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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A long-dormant property along the Clark Fork River in Missoula could soon be home to luxury apartments, restaurants, shops, a hotel and rooftop bar. The project’s developer is moving forward after his business partner was criminally charged for wire fraud. -
Most Montana homeowners should see a drop in property taxes after sweeping tax reforms go into effect this year. Renters, however, could see the cost of living rise after lawmakers made a mistake reforming property taxes. -
Low-income Montanans receiving federal housing assistance are having better luck finding rentals. A state study led to an increase in the amount of funding families receive. -
Seniors are one of the fastest growing homeless populations, but most homeless shelters aren’t equipped to help with specialized needs. MTPR's Aaron Bolton visited a shelter for seniors in Utah to see if their model could work in Montana. -
The city of Missoula is weeks away from finalizing new rules expanding how many homes, apartments and businesses can be built on land within the city. -
President Donald Trump wants cities and states to force homeless people with substance use and mental health conditions into treatment. Some homeless advocates in Montana are criticizing the move. -
The median home value across the state rose by two thirds in the last 4 years. Montana Free Press’ Eric Dietrich crunched the numbers and joined MTPR’s Elinor Smith to break them down. -
Montana policymakers made housing affordability a top issue at the statehouse, but mobile home park residents feel left out. After three legislative sessions of asking for more tenant protections, there’s been little change to the law. Residents are facing rent hikes and insecurity as parks are sold, often to out-of-state buyers. -
Montana has received federal approval to provide Medicaid-funded housing services to assist those with behavioral health needs find housing. -
Roughly 250,000 homeowners and small businesses are projected to see a break on rising property taxes under two bills Gov. Greg Gianforte signed.
