The $100,000 Salary Analysis for Anaconda-Deer Lodge County

This analysis treats a $100,000 salary as gross income. It ignores 401(k) contributions, health insurance premiums, or other pre-tax deductions. It focuses on Net Pay (take-home) and Purchasing Power.

1. The Verification Test

Your gross pay is $100,000. The government takes its share before you see a dime.

• Federal Income Tax: ~$14,143 (Based on 2024 Single Filer Standard Deduction + Brackets).
• FICA (Social Security/Medicare): $7,650 (Flat rate on first $168,600).
• Montana State Income Tax: ~$5,370 (Montana uses progressive brackets; effective rate for this income is roughly 5.37%).

Total Tax Liability: ~$27,163
Estimated Net Pay (Annual): ~$72,837
Estimated Net Pay (Monthly): ~$6,070

Note: Montana is not a "no tax" state. It has a progressive income tax structure.

2. Smart Budget (50/30/20)

Applying the standard budget rule to your monthly take-home of $6,070.

Needs (50% = $3,035):

• Rent (1BR Avg): $806 (This is the local average).
• Utilities: ~$250 (Heating costs in Montana are significant in winter).
• Groceries/Food: ~$450.
• Transportation (Gas/Insurance): ~$400 (No public transit to speak of; car required).
• Remaining for Needs: ~$1,129 (Buffer for phone, insurance, etc.)

Wants (30% = $1,821):

• This is your discretionary spending. In Anaconda, your money goes further on entertainment/dining, but options are limited compared to a metro area.

Savings (20% = $1,214):

• This is your wealth-building capacity. With local costs being low, you should theoretically save more than the average American.

3. Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Tax Context

Montana sits in the middle of the pack nationally.

• Vs. No Tax States (TX/FL/WA): You are paying roughly $5,400 more in state income tax annually compared to living in Austin or Orlando. In exchange, property taxes in Montana are generally lower than Texas.
• Vs. High Tax States (CA/NY): You are saving roughly $6,000 - $8,000 annually in state income tax compared to California or New York on a $100k salary.

Purchasing Power:
The "Real" value of your $100k here is high primarily because of housing. You can rent a 1BR for $806, whereas that same salary in a major city might require $2,000+ for rent, effectively lowering your disposable income.

4. FAQ

"Is $100k good here?"
Yes. It is significantly above the local median household income. You will live comfortably and afford housing easily. However, do not expect to "get rich" quickly; high-paying career advancement opportunities in Anaconda are scarce.

"Local income tax?"
None. Anaconda-Deer Lodge County does not levy a specific local income tax. Your tax burden is limited to Federal + Montana State.