Cost of Living in Prairie County, Montana
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Prairie County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Prairie County ranks #574 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 18%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Prairie County, Montana
Prairie County faces severe affordability crisis
Prairie County's rent-to-income ratio of 22.0% is the highest in this analysis and far exceeds the national average—renters here dedicate over one-fifth of household income to housing alone. With the lowest median household income of just $45,192 and median rents of $827 monthly, Prairie County households face genuine affordability strain.
Montana's most strained rental market
Prairie County's 22.0% rent-to-income ratio crushes Montana's 15.9% state average by over 6 percentage points, making it the state's least affordable county by far. The median rent of $827 sits just $2 above the state median, but the county's low income of $45,192 creates an acute affordability crisis.
Income crisis drives affordability disaster
Prairie County's $827 median rent is competitive regionally, but the median household income of $45,192—$8,364 below Pondera County and $22,817 below Powder River County—creates the region's worst affordability. This income gap, not high rents, drives Prairie's 22.0% rent-to-income ratio.
Housing consumes half of some budgets
Renters in Prairie County pay $827 monthly (22.0% of median household income of $45,192), while homeowners spend $672 monthly (17.8% of income). Even homeownership here strains budgets significantly—Prairie County represents the region's most economically challenged housing landscape.
Prairie County poses relocation risks
Prairie County's 22.0% rent-to-income ratio and $45,192 median income signal serious affordability challenges for relocating families unless paired with significantly higher local job prospects. Carefully evaluate income opportunities before moving; neighboring Pondera County (18.1% ratio) or Phillips County (12.9% ratio) offer substantially better housing accessibility.
Cost of Living Advisory: Prairie County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Prairie County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $827/month in gross rent, with 23.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $827/month rent versus $672/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $155/month cheaper — a 19% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $33,080/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $28,800/year. With a median household income of $45,192, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 23.0% of renter households in Prairie County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Sanders County where rent averages $774/month, Prairie County is approximately 7% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Prairie County
Rent Burden
22.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,054
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.8%
of gross income
The median home in Prairie County may be a stretch
Median home value is $167,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,334 vs. your max of $1,054.
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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