The news around homebuying in Montana seems to get more shocking every day.

Only a few weeks ago we talked about how there are only two states where it's harder to buy a house than in Montana. 

Now, CNN is reviewing an analysis from Bankrate.com that shows 22 states where you need a six-figure income to afford a house. No surprise, Montana made the list.

One shocking detail from CNN's coverage of the Bankrate analysis is that "in January 2020...buyers needed a six-figure income in just six states and the District of Columbia."

Put another way, in 2020 it was 12% of states and the District of Columbia that needed that kind of salary, but now it's 43% of states and the District of Columbia. That seems like a big jump. The jumps by individual states were significant, too.

READ MORE: There Are Only 2 States Where It's Harder to Buy a House Than in Montana Right Now

CNN pointed out that, "Compared to 2020, income needs jumped the most in Montana (up 77.7%)..."

Part of what makes it difficult to buy a home in Montana is that home prices have outpaced wages, and the income needed for a typical home according to CNN and Bankrate is $131,357.

What Typical Homes Are Like in Montana Right Now

Given the salary needs identified above, we were curious about what kind of houses were available for the price that might qualify as a typical home. Using the Zillow Home Values Index, we used the average Montana home value of $448,238 (as of 4/1/2024) as the benchmark.

Billings, Montana

A new construction home for sale in Billings Montana
McCall Homes via Zillow
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  • Price: $448,985
  • Bedrooms: 3
  • Bathrooms: 3
  • Square Footage: 2,040
  • Listed by: McCall Homes

Bozeman, Montana

*The only listings on Zillow in this price range showed land for sale.

Butte, Montana

Typical home for sale Butte Montana
Tina West, Berkshire Hathaway-Butte, via Zillow
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Great Falls, Montana

Green home with green grass Great Falls Montana
Traci Christian, Century 21 Northwest Realty MT, via Zillow
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Helena, Montana

Typical Helena Montana home for sale
Jolene Lloyd, Jenna Simanton  Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices via Zillow
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Kalispell, Montana

Tan house for sale in Kalispell Montana
Stefanie Ann Hanson, Beckman's Real Estate via Zillow
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Missoula, Montana

A drawing of a condo building in Missoula Montana
Leslie Wetherbee, Wetherbee Group Real Estate via Zillow
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Montana's Most Viewed Home on Zillow in 2023

See photos of the home in Bigfork, Montana that was the most viewed on Zillow in 2023.

Gallery Credit: Ashley

Best Patios and Decks in Missoula For Chilling, Vibing, and People Watching

Looking for a place to enjoy a beverage and a nibble while enjoying a little sun and people-watching? Here are Missoula's best patios and decks.

Gallery Credit: Ashley