Cost of Living in Phillips County, Montana
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Phillips County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Phillips County ranks #423 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 13%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Phillips County, Montana
Phillips County offers Montana's best rental value
Phillips County's rent-to-income ratio of just 12.9% ranks among the nation's most affordable, well below the national average and even below Montana's 15.9% state standard. At only $623 monthly, rents here demand just 12.9% of the median household income of $58,156, creating exceptional housing accessibility.
Standout affordability leader across Montana
Phillips County boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio in this analysis at 12.9%, undercutting Montana's state average of 15.9% by 3 percentage points. The median rent of $623 runs a remarkable 24.5% below the state median of $825, marking Phillips as a true affordability outlier.
Unmatched rental bargains in north-central Montana
Phillips County's $623 median rent stands $146 below Petroleum County ($769), $242 below Musselshell County ($865), and $304 below Park County ($927). At 12.9% of income, Phillips County renters enjoy the lowest housing burden of any county in this regional cluster.
Both renters and owners find relief here
Phillips County renters pay just $623 monthly (12.9% of income), while homeowners spend $589 monthly (12.1% of income)—both figures substantially below state and national norms. This county achieves the rare distinction of making housing affordable for both renting and owning households.
Phillips County: rural Montana's affordability champion
For renters prioritizing maximum housing affordability, Phillips County's $623 rents and 12.9% income ratio are unmatched in this region. With median home values at $175,000 and ownership costs under $600 monthly, Phillips County delivers genuine financial breathing room for families considering a Montana relocation.
Cost of Living Advisory: Phillips County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Phillips County is affordable. The median rent is $623/month against a median household income of $58,156, putting rent at 12.9% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Phillips County is $623/month, while owner costs run $589/month. Owning saves approximately $34/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $24,920/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $25,243/year. With a median household income of $58,156, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Phillips County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Big Horn County where rent averages $686/month, Phillips County is approximately 9% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Phillips County
Rent Burden
12.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,357
per month
Owner Cost Burden
12.2%
of gross income
The median home in Phillips County may be a stretch
Median home value is $175,000. Estimated monthly cost: $1,397 vs. your max of $1,357.
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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