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
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Musselshell County ranks #621 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 20%)
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Musselshell County
Affordability Verdict
Musselshell County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $865/month representing approximately 17.6% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 24.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Musselshell County pay $865/month on average, compared to $686/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 21%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $34,600/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $29,400/year. With a median household income of $59,010, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Musselshell County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Custer County where rent averages $918/month, Musselshell County is approximately 6% less expensive.
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
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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