Cost of Living in Silver Bow County, Montana
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Silver Bow County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Silver Bow County ranks #2,800 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 11%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Silver Bow County, Montana
Silver Bow faces rental affordability pressure
Silver Bow County's 16.9% rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds the national average, straining renters despite moderate housing costs. With median rent of $810 on a median household income of $57,504, Silver Bow residents spend above-average shares of earnings on housing.
Among Montana's more burdened renters
Silver Bow's 16.9% rent-to-income ratio tops Montana's state average of 15.9%, marking it as one of the state's less affordable rental markets. Median rent of $810 moderately exceeds the state average, but low incomes amplify the burden.
Higher rent-to-income burden than peers
Silver Bow's 16.9% ratio ranks among the region's worst, exceeded only by Ravalli (17.7%) and Sanders (17.2%). At $810 monthly rent, Silver Bow sits mid-range across the county profile but its lower income of $57,504 creates disproportionate hardship.
Silver Bow's strained housing economics
Renters spend 16.9% of a $57,504 annual income—$810 monthly—on housing, among the highest burdens analyzed. Homeowners face even steeper pressure, with $944 monthly owner costs consuming 19.7% of household income for median homes valued at $223,500.
Requires careful financial planning before moving
Silver Bow's housing costs consume significantly larger income shares than neighboring alternatives like Rosebud or Sheridan. Before relocating here, ensure your earning potential exceeds county averages or prioritize counties with better rent-to-income ratios.
Cost of Living Advisory: Silver Bow County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Silver Bow County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $810/month in gross rent, with 29.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Silver Bow County is $810/month, while owner costs run $944/month. Renting saves approximately $134/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $32,400/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $40,457/year. With a median household income of $57,504, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Silver Bow County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Silver Bow County sits 6% less expensive than Musselshell County ($865/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Silver Bow County
Rent Burden
16.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,342
per month
Owner Cost Burden
19.7%
of gross income
The median home in Silver Bow County may be a stretch
Median home value is $223,500. Estimated monthly cost: $1,784 vs. your max of $1,342.
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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