Montana nonprofit releases interactive map of housing affordability in all 56 counties
- May 18
- 2 min read
A new analysis from a Helena-based nonprofit has found that nearly half of renters in Montana are cost-burdened, meaning they spend more than 30% of their income on rent or other housing costs.
The Montana Budget and Policy Center has created an interactive map that shows information on housing affordability for all 56 counties in the state.
Using federal data, they found that there are 141,459 renter households in Montana, which is 31% of all households. The median income for renters is $48,192, while the median homeowners' income in Montana is $85,804 annually.
“Housing is an essential factor in whether or not Montanans have the resources they need to live healthy lives and whether neighborhoods prosper or fall behind,” said Aubrey Godbey, housing policy analyst for the center. “However, 45% of Montana renters are facing rental costs they cannot afford.” People at the lowest end of the income scale have an especially difficult time finding places they can afford. In Missoula County, the fair market rent — an estimated amount that a property in a given area typically rents for, calculated by the federal government — is $1,655 per month for a two-bedroom apartment. However, someone making minimum wage can only afford a place that rents for $564 a month in order to not be cost-burdened.
So in reality, almost half the renters across the state and 48% of them in Missoula have little money left over for healthcare, groceries, gas, education and emergencies.
In Lewis and Clark County, 41% of renters are cost-burdened. That number is 47% in Yellowstone County, 47% in Silver Bow County and 43% in Ravalli County.
“We hope this data will help community members, advocates, and policymakers consider policy solutions that can support renters and increase the supply and availability of affordable and attainable housing for Montanans,” said Godbey.
The housing statistics map of Montana can be found online montanabudget.org/interactive-housing-map.
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