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
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.
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
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.