Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Gallatin County, Montana
Gallatin County has a HUD fair market rent of $2,109 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,694 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $40.56 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $2,109
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 38% more than in Montana
- Typical rent
- $1,694
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 57% more than in Montana
- Wage needed
- $40.56
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $84,360 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 48%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 7% more than in Montana
Only here
Renting in Gallatin County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Of the 54 counties in Montana with this figure, Gallatin County has the highest typical rent: $1,694.
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Gallatin County has the 2nd lowest homeownership rate of the 56 counties in Montana (61%).
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Gallatin County has the 2nd highest typical household income of the 56 counties in Montana ($93,528).
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Gallatin County has the highest typical rent in its area: $1,694, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Meagher County ($1,263).
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024).
Fair market rent
What HUD sets for each size
Every year HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) publishes a Fair Market Rent (FMR) for each home size in Gallatin County. It is used to work out how much a Section 8 voucher covers. The table shows what you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income.
The fair market rent covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone. HUD generally sets it at the 40th percentile: 4 in 10 standard-quality homes rented recently cost less. 24 CFR §888.113(a)
According to Zillow (ZORI), the typical asking rent in Gallatin County was $2,201 a month in September 2026: 3.8% more than 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,469 | $28.25 | $58,760 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,612 | $31.00 | $64,480 |
| 2 bedrooms | $2,109 | $40.56 | $84,360 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,920 | $56.15 | $116,800 |
| 4 bedrooms | $3,487 | $67.06 | $139,480 |
HUD area: Bozeman, MT MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027
By ZIP code
The fair market rent for your ZIP code
HUD also publishes fair market rents by ZIP code (Small Area FMRs) for 14 ZIP codes in Gallatin County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,940 in 59715 to $2,380 in 59718. 6 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($2,109).
Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses. 24 CFR §982.503(a)(1)
| 59714 | Bozeman, MT | $1,430 | $1,570 | $2,050 | $2,840 | $3,390 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 59715 | Bozeman, MT | $1,340 | $1,480 | $1,940 | $2,700 | $3,190 |
| 59715 | Park County, MT | $1,340 | $1,480 | $1,940 | $2,700 | $3,190 |
| 59718 | Bozeman, MT | $1,660 | $1,820 | $2,380 | $3,300 | $3,940 |
| 59718 | Madison County, MT | $1,660 | $1,820 | $2,380 | $3,300 | $3,940 |
| 59730 | Bozeman, MT | $1,570 | $1,720 | $2,250 | $3,120 | $3,720 |
| 59730 | Madison County, MT | $1,570 | $1,720 | $2,250 | $3,120 | $3,720 |
| 59741 | Bozeman, MT | $1,490 | $1,640 | $2,140 | $2,960 | $3,540 |
| 59741 | Madison County, MT | $1,490 | $1,640 | $2,140 | $2,960 | $3,540 |
| 59752 | Bozeman, MT | $1,340 | $1,510 | $1,940 | $2,700 | $3,190 |
| 59752 | Broadwater County, MT | $1,340 | $1,510 | $1,940 | $2,700 | $3,190 |
| 59752 | Jefferson County, MT | $1,340 | $1,510 | $1,940 | $2,700 | $3,190 |
| 59758 | Bozeman, MT | $1,340 | $1,480 | $1,940 | $2,700 | $3,190 |
| 59760 | Bozeman, MT | $1,340 | $1,480 | $1,940 | $2,700 | $3,190 |
- 59714 · Bozeman, MT $2,050$2,840
- 59715 · Bozeman, MT $1,940$2,700
- 59715 · Park County, MT $1,940$2,700
- 59718 · Bozeman, MT $2,380$3,300
- 59718 · Madison County, MT $2,380$3,300
- 59730 · Bozeman, MT $2,250$3,120
- 59730 · Madison County, MT $2,250$3,120
- 59741 · Bozeman, MT $2,140$2,960
- 59741 · Madison County, MT $2,140$2,960
- 59752 · Bozeman, MT $1,940$2,700
- 59752 · Broadwater County, MT $1,940$2,700
- 59752 · Jefferson County, MT $1,940$2,700
- 59758 · Bozeman, MT $1,940$2,700
- 59760 · Bozeman, MT $1,940$2,700
Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site)
Rent burden
How many households spend too much
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Gallatin County, 48% of renter households are in that position; in Montana, 45%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).
Paying too much rent leaves little for food, transportation and savings. If that is you, the agencies below can guide you for free.
48%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
19,945 households rent in Gallatin County
- Spend half or more of their income 24%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 24%
- Spend less than 30% 52%
Compared with the state and the country
- Gallatin 48%
- Montana 45%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Gallatin County
HUD lists 28 properties with homes for low-income households in Gallatin County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 23
- HUD-assisted
- 6
1,077 homes in all; 1,055 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Larkspur Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) 12421 North 12th Ave, Bozeman 59715 136 low-income homes · 1 bd: 34 · 2 bd: 68 · 3 bd: 34 · In service since 2017 · For families
- Darlinton Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 606 N 5th Ave, Bozeman 59715 100 homes, 95 low-income · Studio: 32 · 1 bd: 68 · In service since 2000 · For older adults · (406) 587-2981
- Legion Villa HUD-assisted 1215 Durston Rd, Bozeman 59715 61 homes, 60 low-income · For older adults · (406) 587-7612
- Bridger Peaks Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 1483 N 15th Ave, Bozeman 59715 60 homes, 59 low-income · 1 bd: 45 · 2 bd: 15 · In service since 2004 · For older adults
- Bridger Heights HUD-assisted 802 N Grand Ave, Bozeman 59715 50 low-income homes · For families · (406) 587-3921
- Baxter Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2523 Trade Wind Ln, Bozeman 59718 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 18 · 2 bd: 30 · In service since 2006 · For families
- Stoneridge Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 2725 Tschache Ln, Bozeman 59718 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 30 · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 2016 · For families
- Bridger Apartments Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 689 Professional Dr, Bozeman 59718 46 low-income homes · 1 bd: 18 · 2 bd: 28 · In service since 2005
- Aspen Meadows Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1062 W Oak St, Bozeman 59715 44 homes, 43 low-income · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 2000 · For families
- Bridger Apartments - Bozeman Tax credit (LIHTC) 2715 W College St, Bozeman 59718 44 homes, 43 low-income · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2003
- Boulevard Apartments HUD-assisted 6 W Babcock St, Bozeman 59715 41 homes, 39 low-income · For families · (406) 587-4488
- Madison Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 432 N Electric St, West Yellowstone 59758 39 low-income homes · 1 bd: 14 · 2 bd: 25 · In service since 1997 · For families
- Bozeman Senior Housing / Summerwood Apts. HUD-assisted 1441 N 15th Ave, Bozeman 59715 37 homes, 36 low-income · For older adults · (651) 645-7271
- Castlebar Apts I Tax credit (LIHTC) 1205 N 25th Ave, Bozeman 59718 36 homes, 35 low-income · 2 bd: 28 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2000 · For families
- Comstock Apartments-Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 777 Haggerty Ln, Bozeman 59715 34 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 8 · 4 bd: 2 · In service since 1999 · For families
- Farmhouse Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 101 Jackrabbit Rd, Belgrade 59714 32 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 1996 · For people with disabilities, families
- Gallatin Trails Apts-Belgrade Tax credit (LIHTC) 101 Jackrabbit Rd, Belgrade 59714 32 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 1996 · For families
- Castlebar Apts II Tax credit (LIHTC) 1201 N 25th Ave, Bozeman 59718 36 homes, 29 low-income · 2 bd: 28 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2003 · For families
- Comstock Apartments III Tax credit (LIHTC) 777 Haggerty Ln, Bozeman 59715 28 low-income homes · 1 bd: 28 · In service since 2001
- Comstock Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 777 Haggerty Ln, Bozeman 59715 24 low-income homes · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 1996 · For families
- Timberline Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1006 Cardinal Dr, Belgrade 59714 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · In service since 1998 · For older adults
- Pond Row Tax credit (LIHTC) 102 Pond Row, Bozeman 59718 20 low-income homes · 2 bd: 15 · 3 bd: 5 · In service since 1999
- Bozeman Supportive Housing/Spring Run HUD-assisted 1325 N 15th Ave, Bozeman 59715 18 homes, 17 low-income · For people with disabilities · (800) 466-7722
- Gallatin Trails II Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 101 Jackrabbit Rd, Belgrade 59714 16 low-income homes · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 1997 · For families
- Farmhouse Apts III Tax credit (LIHTC) 101 Jackrabbit Rd, Belgrade 59714 12 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · In service since 2000 · For people with disabilities
- Haggerty Lane Tax credit (LIHTC) 1992 Cottage, Bozeman 59718 11 homes, 10 low-income · 1 bd: 1 · 2 bd: 10 · In service since 2013
- Big Sky Villas Tax credit (LIHTC) 204 W Jefferson Ave, Belgrade 59714 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 2017 · For families
- Gallatin Forks Tax credit (LIHTC) 402 W Main St, Manhattan 59741 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 2016 · For families
One property has two programs at the same address and appears once. Search HUD's map
Source: HUD, retrieved November 6, 2026. LIHTC database, updated May 14, 2025; Assisted multifamily properties, updated October 23, 2026; Public housing developments, updated October 23, 2026.
Section 8
The Section 8 voucher in Gallatin County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. A public housing agency runs it. HUD lists none with an office in Gallatin County; the state's agencies can help you. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
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You apply at the public housing agency. If you qualify, your name usually goes on a waiting list. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or noncitizens with eligible status as HUD defines it. Source: HUD
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Generally, your family must have very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income, by family size (the middle column of the table). Source: 24 CFR §5.603, §982.201(b)
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Each year, at least 75% of the families an agency admits from its list must have extremely low income (the 30% column). Source: 24 CFR §982.201(b)(2)
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If the rent is below the payment standard, the family generally pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. If it is above, the family pays more. Source: 24 CFR §982.1(a)(3)
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When you move in, if the rent is above the payment standard, your share cannot go over 40% of your adjusted monthly income. Source: 24 CFR §982.508
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Each agency sets a payment standard for each size. Without asking HUD, it can go from 90% to 110% of the fair market rent. Source: 24 CFR §982.503(b), (c)
| People | Extremely low (30%) | Very low (50%) | Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $27,350 | $45,600 | $72,950 |
| 2 people | $31,250 | $52,100 | $83,350 |
| 3 people | $35,150 | $58,600 | $93,750 |
| 4 people | $39,050 | $65,100 | $104,150 |
| 5 people | $42,200 | $70,350 | $112,500 |
| 6 people | $45,300 | $75,550 | $120,850 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $80,750 | $129,150 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $85,950 | $137,500 |
Area median income: $130,200. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Bozeman, MT MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,322 – $1,616
- 1 bedroom $1,451 – $1,773
- 2 bedrooms $1,898 – $2,320
- 3 bedrooms $2,628 – $3,212
- 4 bedrooms $3,138 – $3,836
The range the rule allows: 90% to 110% of the county's fair market rent. Your agency publishes its own.
Housing agencies that serve this place
HUD lists no housing agency with an office in Gallatin County. You can apply at another agency in your state: you do not have to live where you apply. Source: HUD
Your rights as a tenant in Montana
What Montana law says about deposits, notices and eviction, with the citation for each rule.
See your rights, rule by ruleCompare these rules with other states →
A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
- 3 days
- Mont. Code Ann. §70-24-422(2)
- How much notice before a rent increase?
- 15 days
- Mont. Code Ann. §70-26-109
- Only a court order can remove youMont. Code Ann. §70-24-428
- Protection from retaliationMont. Code Ann. §70-24-431(1)
Help
Where to get help with rent in Gallatin County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Gallatin County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Human Resource Development Council of District Ix, Inc.
32 S Tracy Ave, Bozeman
- Budget and financial counseling
- Budget and credit workshops
- and 5 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Gallatin County. Change the rent, the deposit and the fees to yours: the numbers stay in your browser.
Count power on top of the rent: in Montana, the average home bill was $108 a month in 2024 (EIA). See electricity and gas costs
Your move
We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.
Adjust advanced details
Let's do the math
Cash to move in
$4,218
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $2,109
- Security deposit
- $2,109
- Total
- $4,218
When you'll have it
Enter what you can set aside each month to see how long it takes.
What helps
- Ask for a receipt for every payment and keep a copy of the lease.
- On move-in day, walk through the home and take dated photos.
- Never send money for a home you haven't seen or a lease you haven't read.
This is a planning estimate, not a price. What you are asked for depends on the landlord, your lease and your state's and city's rules. It is not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fair market rent in Gallatin County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,469; 1 bedroom: $1,612; 2 bedrooms: $2,109; 3 bedrooms: $2,920; 4 bedrooms: $3,487. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Gallatin County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($2,109) without spending more than 30% of income takes $40.56 an hour full time, or $84,360 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Gallatin County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $65,100 a year (Fiscal year 2026). The family usually pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. You apply at the housing agency.
How much does Section 8 pay in Gallatin County?
The voucher pays up to your housing agency's payment standard, minus your share. The rule lets the agency set it between 90% and 110% of the fair market rent: for 2 bedrooms here, between $1,898 and $2,320 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Gallatin County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,940 in 59715 to $2,380 in 59718. Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses.
How many low-income apartments are there in Gallatin County?
HUD lists 28 properties with homes for low-income households in Gallatin County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest. For tax-credit apartments and HUD-assisted buildings, you apply directly at the building's management office. They tell you whether units are open and how to apply; HUD does not have that information.
How many households spend too much on rent in Gallatin County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Gallatin County, 48% of renter households are in that position; in Montana, 45%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).