Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Circle?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Circle, you need to earn at least $22,880/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $79,750, which means the typical resident is $56,870 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 483

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$400	$1,333	$16,000	$-63,750
1 Bedroom	$475	$1,583	$19,000	$-60,750
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$572	$1,907	$22,880	$-56,870
3 Bedroom	$698	$2,327	$27,920	$-51,830
4 Bedroom	$858	$2,860	$34,320	$-45,430

Affordability Breakdown

Where the required salary line crosses above Circle's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$79,750

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$22,880

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$56,870

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 8.6%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Circle

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Circle's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,994

Studio

$400/mo

1 BR

$475/mo

2 BR

$572/mo

3 BR

$698/mo

4 BR

$858/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Circle.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

Bars left of the marker line are affordable for Circle's median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Circle

Circle, Montana stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $79,750 significantly exceeds the $22,880 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $56,870 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Circle, a studio at $400/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $698/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $27,920.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $34,320 would position you well — though many residents in Circle 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 Circle, Montana.

With a total population of 483, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 259 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $22,880 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

259

Active civilian employees in Circle

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Circle

What salary do I need to live in Circle, Montana?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Circle under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $22,880. The median household income in Circle is $79,750.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Circle on $79,750?

The affordability verdict for Circle is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 8.6%, meaning median earners have a $56,870 surplus.

What is the average rent in Circle compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Circle is $475/month. With a median household income of $79,750, residents spend approximately 8.6% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Circle?

A studio in Circle rents for approximately $400/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $16,000 to afford this.

Is Circle considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $56,870 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Circle is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $22,880 to the local median household income.

How Circle Compares

Other cities in Montana with salary requirements