Cost of Living in Mineral County, Montana
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Mineral County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Mineral County ranks #1,177 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 37%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Mineral County, Montana
Mineral County rents remain manageable
Mineral County's 14.7% rent-to-income ratio sits just below the national 15% benchmark and Montana's 15.9% state average, indicating solid rental affordability. The $746 monthly median rent is 10% below the state average, and median household income of $61,117 provides reasonable support for housing costs.
Better-than-average affordability for Montana
Mineral County ranks slightly above the state average for affordability, with its 14.7% rent-to-income ratio edging below Montana's 15.9% standard. This northwestern county offers a balance: moderate rents and income levels that keep housing cost burdens reasonable compared to state peers.
Competitive rents in the northwest region
Mineral's $746 rent undershoots Lewis and Clark ($1,062), Missoula ($1,125), and Madison ($1,159), while exceeding only Liberty ($668) and McCone ($543) among this survey group. Its position reflects a smaller, less touristically driven community than Missoula or Madison.
Balanced housing costs for local incomes
Renters earning the median $61,117 spend approximately $8,952 annually on rent—14.7% of gross income—leaving room for other expenses. Homeowners pay $984 monthly ($11,808 yearly), a steeper percentage of income; the median home value of $313,600 reflects mountain property appeal.
Affordable entry point to northwest Montana
Mineral County's 14.7% rent-to-income ratio and $746 rents position it as an accessible option for relocating renters seeking rural Montana living. If you're considering a move to northwest Montana, compare Mineral's affordability against Missoula's amenities to determine the right fit for your priorities and budget.
Cost of Living Advisory: Mineral County
Affordability Verdict
Mineral County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $746/month — about 14.6% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Mineral County is $746/month, while owner costs run $984/month. Renting saves approximately $238/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $29,840/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $42,171/year. With a median household income of $61,117, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Mineral County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Mineral County sits 7% less expensive than Beaverhead County ($800/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Mineral County
Rent Burden
14.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,426
per month
Owner Cost Burden
19.3%
of gross income
The median home in Mineral County may be a stretch
Median home value is $313,600. Estimated monthly cost: $2,504 vs. your max of $1,426.
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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