Rental Benchmark Overview
2-Bedroom Benchmark Rent
$1,444$17,328 per year · HUD Fiscal Year 2026Fair market rent & 30% rule in Lake County, MT
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
Fair Market Rent Schedule & Wage Requirements: Lake 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 | $1,097 | $13,164 | $43,880 | $21.10/hr |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $1,104 | $13,248 | $44,160 | $21.23/hr |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentStandard Benchmark | $1,444 | $17,328 | $57,760 | $27.77/hr |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $1,865 | $22,380 | $74,600 | $35.87/hr |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $1,990 | $23,880 | $79,600 | $38.27/hr |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rent in Lake County, MT
What is the Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Lake County, MT?
For Fiscal Year 2026, the official HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom home in Lake County, MT is $1,444 per month ($17,328 per year).
What hourly wage is needed to afford rent in Lake County, MT?
To comfortably afford a 2-bedroom apartment at $1,444/month without exceeding 30% of income on rent, a full-time worker (40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year) must earn at least $27.77 per hour ($57,760/year).
What are the HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count in Lake County, MT?
Official 2026 HUD rents in Lake County, MT are: Studio: $1,097/mo, 1-Bedroom: $1,104/mo, 2-Bedroom: $1,444/mo, 3-Bedroom: $1,865/mo, and 4-Bedroom: $1,990/mo.
How do HUD Fair Market Rents compare to local incomes in Lake County, MT?
At the local Census ACS median household income of $63,360/year ($5,280/month), the benchmark 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent represents 27.3% of monthly income.
How is the 30% housing affordability standard calculated in Lake County, MT?
The federal 30% rule states that housing costs should not exceed 30% of gross household income. For a 2-bedroom rent of $1,444/month, the required minimum annual gross income is calculated as ($1,444 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $57,760 per year.