Montana’s latest living‑wage analysis reveals that even a full‑time wage that meets basic needs on paper leaves many households struggling to cover essential expenses. The study, produced by the Montana Institute of Technology (MIT), estimates that a single adult without dependents would need to earn roughly $23 to $28 per hour in Bozeman, Missoula and Billings to afford housing, transportation, food and other necessities.
Living‑wage calculator and its assumptions
The calculator adjusts for local cost differences, using data on housing, transportation and other core expenses. It assumes every dollar earned is already allocated to a specific purpose, providing a realistic benchmark for what a “living wage” looks like in each community.
Rose Bender, research director at the Montana Budget and Policy Center, explained that the numbers highlight a growing strain on lower‑income families. “With rising costs and wages more stagnant than rising costs, it can be really hard to find any extra income for savings in lower‑income families,” Bender said. She added that research from the Federal Reserve shows wealth accumulation is far more difficult for those on modest incomes, limiting the ability to build generational wealth.
SNAP participation declines
State data show a sharp drop in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) enrollment, falling from over 120,000 recipients in 2017 to just above 72,000 in June 2026. Monthly applications remain below historic levels. While the decline reflects reduced access to the federal assistance program, it does not capture every household that is struggling to afford groceries.
The “missing middle” of food insecurity
Advocates with the Montana Food Bank Network describe a growing “missing middle” – families who earn too much to qualify for SNAP yet still cannot meet basic costs such as rent, utilities, childcare and health care. Kiara Condon, an advocacy specialist, said many pantry visitors fall into this category. “People who make too much to qualify for any kind of assistance, but not enough to cover rent, groceries, utilities, childcare, health care, all the things that we need to survive,” she said.
Food pantries do not require visitors to disclose employment status or income, making it difficult to quantify the size of this group statewide. However, pantry operators have observed that some families are now visiting more frequently. “Families who were maybe visiting once a month are now coming two or three times a month,” Condon noted.
Implications for policymakers and families
The combination of a higher living‑wage benchmark, declining SNAP enrollment and increased pantry usage underscores a gap in the safety‑net for many Montanans. While the MIT calculator provides estimates for every county and allows adjustments for household size, children and multiple earners, the data suggest that current assistance programs may not be reaching all who need help.
Community leaders and policymakers are urged to consider how to address the “missing middle,” whether through expanding eligibility thresholds, increasing wage growth, or bolstering local resources such as food banks and childcare assistance.
Looking ahead
The living‑wage tool remains available for all Montana counties, offering a transparent way for families and advocates to assess economic needs. As the state continues to monitor SNAP trends and pantry demand, the hope is that targeted interventions can close the gap between wages and basic living costs, ensuring that more Montanans can achieve financial stability and build wealth for future generations.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
