A recent Montana Free Press-Eagleton Poll revealed that nearly 75% of Montanans are concerned about being able to afford housing in the state over the next five years. The poll found that 40% of Montana households spend more than 30% of their income on rent or mortgage, self-identifying as cost-burdened. Younger adults under 35 are more worried about housing affordability compared to those over 50.
To address the issue, Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte established a housing task force in 2022, which offered recommendations that influenced legislation in the 2023 Legislature. Currently, multiple bills are being proposed, such as reducing parking requirements for new developments and allowing triplexes and fourplexes in single-family home zoned areas.
The poll also revealed that over half of Montanans are dissatisfied with the state’s handling of the cost of living and affordability, as well as property taxes. Additionally, a property tax task force recommended various proposals, with Rep. Llew Jones introducing House Bill 231 focused on a homestead exemption.
These findings were compiled from over 900 randomly selected respondents through telephone interviews and text-to-web questionnaires, with a margin of error of plus or minus 4.1%. Concerns about housing affordability in Montana continue to be a prevalent issue, with proposed legislative measures aiming to address this growing problem.
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