Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Deer Lodge?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Deer Lodge, you need to earn at least $37,000/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $52,813, which means the typical resident is $15,813 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 3,030

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$648	$2,160	$25,920	$-26,893
1 Bedroom	$768	$2,560	$30,720	$-22,093
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$925	$3,083	$37,000	$-15,813
3 Bedroom	$1,129	$3,763	$45,160	$-7,653
4 Bedroom	$1,388	$4,627	$55,520	+$2,707

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$52,813

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$37,000

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$15,813

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 21.0%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Deer Lodge

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Deer Lodge's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,320

Studio

$648/mo

1 BR

$768/mo

2 BR

$925/mo

3 BR

$1,129/mo

4 BR

$1,388/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Deer Lodge.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Deer Lodge

Living in Deer Lodge is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $15,813 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Deer Lodge typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Deer Lodge, a studio at $648/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,129/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $45,160.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $55,500 would position you well — though many residents in Deer Lodge 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 Deer Lodge, Montana.

With a total population of 3,030, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 1,323 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $37,000 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

1,323

Active civilian employees in Deer Lodge

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Deer Lodge

What salary do I need to live in Deer Lodge, Montana?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Deer Lodge under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $37,000. The median household income in Deer Lodge is $52,813.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Deer Lodge on $52,813?

The affordability verdict for Deer Lodge is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 21.0%, meaning median earners have a $15,813 surplus.

What is the average rent in Deer Lodge compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Deer Lodge is $768/month. With a median household income of $52,813, residents spend approximately 21.0% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Deer Lodge?

A studio in Deer Lodge rents for approximately $648/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $25,920 to afford this.

Is Deer Lodge considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $15,813 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Deer Lodge is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $37,000 to the local median household income.

How Deer Lodge Compares

Other cities in Montana with salary requirements