Cost of Living in Valley County, Montana
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Valley County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Valley County ranks #954 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 30%)
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Valley County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Valley County is affordable. The median rent is $769/month against a median household income of $64,515, putting rent at 14.3% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $769/month rent versus $803/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $34/month cheaper — a 4% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,760/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $34,414/year. With a median household income of $64,515, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Valley County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Montana, Valley County is less affordable than Dawson County by roughly 7% ($769/mo vs $823/mo).
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
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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