Key Economic Benchmarks
Median Household Income
$58,333$4,861 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-YearFair market rent & 30% rule in Golden Valley County, MT
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Golden Valley County, MT
Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Golden Valley County, MT. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.
| Unit Size | Monthly Rent | Annual Rent | 30% Rule Min. Income | % of Median Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / Efficiency | $1,004 | $12,048 | $40,160 | 20.7% |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $1,045 | $12,540 | $41,800 | 21.5% |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark | $1,339 | $16,068 | $53,560 | 27.5% |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $1,862 | $22,344 | $74,480 | 38.3% |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $2,165 | $25,980 | $86,600 | 44.5% |
See dedicated rental breakdown for Golden Valley County, MT →
50/30/20 Living Budget in Golden Valley County, MT
Based on the local median household income of $58,333/year ($4,861/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:
Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in Montana
Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and Montana state income tax based on the local median baseline.
Related Regional & Financial Profiles
Compare earnings and living costs across Montana with official federal datasets:
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Golden Valley County, MT
What is the median household income in Golden Valley County, MT?
According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Golden Valley County, MT is $58,333 per year (approximately $4,861 per month).
What is the average rent in Golden Valley County, MT?
According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Golden Valley County, MT are $1,004 for a studio, $1,045 for 1 bedroom, $1,339 for 2 bedrooms, $1,862 for 3 bedrooms, and $2,165 for 4 bedrooms.
How does the cost of living in Golden Valley County, MT compare to the national average?
Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Golden Valley County, MT is 94.6 (5.4% lower than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).
How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Golden Valley County, MT?
Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,339/month) in Golden Valley County, MT requires a minimum gross household income of $53,560 per year ($4,463 per month).
What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Golden Valley County, MT?
For a typical household earning the median income of $58,333/year ($4,861/month) in Golden Valley County, MT, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $2,431/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,458/month to discretionary spending, and $972/month to savings and debt repayment.
What are typical electricity and utility costs in Golden Valley County, MT?
Residential electricity rates in Montana average 15.1¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $136 per month.