Most affordable counties in Montana

Ranking of counties in Montana by what a typical household can afford at five income brackets. Monthly budget is 30% of gross income compared against Census ACS median owner cost with mortgage.

Montana AMI (4-person)

$95,700

HUD Income Limits

Counties with cost data

of 56 total

30%+ cost burdened

37.2%

HUD CHAS

Severely burdened (50%+)

16.5%

Montana vs national cost burden

Share of households paying 30%+ and 50%+ of income on housing (HUD CHAS).

Top 10 most affordable counties overall

Lowest median monthly owner cost with mortgage.

Affordability by income bracket

Counties whose median owner cost fits under 30% of gross monthly income at each bracket.

Low income · $35,000/yr

around 50% of AMI · 30% monthly budget $875

0 affordable

No counties in Montana fit under 30% at this income. Consider a higher down payment, different bracket, or a neighboring state.

Moderate income · $60,000/yr

around 80% of AMI · 30% monthly budget $1,500

36 affordable

Middle income · $90,000/yr

around 120% of AMI · 30% monthly budget $2,250

56 affordable

Upper middle · $140,000/yr

well above AMI · 30% monthly budget $3,500

56 affordable

High income · $200,000/yr

top quartile nationally · 30% monthly budget $5,000

56 affordable

Median owner cost statewide

$1,443

Census ACS, with-mortgage households.

Median household income

$60,087

Census ACS, state-level.

Browse other states

All states and the nationwide affordability map →

Frequently asked questions

How many counties in Montana are affordable on a $60k income?

At $60k household income, about 36 out of 56 Montana counties with reported data keep median owner cost under the 30% rule (roughly $1,500/mo).

What share of Montana households are cost burdened?

HUD CHAS 2017-2021 shows 37.2% of Montana households pay 30% or more of income on housing, with 16.5% severely burdened at 50% or more.

What counts as median income in Montana?

HUD's area median income for a 4-person household in Montana is $95,700 (most recent HUD Income Limits release). 80% AMI: $76,550; 50% AMI: $47,850.

How is affordability calculated on this page?

For each county, we compare the Census ACS median monthly owner cost with mortgage against 30% of monthly household income at five income brackets. Counties with monthly costs at or below the budget are counted as 'affordable' at that income.

Data sources

Census ACS 5-year: median owner cost with mortgage
HUD CHAS: state + national cost-burden 2017-2021
HUD Income Limits: Montana AMI thresholds

Disclaimer. HomeRule is not a real estate agent, lender, appraiser, or financial advisor. This content is for educational and informational purposes only. Actual costs vary significantly by property, location, and individual circumstances. Consult qualified professionals for personalized advice.