Executive Financial Report: Poplar (59255)
Navigating the local economic landscape in Poplar (59255) reveals an average baseline monthly living cost of approximately $3,125 for a single adult. This comprehensive benchmark reflects essential housing, nutrition, tax, and medical commitments.
With typical rent and housing utilities averaging an affordable $603 per month—just 19% of baseline expenses—Poplar offers exceptionally competitive shelter costs compared to wider metropolitan averages across Montana.
To maintain sustainable financial health in Poplar (59255) using the popular 50/30/20 budgeting framework, your essential living expenses ($3,125/month) should not exceed 50% of your net take-home pay. Consequently, an individual needs a target gross annual salary of approximately $75,000 to cover necessities while building savings. On an hourly basis, working a standard 2,080-hour work year requires a minimum hourly living wage of $18.03/hour just to meet basic survival costs.
For a family of four (2 adults and 2 children), basic monthly expenditures in Poplar increase to $6,863 per month ($82,356/year)—approximately 2.2x higher than the single-adult baseline. Childcare premiums and multi-bedroom housing represent the largest contributors to this family budget increase. Compared against the area median family income of $53,044, local wages provide a 1.41x coverage ratio relative to single-adult baseline expenses.
Transportation costs average $951/month (30% of budget), while essential healthcare premiums demand $418/month. Direct tax liabilities consume $507 monthly (16% of spending). Factoring state income tax brackets into compensation negotiations is recommended. Overall, living in Poplar (59255) requires balancing real estate trends with local earnings.