Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Fairfield?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Fairfield, you need to earn at least $42,800/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $64,922, which means the typical resident is $22,122 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 759

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$749	$2,497	$29,960	$-34,962
1 Bedroom	$888	$2,960	$35,520	$-29,402
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,070	$3,567	$42,800	$-22,122
3 Bedroom	$1,305	$4,350	$52,200	$-12,722
4 Bedroom	$1,605	$5,350	$64,200	$-722

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$64,922

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$42,800

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$22,122

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 19.8%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Fairfield's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,623

Studio

$749/mo

1 BR

$888/mo

2 BR

$1,070/mo

3 BR

$1,305/mo

4 BR

$1,605/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Fairfield

Fairfield, Montana stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $64,922 significantly exceeds the $42,800 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $22,122 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Fairfield, a studio at $749/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,305/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $52,200.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $64,200 would position you well — though many residents in Fairfield 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 Fairfield, Montana.

With a total population of 759, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 334 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $42,800 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

334

Active civilian employees in Fairfield

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Fairfield

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Fairfield under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $42,800. The median household income in Fairfield is $64,922.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Fairfield on $64,922?

The affordability verdict for Fairfield is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 19.8%, meaning median earners have a $22,122 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Fairfield is $888/month. With a median household income of $64,922, residents spend approximately 19.8% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Fairfield?

A studio in Fairfield rents for approximately $749/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $29,960 to afford this.

Is Fairfield considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $22,122 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Fairfield is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $42,800 to the local median household income.

How Fairfield Compares

Other cities in Montana with salary requirements