Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Lonepine?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Lonepine, you need to earn at least $39,360/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $62,500, which means the typical resident is $23,140 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 145

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$689	$2,297	$27,560	$-34,940
1 Bedroom	$817	$2,723	$32,680	$-29,820
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$984	$3,280	$39,360	$-23,140
3 Bedroom	$1,200	$4,000	$48,000	$-14,500
4 Bedroom	$1,476	$4,920	$59,040	$-3,460

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$62,500

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$39,360

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$23,140

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 18.9%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Lonepine's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,563

Studio

$689/mo

1 BR

$817/mo

2 BR

$984/mo

3 BR

$1,200/mo

4 BR

$1,476/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Lonepine

Lonepine, Montana stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $62,500 significantly exceeds the $39,360 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $23,140 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Lonepine, a studio at $689/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,200/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $48,000.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $59,040 would position you well — though many residents in Lonepine 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 Lonepine, Montana.

With a total population of 145, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 63 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $39,360 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 Lonepine

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Lonepine

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Lonepine under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $39,360. The median household income in Lonepine is $62,500.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Lonepine on $62,500?

The affordability verdict for Lonepine is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 18.9%, meaning median earners have a $23,140 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Lonepine is $817/month. With a median household income of $62,500, residents spend approximately 18.9% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Lonepine?

A studio in Lonepine rents for approximately $689/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $27,560 to afford this.

Is Lonepine considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $23,140 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Lonepine is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $39,360 to the local median household income.

How Lonepine Compares

Other cities in Montana with salary requirements