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Helena, MT

Cost of living in Jefferson County, MT

Part of the Helena Metro Area

Estimated monthly cost
$3,068/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 12,501 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $1,037 34%
Federal tax $498 16%
Healthcare $480 16%
Groceries $334 11%
Transport $320 10%
State tax $179 6%
Energy $160 5%
Water $60 2%

Rent in Jefferson County

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$933
per month
1 bedroom
$1,037
per month
2 bedroom
$1,361
per month
3 bedroom
$1,907
per month
4 bedroom
$2,171
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in Jefferson County

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$76,576
per year
Individual earnings
$40,494
per year
Per capita
$43,037
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in Jefferson County

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$408,000
Annual property tax
$2,274

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in Jefferson County

Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.

Electricity
$103
per month · 12.9¢/kWh
Natural gas
$57
per month
Annual total
$1,920
per year

Source: EIA

Healthcare in Jefferson County

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
5.1%

Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.

Taxes in Jefferson County

State and local tax rates for Montana.

State income tax
5.9%
Top marginal rate
State sales tax
0.0%
Combined sales tax
0.0%
incl. average local

Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.

Transportation in Jefferson County

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
22.3 min
Drive alone
72.2%
Public transit
0.2%
Work from home
11.9%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for Jefferson County

What it costs to live in Jefferson County each month.

Single person
$3,068
per month
  • Rent $1,037
  • Energy $160
  • Water $60
  • Groceries $334
  • Transport $320
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $498
  • State tax $179
Couple
$4,739
per month
  • Rent $1,361
  • Energy $192
  • Water $70
  • Groceries $553
  • Transport $420
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $923
  • State tax $356
Family
$7,421
per month
  • Rent $1,907
  • Energy $240
  • Water $85
  • Groceries $840
  • Transport $520
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $923
  • State tax $356

Frequently asked questions about Jefferson County

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in Jefferson County?

In Jefferson County, MT, a one-bedroom apartment averages $1,037 per month, a two-bedroom averages $1,361 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,907 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in Jefferson County?

In Jefferson County, MT, the average household income is $76,576 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $40,494 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in Jefferson County?

The estimated cost of living in Jefferson County, MT is approximately $3,068 per month for a single person, $4,739 for a couple, $7,421 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in Jefferson County?

The combined sales tax rate in Jefferson County, MT is 0.00%, which includes the Montana state rate of 0.00% plus an average local rate of 0.00%.

Is Jefferson County an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in Jefferson County, MT would need approximately $3,068 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $76,576 per year ($6,381 per month). Jefferson County is relatively affordable compared to the national average.

How much does healthcare cost in Jefferson County?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Jefferson County, MT is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 5.1% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in Jefferson County?

The average home value in Jefferson County, MT is $408,000, with average annual property taxes of $2,274, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does Jefferson County compare to other areas?

You can compare Jefferson County, MT with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Jefferson County is in the Helena, MT metro area.

Other counties in Montana

Browse the full list of counties in Montana, ranked by cost of living.

See all counties in Montana

Compare Jefferson County with another area

Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.

About this data

All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.

  • HUD FMR FY2025
  • ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
  • EIA
  • ACS + national avg
  • ACS
  • USDA + BEA RPP
Methodology All data sources