Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Dutton?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Dutton, you need to earn at least $35,920/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $50,313, which means the typical resident is $14,393 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 265

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$629	$2,097	$25,160	$-25,153
1 Bedroom	$745	$2,483	$29,800	$-20,513
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$898	$2,993	$35,920	$-14,393
3 Bedroom	$1,096	$3,653	$43,840	$-6,473
4 Bedroom	$1,347	$4,490	$53,880	+$3,567

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$50,313

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$35,920

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$14,393

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 21.4%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Dutton's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,258

Studio

$629/mo

1 BR

$745/mo

2 BR

$898/mo

3 BR

$1,096/mo

4 BR

$1,347/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Dutton

Living in Dutton is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $14,393 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Dutton typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Dutton, a studio at $629/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,096/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $43,840.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $53,880 would position you well — though many residents in Dutton 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 Dutton, Montana.

With a total population of 265, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 124 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $35,920 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

124

Active civilian employees in Dutton

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Dutton

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Dutton under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $35,920. The median household income in Dutton is $50,313.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Dutton on $50,313?

The affordability verdict for Dutton is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 21.4%, meaning median earners have a $14,393 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Dutton is $745/month. With a median household income of $50,313, residents spend approximately 21.4% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Dutton?

A studio in Dutton rents for approximately $629/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $25,160 to afford this.

Is Dutton considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $14,393 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Dutton is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $35,920 to the local median household income.

How Dutton Compares

Other cities in Montana with salary requirements