Average Rent in Prairie County, MT↑ Rents rising 50.3% YoY
HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 1,251
Market Overview
Prairie County, MT has rental prices ranging from $1,100/month to $2,393/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,153/month — 18% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $45,192/year, spending $1,153/month on a 1-bedroom represents 31% of gross income — at the boundary of affordability.
How Prairie County Compares
With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,500/month, Prairie County ranks #12 most expensive of the 57 cities tracked in Montana — pricier than 92% of all US cities in our data.
The Prairie County Rental Market
The Prairie County, MT area has a population of about 1,251 and 24% 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 Prairie County, MT have risen by $502/month (50.3%) over the past year, from $998 to $1,500. 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 Prairie County, MT without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $46,120. The local median household income of $45,192 falls $928 short of that threshold, meaning many residents in Prairie County are housing cost-burdened by conventional measures.
Economy & Jobs
Prairie County, MT has an unemployment rate of 1.4%, 2.5 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 FY2025Is Prairie County, MT Affordable?
Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.
Affordability Index(30% income rule)
Nearby Cities in MTlargest metros in the state
| City | Studio | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | Home 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 Prairie County?
Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.
Should I Rent or Buy?
Break-even analysis using real Prairie County data
Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.
Living in Prairie County
Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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💵Rent Affordability in Prairie CountySalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in MTSee how Prairie County ranks statewide
⚖️Compare Prairie CountySide-by-side rent & cost of living with any city
📋MT Tenant RightsDeposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections