Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Pine Creek?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Pine Creek, you need to earn at least $46,600/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $77,750, which means the typical resident is $31,150 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 211

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$816	$2,720	$32,640	$-45,110
1 Bedroom	$967	$3,223	$38,680	$-39,070
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,165	$3,883	$46,600	$-31,150
3 Bedroom	$1,421	$4,737	$56,840	$-20,910
4 Bedroom	$1,748	$5,827	$69,920	$-7,830

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$77,750

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$46,600

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$31,150

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 18.0%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Pine Creek

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Pine Creek's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,944

Studio

$816/mo

1 BR

$967/mo

2 BR

$1,165/mo

3 BR

$1,421/mo

4 BR

$1,748/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Pine Creek.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Pine Creek

Pine Creek, Montana stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $77,750 significantly exceeds the $46,600 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $31,150 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Pine Creek, a studio at $816/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,421/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $56,840.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $69,900 would position you well — though many residents in Pine Creek 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 Pine Creek, Montana.

With a total population of 211, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 80 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $46,600 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 Pine Creek

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Pine Creek

What salary do I need to live in Pine Creek, Montana?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Pine Creek under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $46,600. The median household income in Pine Creek is $77,750.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Pine Creek on $77,750?

The affordability verdict for Pine Creek is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 18.0%, meaning median earners have a $31,150 surplus.

What is the average rent in Pine Creek compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Pine Creek is $967/month. With a median household income of $77,750, residents spend approximately 18.0% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Pine Creek?

A studio in Pine Creek rents for approximately $816/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $32,640 to afford this.

Is Pine Creek considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $31,150 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Pine Creek is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $46,600 to the local median household income.

How Pine Creek Compares

Other cities in Montana with salary requirements