Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Lodge Pole?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Lodge Pole, you need to earn at least $21,200/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $33,000, which means the typical resident is $11,800 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 239

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$371	$1,237	$14,840	$-18,160
1 Bedroom	$440	$1,467	$17,600	$-15,400
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$530	$1,767	$21,200	$-11,800
3 Bedroom	$647	$2,157	$25,880	$-7,120
4 Bedroom	$795	$2,650	$31,800	$-1,200

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$33,000

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$21,200

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$11,800

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 19.3%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Lodge Pole

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Lodge Pole's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$825

Studio

$371/mo

1 BR

$440/mo

2 BR

$530/mo

3 BR

$647/mo

4 BR

$795/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Lodge Pole.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Lodge Pole

Living in Lodge Pole is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $11,800 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Lodge Pole typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Lodge Pole, a studio at $371/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $647/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $25,880.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $31,800 would position you well — though many residents in Lodge Pole 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 Lodge Pole, Montana.

With a total population of 239, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 67 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $21,200 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

Active civilian employees in Lodge Pole

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Lodge Pole

What salary do I need to live in Lodge Pole, Montana?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Lodge Pole under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $21,200. The median household income in Lodge Pole is $33,000.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Lodge Pole on $33,000?

The affordability verdict for Lodge Pole is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 19.3%, meaning median earners have a $11,800 surplus.

What is the average rent in Lodge Pole compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Lodge Pole is $440/month. With a median household income of $33,000, residents spend approximately 19.3% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Lodge Pole?

A studio in Lodge Pole rents for approximately $371/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $14,840 to afford this.

Is Lodge Pole considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $11,800 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Lodge Pole is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $21,200 to the local median household income.

How Lodge Pole Compares

Other cities in Montana with salary requirements