RentData

Average Rent in Garfield County, MT Rents rising 17.7% YoY

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 938

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

Market Overview

Garfield County, MT has rental prices ranging from $781/month to $1,699/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $818/month — 42% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $61,750/year, spending $818/month on a 1-bedroom represents 16% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Garfield County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,065/month, Garfield County ranks #48 most expensive of the 57 cities tracked in Montana — pricier than 72% of all US cities in our data.

The Garfield County Rental Market

The Garfield County, MT area has a population of about 938 and 30% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Garfield County, MT have risen by $160/month (17.7%) over the past year, from $905 to $1,065. 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 Garfield County, MT without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $32,720. The local median household income of $61,750 exceeds that threshold by $29,030, making Garfield County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Garfield County, MT has an unemployment rate of 1.8%, 2.1 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 FY2025
Studio
$781
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$818
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,065
17.7% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,286
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,699
Average
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Is Garfield 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
$42,600/year
Local median income: $61,750
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,065/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 Garfield County?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Garfield County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$1,065/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 3 years — worth it if you stay 3+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $1,065/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Garfield 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 Garfield County

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💵Rent Affordability in Garfield County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in MT

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📋MT Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections