Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Heart Butte?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Heart Butte, you need to earn at least $22,800/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $28,750, which means the typical resident is $5,950 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 554

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$399	$1,330	$15,960	$-12,790
1 Bedroom	$473	$1,577	$18,920	$-9,830
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$570	$1,900	$22,800	$-5,950
3 Bedroom	$695	$2,317	$27,800	$-950
4 Bedroom	$855	$2,850	$34,200	+$5,450

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$28,750

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$22,800

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$5,950

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 23.8%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Heart Butte

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Heart Butte's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$719

Studio

$399/mo

1 BR

$473/mo

2 BR

$570/mo

3 BR

$695/mo

4 BR

$855/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Heart Butte.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Heart Butte

Living in Heart Butte is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $5,950 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Heart Butte typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Heart Butte, a studio at $399/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $695/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $27,800.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $34,200 would position you well — though many residents in Heart Butte 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 Heart Butte, Montana.

With a total population of 554, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 152 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $22,800 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

152

Active civilian employees in Heart Butte

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Heart Butte

What salary do I need to live in Heart Butte, Montana?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Heart Butte under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $22,800. The median household income in Heart Butte is $28,750.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Heart Butte on $28,750?

The affordability verdict for Heart Butte is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 23.8%, meaning median earners have a $5,950 surplus.

What is the average rent in Heart Butte compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Heart Butte is $473/month. With a median household income of $28,750, residents spend approximately 23.8% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Heart Butte?

A studio in Heart Butte rents for approximately $399/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $15,960 to afford this.

Is Heart Butte considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $5,950 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Heart Butte is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $22,800 to the local median household income.

How Heart Butte Compares

Other cities in Montana with salary requirements