RentData

Average Rent in Musselshell County, MT Rents rising 40.3% YoY

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 5,068

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

Market Overview

Musselshell County, MT has rental prices ranging from $956/month to $2,188/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,011/month — 28% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $59,010/year, spending $1,011/month on a 1-bedroom represents 21% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Musselshell County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,303/month, Musselshell County ranks #24 most expensive of the 57 cities tracked in Montana — pricier than 86% of all US cities in our data.

The Musselshell County Rental Market

The Musselshell County, MT area has a population of about 5,068 and 18% 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 Musselshell County, MT have risen by $374/month (40.3%) over the past year, from $929 to $1,303. 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 Musselshell County, MT without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $40,440. The local median household income of $59,010 exceeds that threshold by $18,570, making Musselshell County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Musselshell County, MT has an unemployment rate of 4.6%, 0.7 percentage points above the national average of 3.9%. A higher unemployment rate can moderate rental demand over time, which may help keep rent growth in check compared to tighter job markets.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2025
Studio
$956
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$1,011
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,303
40.3% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,826
Average
4 Bedrooms
$2,188
Expensive
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Is Musselshell 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
$52,120/year
Local median income: $59,010
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,303/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 Musselshell County?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Musselshell County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$1,303/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: $1,303/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Musselshell 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 Musselshell County

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💵Rent Affordability in Musselshell County

Salary needed to afford rent here

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📋MT Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections