Cost of Living in Toole County, Montana
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Toole County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Toole County ranks #1,693 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 46%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Toole County, Montana
Toole's income challenge limits affordability
Toole County residents face the toughest housing affordability conditions in this analysis, with median household income of just $53,693—nearly $21,000 below the national median of $74,755. The 16.8% rent-to-income ratio sits modestly below national norms, but translates into genuine financial strain on lower-earning households.
Below-average income, median-range rents
Toole County's 16.8% rent-to-income ratio sits just above Montana's state average of 15.9%, but the county's significantly lower median income ($53,693 vs state context) creates real affordability pressure. The $753 rent is among Montana's lowest, yet still burdensome for this population.
Cheap rent, limited income
Toole's $753 rent rivals Teton County's affordability advantage, but the county's lower household income means that rent still consumes a larger income percentage. Neighboring Wheatland County faces similar income challenges with comparable housing costs.
Ownership costs outpace rental affordability
At $753 monthly, rent represents 16.8% of the median $53,693 income, but ownership is steeper: the median monthly cost of $958 reflects the $187,400 home value. For lower-income households here, homeownership requires careful financial planning despite affordable nominal prices.
Opportunity for relocating remote workers
If you're relocating with stable income from outside the county, Toole offers some of Montana's cheapest housing—rent under $800 and homes under $190,000. However, local wages are modest, so moving here works best if your income isn't dependent on regional employment.
Cost of Living Advisory: Toole County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Toole County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $753/month in gross rent, with 21.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $753/month rent versus $958/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $205/month cheaper — a 21% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,120/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $41,057/year. With a median household income of $53,693, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 21.0% of renter households in Toole County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Pondera County where rent averages $806/month, Toole County is approximately 7% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Toole County
Rent Burden
16.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,253
per month
Owner Cost Burden
21.4%
of gross income
The median home in Toole County may be a stretch
Median home value is $187,400. Estimated monthly cost: $1,496 vs. your max of $1,253.
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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