Average Rent in Flathead County, MT↑ Rents rising 51.6% YoY🔺 3rd priciest in MT
HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 108,445
Market Overview
Flathead County, MT has rental prices ranging from $1,202/month to $2,752/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,249/month — 11% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $71,327/year, spending $1,249/month on a 1-bedroom represents 21% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.
How Flathead County Compares
With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,639/month, Flathead County ranks #3 most expensive of the 57 cities tracked in Montana — pricier than 95% of all US cities in our data.
The Flathead County Rental Market
The Flathead County, MT area has a population of about 108,445 and 26% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs below the US average of ~34%, a more homeowner-heavy market where rental inventory can be limited.
Rent Trends
2-bedroom rents in Flathead County, MT have risen by $558/month (51.6%) over the past year, from $1,081 to $1,639. 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 Flathead County, MT without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $49,960. The local median household income of $71,327 exceeds that threshold by $21,367, making Flathead County relatively accessible compared to local wages.
Economy & Jobs
Flathead County, MT has an unemployment rate of 2.5%, 1.4 percentage points below the national average of 3.9%. Strong employment conditions typically sustain rental demand, as workers relocate to the area and local residents maintain stable housing.
Fair Market Rents
HUD FY2025Is Flathead County, MT Affordable?
Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.
Affordability Index(30% income rule)
Nearby Cities in MTlargest metros in the state
| City | Studio | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | Home 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 | — |
| Great Falls | $903 | $948 | $1,244 | $1,743 | — |
| Lewis and Clark County | $1,094 | $1,259 | $1,596 | $2,106 | — |
Rent or Buy in Flathead County?
Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.
Should I Rent or Buy?
Break-even analysis using real Flathead County data
Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.
Living in Flathead County
Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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💵Rent Affordability in Flathead CountySalary needed to afford rent here
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