RentData

Average Rent in Lake County, MT Rents rising 49.9% YoY

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 32,073

Data review: HUD FY2025Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Lake County, MT has rental prices ranging from $1,055/month to $1,856/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,077/month — 23% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $61,965/year, spending $1,077/month on a 1-bedroom represents 21% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Lake County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,400/month, Lake County ranks #15 most expensive of the 57 cities tracked in Montana — pricier than 89% of all US cities in our data.

The Lake County Rental Market

The Lake County, MT area has a population of about 32,073 and 26% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs below the US average of ~34%, a more homeowner-heavy market where rental inventory can be limited.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Lake County, MT have risen by $466/month (49.9%) over the past year, from $934 to $1,400. This rate of increase is significant and reflects strong rental demand and limited housing supply in the local market.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Lake County, MT without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $43,080. The local median household income of $61,965 exceeds that threshold by $18,885, making Lake County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Lake County, MT has an unemployment rate of 3.4%, 0.5 percentage points below the national average of 3.9%. Strong employment conditions typically sustain rental demand, as workers relocate to the area and local residents maintain stable housing.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2025
Studio
$1,055
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$1,077
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,400
49.9% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,766
Average
4 Bedrooms
$1,856
Average
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Is Lake County, MT Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$56,000/year
Local median income: $61,965
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,400/month and 20% down on a home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in MTlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Stillwater County$877$928$1,218$1,705
Billings$1,013$1,062$1,373$1,888
Missoula$1,121$1,339$1,604$2,248
Gallatin County$1,448$1,626$2,087$2,924
Flathead County$1,202$1,249$1,639$2,184
Great Falls$903$948$1,244$1,743

Rent or Buy in Lake County?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Lake County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$1,400/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $1,400/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Lake County

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Lake County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Lake County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in MT

See how Lake County ranks statewide

⚖️Compare Lake County

Side-by-side rent & cost of living with any city

📋MT Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections