Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Butte-Silver Bow (balance)?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Butte-Silver Bow (balance), you need to earn at least $37,880/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $56,522, which means the typical resident is $18,642 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 34,638

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$663	$2,210	$26,520	$-30,002
1 Bedroom	$786	$2,620	$31,440	$-25,082
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$947	$3,157	$37,880	$-18,642
3 Bedroom	$1,155	$3,850	$46,200	$-10,322
4 Bedroom	$1,421	$4,737	$56,840	+$318

Affordability Breakdown

Where the required salary line crosses above Butte-Silver Bow (balance)'s median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$56,522

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$37,880

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$18,642

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 20.1%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Butte-Silver Bow (balance)

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Butte-Silver Bow (balance)'s median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,413

Studio

$663/mo

1 BR

$786/mo

2 BR

$947/mo

3 BR

$1,155/mo

4 BR

$1,421/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Butte-Silver Bow (balance).

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

Bars left of the marker line are affordable for Butte-Silver Bow (balance)'s median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Butte-Silver Bow (balance)

Living in Butte-Silver Bow (balance) is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $18,642 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Butte-Silver Bow (balance) typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Butte-Silver Bow (balance), a studio at $663/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,155/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $46,200.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $56,820 would position you well — though many residents in Butte-Silver Bow (balance) manage on less given the favorable rent-to-income dynamics.

Economic Outlook

Local Job Market & Housing Dynamics

Affording rent isn't just about housing prices—it's heavily dependent on local employment opportunities and the strength of the job market in Butte-Silver Bow (balance), Montana.

With a total population of 34,638, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 16,139 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $37,880 annual salary. The ratio of employed residents to the total population provides insight into the local economic health and competition for both jobs and housing.

Employed Workforce

16,139

Active civilian employees in Butte-Silver Bow (balance)

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Butte-Silver Bow (balance)

What salary do I need to live in Butte-Silver Bow (balance), Montana?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Butte-Silver Bow (balance) under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $37,880. The median household income in Butte-Silver Bow (balance) is $56,522.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Butte-Silver Bow (balance) on $56,522?

The affordability verdict for Butte-Silver Bow (balance) is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 20.1%, meaning median earners have a $18,642 surplus.

What is the average rent in Butte-Silver Bow (balance) compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Butte-Silver Bow (balance) is $786/month. With a median household income of $56,522, residents spend approximately 20.1% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Butte-Silver Bow (balance)?

A studio in Butte-Silver Bow (balance) rents for approximately $663/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $26,520 to afford this.

Is Butte-Silver Bow (balance) considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $18,642 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Butte-Silver Bow (balance) is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $37,880 to the local median household income.

How Butte-Silver Bow (balance) Compares

Other cities in Montana with salary requirements