Cost of Living in Sweet Grass County, Montana
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Sweet Grass County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Sweet Grass County ranks #285 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 9%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Sweet Grass County, Montana
Sweet Grass rents strain household budgets
Renters in Sweet Grass County spend 18.6% of their median household income on rent—higher than the U.S. average of roughly 15%. While the county's median household income of $69,426 sits below the national median of $74,755, the $1,073 monthly rent pulls a larger share of earnings than typical American households experience.
Above Montana's housing affordability line
Sweet Grass County's 18.6% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Montana's state average of 15.9%, placing it among the less affordable counties in the state. The median rent of $1,073 is notably higher than Montana's state average of $825, suggesting tighter rental market conditions here.
Pricier than surrounding rural counties
Sweet Grass renters pay significantly more than those in neighboring Toole County ($753) or Teton County ($750), but face better homeownership costs than Yellowstone County ($1,257 monthly). The county sits in the middle ground of rural Montana's housing landscape.
Rent takes the bigger bite here
At $1,073 monthly, rent consumes 18.6% of the median $69,426 household income, while homeownership averages $839 per month on a median value of $295,500. Overall, Sweet Grass households allocate roughly one in five income dollars to housing costs.
Consider housing costs before relocating
If you're weighing a move to Sweet Grass County, budget for rents above the Montana average and factor in that housing will claim a sizable portion of income. Homebuyers may find more favorable conditions here than in Yellowstone, making ownership a competitive option for those with down payment savings.
Cost of Living Advisory: Sweet Grass County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Sweet Grass County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $1,073/month in gross rent, with 23.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Sweet Grass County is $1,073/month, while owner costs run $839/month. Owning saves approximately $234/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $42,920/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $35,957/year. With a median household income of $69,426, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 23.0% of renter households in Sweet Grass County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Sweet Grass County sits 5% less expensive than Missoula County ($1,125/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Sweet Grass County
Rent Burden
18.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,620
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.5%
of gross income
The median home in Sweet Grass County may be a stretch
Median home value is $295,500. Estimated monthly cost: $2,359 vs. your max of $1,620.
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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