Cost of Living in Musselshell County, Montana
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Musselshell County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Musselshell County, Montana
Musselshell rents outpace national norms
Musselshell County residents spend 17.6% of their income on rent, nearly 3 percentage points above the national average of 14.7%. While the median household income of $59,010 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by $15,745, housing costs here consume a larger share of take-home pay than typical American households face.
Above-average housing burden in Montana
Musselshell's rent-to-income ratio of 17.6% ranks worse than Montana's state average of 15.9%, placing it among the less affordable counties in the state. The median rent of $865 per month exceeds the state average of $825, creating affordability pressure on renters statewide.
Costlier than nearby Petroleum County
Musselshell's median rent of $865 runs $96 higher than neighboring Petroleum County's $769, though both counties struggle with similar income levels around $59,000. Powder River County offers significantly cheaper rents at $609 monthly—56% less than Musselshell—while maintaining comparable incomes.
Housing claims nearly one-fifth of income
Renters here pay $865 monthly while homeowners typically spend $686 monthly on ownership costs, against a median household income of $59,010. This means renting families dedicate roughly 17.6% of annual income to housing, with homeowning families spending 13.9%—a notable gap that reflects the county's ownership affordability advantage.
Explore homeownership in Musselshell
If you're considering a move to central Montana, Musselshell County's median home value of $221,200 offers ownership pathways that burden renters less than the local rental market. Compare this to nearby Park County's pricier homes ($429,700) or Powder River County's bargain rentals ($609) to find your best fit.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Musselshell County
Rent Burden
17.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,377
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.0%
of gross income
The median home in Musselshell County may be a stretch
Median home value is $221,200. Estimated monthly cost: $1,766 vs. your max of $1,377.
Rent Affordability Guide
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.