At $871 per month, median rent is 5.6% above the state average, consuming nearly one-fifth of the median household income of $56,215.
Above-average affordability challenges in Montana
Meagher County's 18.6% rent-to-income ratio ranks decidedly above Montana's 15.9% average, placing it in the less affordable half of the state's counties. The combination of below-state-average income ($56,215 vs. implied higher state average) and above-average rents creates persistent housing cost burden.
Mid-range costs in central Montana
Meagher's $871 rent falls between McCone County ($543) and Madison County ($1,159), positioning it as a moderately priced option in central Montana. It exceeds Liberty County ($668) and Lincoln County ($810) but remains well below the higher costs of Lewis and Clark ($1,062) and Missoula ($1,125).
Rent consumes steady portion of modest income
Renters earning $56,215 median income spend approximately $10,452 annually on rent, or 18.6% of gross income. Homeowners paying $682 monthly ($8,184 yearly) bear slightly lower ownership costs, with median home values of $244,400 requiring substantial down payments.
Balance mountain access with income needs
Meagher County's 18.6% rent-to-income ratio means you'll feel housing costs, but the central location and outdoor access appeal to many. Before relocating, ensure your income meets or exceeds the $56,215 median—those earning significantly less will find affordability challenging.
Cost of Living Advisory: Meagher County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Meagher County is affordable. The median rent is $871/month against a median household income of $56,215, putting rent at 18.6% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Meagher County pay $871/month on average, compared to $682/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 22%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $34,840/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $29,229/year. With a median household income of $56,215, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 20.0% of renter households in Meagher County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Park County where rent averages $927/month, Meagher County is approximately 6% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Meagher County
Rent Burden
18.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,312
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.6%
of gross income
The median home in Meagher County may be a stretch
Median home value is $244,400. Estimated monthly cost: $1,951 vs. your max of $1,312.
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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