Rental Benchmark Overview
2-Bedroom Benchmark Rent
$1,691$20,292 per year · HUD Fiscal Year 2026Fair market rent & 30% rule in Flathead County, MT
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
Fair Market Rent Schedule & Wage Requirements: Flathead 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 | $1,267 | $15,204 | $50,680 | $24.37/hr |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $1,289 | $15,468 | $51,560 | $24.79/hr |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentStandard Benchmark | $1,691 | $20,292 | $67,640 | $32.52/hr |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $2,224 | $26,688 | $88,960 | $42.77/hr |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $2,837 | $34,044 | $113,480 | $54.56/hr |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rent in Flathead County, MT
What is the Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Flathead County, MT?
For Fiscal Year 2026, the official HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom home in Flathead County, MT is $1,691 per month ($20,292 per year).
What hourly wage is needed to afford rent in Flathead County, MT?
To comfortably afford a 2-bedroom apartment at $1,691/month without exceeding 30% of income on rent, a full-time worker (40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year) must earn at least $32.52 per hour ($67,640/year).
What are the HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count in Flathead County, MT?
Official 2026 HUD rents in Flathead County, MT are: Studio: $1,267/mo, 1-Bedroom: $1,289/mo, 2-Bedroom: $1,691/mo, 3-Bedroom: $2,224/mo, and 4-Bedroom: $2,837/mo.
How do HUD Fair Market Rents compare to local incomes in Flathead County, MT?
At the local Census ACS median household income of $73,925/year ($6,160/month), the benchmark 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent represents 27.4% of monthly income.
How is the 30% housing affordability standard calculated in Flathead County, MT?
The federal 30% rule states that housing costs should not exceed 30% of gross household income. For a 2-bedroom rent of $1,691/month, the required minimum annual gross income is calculated as ($1,691 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $67,640 per year.