Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Malmstrom AFB?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Malmstrom AFB, you need to earn at least $56,440/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $62,684, which means the typical resident is $6,244 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 4,281

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$988	$3,293	$39,520	$-23,164
1 Bedroom	$1,171	$3,903	$46,840	$-15,844
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,411	$4,703	$56,440	$-6,244
3 Bedroom	$1,721	$5,737	$68,840	+$6,156
4 Bedroom	$2,117	$7,057	$84,680	+$21,996

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$62,684

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$56,440

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$6,244

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 27.0%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Malmstrom AFB

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Malmstrom AFB's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,567

Studio

$988/mo

1 BR

$1,171/mo

2 BR

$1,411/mo

3 BR

$1,721/mo

4 BR

$2,117/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Malmstrom AFB.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Malmstrom AFB

Renting in Malmstrom AFB, Montana is doable for median earners, but tight. A 2-bedroom requires roughly $56,440/year under the 30% rule, and with a median income of $62,684, residents are operating close to the threshold.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($1,171/month) or studio ($988/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in Malmstrom AFB pushes the required income to $68,840.

For comfortable living in Malmstrom AFB without financial stress, target a household income of at least $84,660 — this accounts for rent being approximately 30% of take-home pay while leaving adequate room for Montana's cost of living.

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 Malmstrom AFB, Montana.

With a total population of 4,281, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 745 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $56,440 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

745

Active civilian employees in Malmstrom AFB

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Malmstrom AFB

What salary do I need to live in Malmstrom AFB, Montana?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Malmstrom AFB under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $56,440. The median household income in Malmstrom AFB is $62,684.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Malmstrom AFB on $62,684?

The affordability verdict for Malmstrom AFB is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 27.0%, meaning median earners have a $6,244 surplus.

What is the average rent in Malmstrom AFB compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Malmstrom AFB is $1,171/month. With a median household income of $62,684, residents spend approximately 27.0% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Malmstrom AFB?

A studio in Malmstrom AFB rents for approximately $988/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $39,520 to afford this.

Is Malmstrom AFB considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $6,244 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", Malmstrom AFB is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $56,440 to the local median household income.

How Malmstrom AFB Compares

Other cities in Montana with salary requirements