RentData

Average Rent in Big Horn County, MT Rents rising 39.4% YoY

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 12,963

Data review: HUD FY2025Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Big Horn County, MT has rental prices ranging from $926/month to $1,862/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $962/month — 31% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $56,680/year, spending $962/month on a 1-bedroom represents 20% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Big Horn County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,262/month, Big Horn County ranks #29 most expensive of the 57 cities tracked in Montana — pricier than 85% of all US cities in our data.

The Big Horn County Rental Market

The Big Horn County, MT area has a population of about 12,963 and 32% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Big Horn County, MT have risen by $357/month (39.4%) over the past year, from $905 to $1,262. This rate of increase is significant and reflects strong rental demand and limited housing supply in the local market.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Big Horn County, MT without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $38,480. The local median household income of $56,680 exceeds that threshold by $18,200, making Big Horn County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Big Horn County, MT has an unemployment rate of 6.2%, 2.3 percentage points above the national average of 3.9%. A higher unemployment rate can moderate rental demand over time, which may help keep rent growth in check compared to tighter job markets.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2025
Studio
$926
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$962
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,262
39.4% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,610
Average
4 Bedrooms
$1,862
Average
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Is Big Horn County, MT Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$50,480/year
Local median income: $56,680
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,262/month and 20% down on a home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in MTlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Stillwater County$877$928$1,218$1,705
Billings$1,013$1,062$1,373$1,888
Missoula$1,121$1,339$1,604$2,248
Gallatin County$1,448$1,626$2,087$2,924
Flathead County$1,202$1,249$1,639$2,184
Great Falls$903$948$1,244$1,743

Rent or Buy in Big Horn County?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Big Horn County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$1,262/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $1,262/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Big Horn County

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Big Horn County

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💵Rent Affordability in Big Horn County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in MT

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⚖️Compare Big Horn County

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📋MT Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections