Montana’s housing market is the least affordable in the country. That’s according to data analysis by the National Association of Realtors.
According to data from Zillow’s Housing Index, average home prices have nearly doubled since the spring of 2020.
A National Association of Realtors analysis shows Montana has become the least affordable market in the country in that time, surpassing states like California and Idaho.
It compares average home prices to a state’s average income. Montana has the largest gap between the two.
The picture is not great for renters either. The Montana Budget and Policy Center found nearly a quarter of Montana renters spend more than half of their monthly income on rent.
The National Low Income Housing Coalition estimates Montana needs more than 30,000 affordable rentals to meet demand.
The 2023 Montana Legislature passed a series of bills aimed at increasing housing supply. Gov. Greg Gianforte’s Housing Task Force last month released a series of policy recommendations for lawmakers to consider when they reconvene in January.
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The Missoula Housing Impact Fund is on track to raising its initial target of $10 million. Modeled after a similar project in Gallatin County, the goal is to bolster the local supply of rental and single-family homes. -
A homeless shelter in Kalispell is taking the city to court after the city council revoked its permit to operate. The shelter’s lawyers expect this to be an important case nationally. -
Public land managers want to make it easier to develop and sell state trust lands for real estate. Lawmakers are divided on supporting it. -
State land managers asked lawmakers to allow housing development on state trust lands. Lawmakers didn't endorse the idea this week, but it could resurface during the upcoming legislative session. -
As the homelessness crisis grows, it’s common for the public and politicians to conflate homeless encampments and criminal activity. But how much do these camps really affect crime in cities? -
The Federal Reserve cut interest rates for the first time in over four years on September 18th.
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The Flathead Valley will not have a homeless shelter this winter. The Kalispell City Council voted Monday to revoke a local shelter’s permit to operate. -
The Kalispell City Council will vote on whether or not the Flathead Warming Center will be permitted to stay open.
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The laws allow duplexes and accessory dwelling units — things like converted garage or basement apartments — to be built on lots zoned for single-family homes.
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Gov. Greg Gianforte’s Housing Task Force has finalized policy proposals to increase Montana’s affordable housing stock. They recommend cutting regulations on where and how homes are built.
