Cost of Living in Pondera County, Montana
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Pondera County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Pondera County ranks #1,453 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 46%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Pondera County, Montana
Pondera County's affordability challenge deepens
Pondera County faces the highest rent-to-income ratio in this analysis at 18.1%, exceeding the national average by 3.4 percentage points and Montana's state average by 2.2 points. The median household income of $53,500 ranks among the lowest here, while $806 monthly rents consume nearly one-fifth of household income.
Montana's most strained rental market
Pondera County's 18.1% rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds Montana's 15.9% state average, placing it among the state's least affordable counties. With rents of $806 monthly against a median income of just $53,500, Pondera renters face genuine affordability pressure statewide.
Highest burden despite moderate rents
Pondera County's $806 median rent falls between Petroleum County ($769) and Musselshell County ($865), yet its 18.1% rent-to-income ratio far exceeds all neighbors. The county's uniquely low median income of $53,500 creates this disparity—making housing unaffordable despite rents that seem moderate regionally.
Housing squeezes Pondera household budgets
Renters here spend $806 monthly (18.1% of median household income of $53,500), while homeowners pay $621 monthly (13.9% of income). The gap reveals that Pondera's rental market is substantially less affordable than ownership, and both exceed national norms—creating budget strain across housing types.
Pondera demands careful financial planning
Pondera County's 18.1% rent-to-income ratio signals affordability challenges for relocating families, despite median rents of $806. Consider higher-income opportunities before moving, or explore nearby Petroleum County's better rent-to-income ratio (15.6%) or Phillips County's exceptional affordability (12.9%).
Cost of Living Advisory: Pondera County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Pondera County is affordable. The median rent is $806/month against a median household income of $53,500, putting rent at 18.1% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $806/month rent versus $621/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $185/month cheaper — a 23% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $32,240/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $26,614/year. With a median household income of $53,500, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 21.0% of renter households in Pondera County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Montana, Pondera County is more affordable than Toole County by roughly 7% ($806/mo vs $753/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Pondera County
Rent Burden
18.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,248
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.9%
of gross income
The median home in Pondera County may be a stretch
Median home value is $179,200. Estimated monthly cost: $1,431 vs. your max of $1,248.
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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