Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Elliston?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Elliston, you need to earn at least $39,200/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $42,000, which means the typical resident is $2,800 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 223

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$686	$2,287	$27,440	$-14,560
1 Bedroom	$813	$2,710	$32,520	$-9,480
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$980	$3,267	$39,200	$-2,800
3 Bedroom	$1,196	$3,987	$47,840	+$5,840
4 Bedroom	$1,470	$4,900	$58,800	+$16,800

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$42,000

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$39,200

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$2,800

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 28.0%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Elliston's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,050

Studio

$686/mo

1 BR

$813/mo

2 BR

$980/mo

3 BR

$1,196/mo

4 BR

$1,470/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Elliston

Elliston is borderline manageable — the difference between required salary and median income is just $2,800. This means most households can technically afford a 2-bedroom, but have very little breathing room for savings or emergencies.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($813/month) or studio ($686/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in Elliston pushes the required income to $47,840.

For comfortable living in Elliston without financial stress, target a household income of at least $58,800 — this accounts for rent being approximately 30% of take-home pay while leaving adequate room for Montana's cost of living.

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 Elliston, Montana.

With a total population of 223, 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 $39,200 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 Elliston

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Elliston

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Elliston under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $39,200. The median household income in Elliston is $42,000.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Elliston on $42,000?

The affordability verdict for Elliston is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 28.0%, meaning median earners have a $2,800 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Elliston is $813/month. With a median household income of $42,000, residents spend approximately 28.0% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Elliston?

A studio in Elliston rents for approximately $686/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $27,440 to afford this.

Is Elliston considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $2,800 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", Elliston is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $39,200 to the local median household income.

How Elliston Compares

Other cities in Montana with salary requirements