Montana · HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rents · Updated

Rent in Lewis and Clark County, MT

HUD puts rent for a two-bedroom in Lewis and Clark County, MT at $1,647 a month for 2026, and a one-bedroom at $1,319. Keeping the two-bedroom under 30% of income takes $31.67 an hour full time, or $65,880 a year. The typical household there would spend 25.3% of its income on it. HUD's 2027 figure, which takes effect October 1, 2026, is $1,653 (up 0.4%).

Rent in Lewis and Clark County, MT at a glance

2-bedroom rent (HUD)

$1,647$19,764 a year · HUD fiscal year 2026From October 1, 2026: $1,653 (+0.4%)
Studio$1,136$22/hr needed
1 bedroom$1,319$25/hr needed
Wage a 2-bedroom takes$31.67an hour, 40 hours a week
3 bedrooms$2,250$43/hr needed

How much rent can you afford in Lewis and Clark County, MT?

HUD’s fair market rent for each size, against what a typical household here earns. Change the income to see yours.

Affordable (< 30% of income)
HUD Fair Market Rent$1,647Monthly market rent
Share of gross income25.3%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$65,880To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$1,956At 30% of $78,237
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
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Rent in Lewis and Clark County, MT by bedroom, and the pay it takes

Income needed keeps rent at 30% of gross pay; the hourly figure assumes one full-time job, 2,080 hours a year.

HUD Fair Market Rent in Lewis and Clark County, MT, fiscal 2026, and the income each needs
SizeA monthA yearIncome neededHourly wage needed
Studio$1,136$13,632$45,440$21.85/hr
1 bedroom$1,319$15,828$52,760$25.37/hr
2 bedroomsMost searched$1,647$19,764$65,880$31.67/hr
3 bedrooms$2,250$27,000$90,000$43.27/hr
4 bedrooms$2,496$29,952$99,840$48.00/hr

Cost of living in Lewis and Clark County, MT: income, prices and a budget →

Rent in Lewis and Clark County, MT: common questions

How much is rent going up in Lewis and Clark County, MT in 2027?

HUD's Fair Market Rent for fiscal 2027, which takes effect October 1, 2026, is $1,653 for a two-bedroom, up 0.4% from $1,647. A one-bedroom goes from $1,319 to $1,320, a studio from $1,136 to $1,151.

These are HUD's estimates of what a typical recently rented unit costs, used for housing vouchers. A landlord's increase on your lease follows your lease and your state's rules, not this figure.

What is the average rent in Lewis and Clark County, MT?

HUD's Fair Market Rent for 2026 is $1,319 for a one-bedroom and $1,647 for a two-bedroom, utilities included. That is $19,764 a year for the two-bedroom.

It is not an average of current listings. HUD sets it at the rent 40% of recent movers paid or less for a standard unit, so asking rents on newer places usually run higher.

How much do you need to make to afford rent in Lewis and Clark County, MT?

To keep a $1,647 two-bedroom at 30% of gross pay, one full-time worker needs $31.67 an hour, or $65,880 a year. A one-bedroom at $1,319 takes $25.37 an hour.

How much is a 1, 2 or 3-bedroom apartment in Lewis and Clark County, MT?

At HUD's 2026 Fair Market Rent: studio $1,136, one bedroom $1,319, two $1,647, three $2,250 and four $2,496 a month.

Is rent affordable in Lewis and Clark County, MT?

For the typical household, earning $78,237 a year ($6,520 a month, Census ACS), a two-bedroom at $1,647 takes 25.3% of income. Under 30% is the usual line for affordable; this is under it.

How is the income needed for rent worked out?

Rent for a year divided by 0.30, the share of gross income HUD treats as affordable: ($1,647 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $65,880. Divided by 2,080 working hours, that is $31.67 an hour.