Cost of Living in Valley County, Montana

$769/mo
Median Monthly Rent
$198,600
Median Home Value
7% below state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent
$769/mo
7% below state average
Median Home Value
$198,600
30% below national
Rent-to-Income Ratio
29.0%
% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating
Unaffordable
Rent over 50% of income

How Valley County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Valley County$769/mo
Montana Average$825/mo
National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$769/mo
Median Gross Rent
$198,600
Median Home Value
$803/mo
Monthly Owner Cost
29.0%
Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Valley County, Montana

Valley County beats national affordability odds

Valley County's 14.3% rent-to-income ratio sits well below the U.S. average of roughly 15%, delivering stronger housing affordability than most American counties. Though median household income of $64,515 lags the national median of $74,755, the $769 monthly rent ensures housing costs remain very manageable.

Among Montana's more affordable counties

Valley County's 14.3% rent-to-income ratio beats Montana's state average of 15.9%, ranking it among the state's more affordable rental markets. The $769 rent undercuts the state median of $825, signaling genuine housing accessibility in this rural county.

Competitive pricing across the region

Valley's $769 rent is nearly identical to Toole County ($753) and only slightly above Teton County ($750), while homeownership costs of $803 remain among the region's most reasonable. The county offers solid value compared to pricier neighbors like Treasure ($992) and Yellowstone ($1,084).

Lowest housing burden in this analysis

Renters allocate just $769 monthly (14.3% of the $64,515 income) while homeowners spend $803 on a median value of $198,600. Valley County households dedicate roughly one in seven income dollars to housing—among the lowest proportions regionally.

Maximum affordability for rural relocators

Valley County delivers exceptional housing affordability for renters and homeowners alike, with costs well below state and national averages. If you're relocating to rural Montana on a moderate income, Valley offers some of the region's best value and lowest housing burden.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Valley County

$

Rent Burden

14.3%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,505

per month

Owner Cost Burden

14.9%

of gross income

The median home in Valley County may be a stretch

Median home value is $198,600. Estimated monthly cost: $1,585 vs. your max of $1,505.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio14.3%
Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Valley County, Montana?
Valley County, Montana has a median monthly rent of $769/mo and a median home value of $198,600. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 29.0% of median household income.
What is the median rent in Valley County?
The median gross rent in Valley County is $769/mo. This is 7% below state average for Montana.
Is Valley County affordable?
Valley County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 29.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.
How does Valley County's rent compare to the state average?
Valley County's median rent of $769/mo is 7% below state average of $825/mo for Montana.
What is the median home value in Valley County?
The median home value in Valley County, Montana is $198,600. This is 30% below the national median home value of $281,900.
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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.