Cost of Living in Park County, Montana
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Park County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Park County ranks #1,713 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 46%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Park County, Montana
Park County rents rise with mountain appeal
Park County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.7% exceeds the national average by 2 percentage points, reflecting the growing popularity of this scenic region. With a median household income of $66,607—still $8,148 below the U.S. median—housing costs consume a meaningful chunk of paychecks here.
Tighter housing market than Montana average
Park County's 16.7% rent-to-income ratio surpasses Montana's state average of 15.9%, while rents of $927 monthly run 12% above the state median of $825. The county ranks among Montana's pricier rental markets, driven partly by its proximity to Yellowstone and outdoor recreation.
Highest rents in this regional cluster
Park County's $927 median rent is the highest among its neighbors, exceeding Musselshell County ($865) and Petroleum County ($769) by substantial margins. However, Park County homeowners face even steeper costs: $1,106 monthly ownership expenses significantly exceed neighboring counties' burden.
Homeownership heavily outweighs renting
Renters in Park County pay $927 monthly (16.7% of median household income), while homeowners spend $1,106 monthly (19.9% of income). The $179 monthly gap reveals that homeownership here carries substantially higher burden than renting—a reversal of typical affordability patterns.
Weigh Park County's premium carefully
Park County's outdoor lifestyle and Yellowstone proximity command higher rents ($927) and ownership costs ($1,106), with median home values reaching $429,700. Renters may find better value in nearby Musselshell County, while buyers seeking mountain living should budget for Park County's premium pricing.
Cost of Living Advisory: Park County
Affordability Verdict
Park County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $927/month — about 16.7% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $927/month rent versus $1,106/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $179/month cheaper — a 16% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $37,080/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $47,400/year. With a median household income of $66,607, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Park County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Montana, Park County is less affordable than Broadwater County by roughly 5% ($927/mo vs $978/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Park County
Rent Burden
16.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,554
per month
Owner Cost Burden
19.9%
of gross income
The median home in Park County may be a stretch
Median home value is $429,700. Estimated monthly cost: $3,430 vs. your max of $1,554.
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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