Rental Benchmark Overview
2-Bedroom Benchmark Rent
$1,284$15,408 per year · HUD Fiscal Year 2026Fair market rent & 30% rule in Cascade County, MT
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
Fair Market Rent Schedule & Wage Requirements: Cascade County, MT
Calculations assume standard housing affordability guidelines where shelter costs consume no more than 30% of gross income, based on full-time employment of 2,080 annual working hours.
| Bedroom Type | Monthly Rent | Annual Rent | Min. Annual Income | Hourly Wage (40h/wk) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / Efficiency | $960 | $11,520 | $38,400 | $18.46/hr |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $979 | $11,748 | $39,160 | $18.83/hr |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentStandard Benchmark | $1,284 | $15,408 | $51,360 | $24.69/hr |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $1,786 | $21,432 | $71,440 | $34.35/hr |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $2,035 | $24,420 | $81,400 | $39.13/hr |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rent in Cascade County, MT
What is the Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Cascade County, MT?
For Fiscal Year 2026, the official HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom home in Cascade County, MT is $1,284 per month ($15,408 per year).
What hourly wage is needed to afford rent in Cascade County, MT?
To comfortably afford a 2-bedroom apartment at $1,284/month without exceeding 30% of income on rent, a full-time worker (40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year) must earn at least $24.69 per hour ($51,360/year).
What are the HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count in Cascade County, MT?
Official 2026 HUD rents in Cascade County, MT are: Studio: $960/mo, 1-Bedroom: $979/mo, 2-Bedroom: $1,284/mo, 3-Bedroom: $1,786/mo, and 4-Bedroom: $2,035/mo.
How do HUD Fair Market Rents compare to local incomes in Cascade County, MT?
At the local Census ACS median household income of $67,690/year ($5,641/month), the benchmark 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent represents 22.8% of monthly income.
How is the 30% housing affordability standard calculated in Cascade County, MT?
The federal 30% rule states that housing costs should not exceed 30% of gross household income. For a 2-bedroom rent of $1,284/month, the required minimum annual gross income is calculated as ($1,284 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $51,360 per year.