Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Scobey?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Scobey, you need to earn at least $25,440/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $44,583, which means the typical resident is $19,143 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 791

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$445	$1,483	$17,800	$-26,783
1 Bedroom	$528	$1,760	$21,120	$-23,463
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$636	$2,120	$25,440	$-19,143
3 Bedroom	$776	$2,587	$31,040	$-13,543
4 Bedroom	$954	$3,180	$38,160	$-6,423

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$44,583

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$25,440

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$19,143

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 17.1%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Scobey's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,115

Studio

$445/mo

1 BR

$528/mo

2 BR

$636/mo

3 BR

$776/mo

4 BR

$954/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Scobey

Living in Scobey is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $19,143 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Scobey typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Scobey, a studio at $445/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $776/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $31,040.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $38,160 would position you well — though many residents in Scobey 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 Scobey, Montana.

With a total population of 791, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 401 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $25,440 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

401

Active civilian employees in Scobey

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Scobey

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Scobey under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $25,440. The median household income in Scobey is $44,583.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Scobey on $44,583?

The affordability verdict for Scobey is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 17.1%, meaning median earners have a $19,143 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Scobey is $528/month. With a median household income of $44,583, residents spend approximately 17.1% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Scobey?

A studio in Scobey rents for approximately $445/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $17,800 to afford this.

Is Scobey considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $19,143 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Scobey is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $25,440 to the local median household income.

How Scobey Compares

Other cities in Montana with salary requirements