Special Interest
Housing in Sanders County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Sanders County averages $820/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the Montana median of $1,081 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 35% of household income on rent, above the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Sanders County FMR Area are $808 for a studio, $923 for 1‑bedroom, $1,172 for 2‑bedroom, $1,405 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,895 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $352 increase for a 2-bedroom in Sanders County shows a 43% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Sanders County was 5.7% in 2024, compared to Montana at 3.0% and the national rate of 4.0%.
