Stretched

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Darby?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Darby, you need to earn at least $43,240/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $39,583, which means the typical resident is $3,657 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 610

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$757	$2,523	$30,280	$-9,303
1 Bedroom	$897	$2,990	$35,880	$-3,703
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,081	$3,603	$43,240	+$3,657
3 Bedroom	$1,319	$4,397	$52,760	+$13,177
4 Bedroom	$1,622	$5,407	$64,880	+$25,297

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$39,583

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$43,240

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$3,657

Deficit

Verdict

Stretched

Ratio: 32.8%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Darby's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$990

Studio

$757/mo

1 BR

$897/mo

2 BR

$1,081/mo

3 BR

$1,319/mo

4 BR

$1,622/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Darby

Renting in Darby is stretched but not impossible. The gap is a relatively narrow $3,657, suggesting that households slightly above median can find workable arrangements — especially with studios at $757/month.

If you're relocating to Darby, target the studio or 1-bedroom tier ($757–$897/month) unless your income exceeds $43,240. A roommate splitting a 2-bedroom effectively halves the individual rent burden to $541/month.

The break-even salary for comfortable living in Darby is approximately $64,860. Below this threshold, expect housing to consume a disproportionate share of your budget, limiting discretionary spending and savings capacity.

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 Darby, Montana.

With a total population of 610, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 278 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $43,240 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

278

Active civilian employees in Darby

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Darby

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Darby under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $43,240. The median household income in Darby is $39,583.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Darby on $39,583?

The affordability verdict for Darby is "Stretched". The rent-to-income ratio is 32.8%, meaning there's a $3,657 income gap.

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

The median gross rent in Darby is $897/month. With a median household income of $39,583, residents spend approximately 32.8% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Darby?

A studio in Darby rents for approximately $757/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $30,280 to afford this.

Is Darby considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $3,657 and an affordability verdict of "Stretched", Darby is considered a stretched rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $43,240 to the local median household income.

How Darby Compares

Other cities in Montana with salary requirements