RentData

Average Rent in Stillwater County, MT↑ Rents rising 1.1% YoY

HUD FY2027 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 187,269

Data review: HUD FY2027Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Stillwater County, MT has rental prices ranging from $885/month to $2,124/month in 2027, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $972/month — 31% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $74,599/year, spending $972/month on a 1-bedroom represents 16% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Stillwater County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,271/month, Stillwater County ranks #37 most expensive of the 62 cities tracked in Montana — pricier than 80% of all US cities in our data.

The Stillwater County Rental Market

The Stillwater County, MT area has a population of about 187,269 and 30% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Stillwater County, MT have risen by $14/month (1.1%) over the past year, from $1,257 to $1,271. Rents have remained relatively stable year over year, indicating a balanced rental market in the area.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Stillwater County, MT without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $38,880. The local median household income of $74,599 exceeds that threshold by $35,719, making Stillwater County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Stillwater County, MT has an unemployment rate of 2.7%, 1.2 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 FY2027
Studio
$885
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$972
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,271
↑1.1% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,760
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$2,124
Average
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Is Stillwater 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
$50,840/year
Local median income: $74,599
To buy a median home
—/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,271/month and 20% down on a — home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in MTlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Billings$1,003$1,132$1,432$1,983—
Missoula$1,177$1,433$1,690$2,340—
Gallatin County$1,448$1,626$2,087$2,924—
Bozeman$1,469$1,612$2,109$2,920—
Flathead County$1,277$1,286$1,682$2,263—
Great Falls$993$1,000$1,308$1,811—

Rent or Buy in Stillwater County?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Stillwater County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$1,271/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: $1,271/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Stillwater 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 Stillwater County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Stillwater County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in MT

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⚖️Compare Stillwater County

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📋MT Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections