Stretched

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Highwood?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Highwood, you need to earn at least $65,600/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $50,750, which means the typical resident is $14,850 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 179

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,148	$3,827	$45,920	$-4,830
1 Bedroom	$1,361	$4,537	$54,440	+$3,690
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,640	$5,467	$65,600	+$14,850
3 Bedroom	$2,001	$6,670	$80,040	+$29,290
4 Bedroom	$2,460	$8,200	$98,400	+$47,650

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$50,750

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$65,600

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$14,850

Deficit

Verdict

Stretched

Ratio: 38.8%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Highwood's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,269

Studio

$1,148/mo

1 BR

$1,361/mo

2 BR

$1,640/mo

3 BR

$2,001/mo

4 BR

$2,460/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Highwood

Highwood's rental market puts real pressure on median earners. A 2-bedroom at $1,640/month requires $65,600/year — about $14,850 more than the median household income. Roommates or dual incomes significantly change the equation.

If you're relocating to Highwood, target the studio or 1-bedroom tier ($1,148–$1,361/month) unless your income exceeds $65,600. A roommate splitting a 2-bedroom effectively halves the individual rent burden to $820/month.

The break-even salary for comfortable living in Highwood is approximately $98,400. Below this threshold, expect housing to consume a disproportionate share of your budget, limiting discretionary spending and savings capacity.

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 Highwood, Montana.

With a total population of 179, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 77 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $65,600 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

Active civilian employees in Highwood

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Highwood

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Highwood under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $65,600. The median household income in Highwood is $50,750.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Highwood on $50,750?

The affordability verdict for Highwood is "Stretched". The rent-to-income ratio is 38.8%, meaning there's a $14,850 income gap.

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

The median gross rent in Highwood is $1,361/month. With a median household income of $50,750, residents spend approximately 38.8% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Highwood?

A studio in Highwood rents for approximately $1,148/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $45,920 to afford this.

Is Highwood considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $14,850 and an affordability verdict of "Stretched", Highwood is considered a stretched rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $65,600 to the local median household income.

How Highwood Compares

Other cities in Montana with salary requirements