Montana · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Ravalli County, MT

The median household in Ravalli County, MT earns $71,283 a year ($5,940/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $1,423/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $56,920 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 5.4% below the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$71,283$5,940 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$1,423HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)94.6-5.4% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate15.1¢per kWh · EIA Residential MT
Census Population46,727Official resident count

Fair market rent & 30% rule in Ravalli County, MT

Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.

Affordable (< 30% of income)
HUD Fair Market Rent$1,423Monthly market rent
Share of gross income24%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$56,920To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$1,782At 30% of $71,283
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Ravalli County, MT

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Ravalli County, MT. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent Schedule for Ravalli County, MT
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$1,116$13,392$44,64018.8%
1-Bedroom Apartment$1,145$13,740$45,80019.3%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$1,423$17,076$56,92024%
3-Bedroom Home$1,979$23,748$79,16033.3%
4-Bedroom Home$2,387$28,644$95,48040.2%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Ravalli County, MT →

50/30/20 Living Budget in Ravalli County, MT

Based on the local median household income of $71,283/year ($5,940/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$2,970/moRent ($1,423 2-BR), utilities (~$136/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$1,782/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 94.6 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$1,188/moEmergency fund, 401(k), IRA retirement, student loan and debt reduction

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.

$71,283
$25,000$145,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$71,283
Net 79%
Fed 10%
MT 4%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$56,311After all taxes
Monthly deposit$4,693Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$2,166Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate21%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$6,852 / yr
Montana state income tax$2,667 / yr
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$5,453 / yr

Compare earnings and living costs across Montana with official federal datasets:

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Ravalli County, MT

What is the median household income in Ravalli County, MT?

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Ravalli County, MT is $71,283 per year (approximately $5,940 per month).

What is the average rent in Ravalli County, MT?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Ravalli County, MT are $1,116 for a studio, $1,145 for 1 bedroom, $1,423 for 2 bedrooms, $1,979 for 3 bedrooms, and $2,387 for 4 bedrooms.

How does the cost of living in Ravalli County, MT compare to the national average?

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Ravalli 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 Ravalli County, MT?

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,423/month) in Ravalli County, MT requires a minimum gross household income of $56,920 per year ($4,743 per month).

What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Ravalli County, MT?

For a typical household earning the median income of $71,283/year ($5,940/month) in Ravalli County, MT, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $2,970/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,782/month to discretionary spending, and $1,188/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Ravalli 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.