2021 Renter Survey

In 2021, we surveyed over 250 Montana renters to learn more about their cost of living. These are views of individual renters who have competed our survey and not necessarily those of MontPIRG.

This survey showed one thing clearly — renters in Montana are having a hard time. A majority of our respondents pay far more than the recommended 30% of their income on housing. It is not unheard of for renters to be paying upwards of $300 on application fees during their housing search. As one survey respondent wrote, “This is unsustainable.”

We can and must do better — renters have rights.

Percent of Monthly Income Spent on Housing

Pie chart of the percent of respondents who spend given percentages of their monthly income on housing costs. Most people spend more than the recommended 30%. Full data here — https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1G1TByMC7bWORKKBLtTJ_9HfdBiYxmrHlHVjjixmjsrg/edit?usp=sharing
“I live in low income housing apartments. My apartment is 526 square feet and my rent is $790 + $30 for a dog = $820. Meanwhile to qualify I cannot make over $36,000/year. This means my rent is 45% my take home income. Not sustainable or productive for a thriving community. I’m a high school teacher with a master’s degree in secondary education.”
— Montana renter

Total Spent on Application Fees Between Rentals

Pie chart of the percent of respondents who spent given amounts on application fees between rentals. Full data here — https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1CmjL2h5vVmQW30J5IQ5sII-SB_uY8aYeLR722ndLyco/edit?usp=sharing
“I am currently homeless due to leaving an unsafe situation. Applying for apartments is agonizing and way harder than it ever used to be. I feel like I’m going to be homeless for longer than I need.”
— Survey respondent

Total Rent for the Unit

Pie chart of the percent of respondents who rent units in each total cost bracket. People rent units whose total cost varies widely. Full data available here — https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Kdr1h7KfGfjQ7GqU4mBuU77Z37m6j6rdqFoz2yaVS5I/edit?usp=sharing
“I would like to add the insane cost of living in Missoula right now. I had to renew my lease as there is no where else to live. I expected an increase when I renewed but not a $350 one!”
— Missoula renter

Utility Costs

Pie chart of the percent of respondents who fall into given utility cost brackets. Most pay under $150 a month. Full data here — https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nTl1-NOUljzNH2mRfujOeogyL3ghZ74YNKWt9QGjcpw/edit?usp=sharing
“Renting in Missoula is horrible, thanks for helping students like me out!”
— Missoula renter

Have a Renter Issue? Contact MontPIRG Today!