2026 monthly care rates for Columbus (Stillwater County), local Census affordability metrics, and 1 CMS-certified care facilities.
Models eldercare inflation, home equity liquidation fees (7%), income offsets & Medicaid spend-down rules.
At Columbus, MT's average caregiver rate of $28.61/hr, hiring in-home care equals the $5,070/mo cost of Assisted Living at exactly 40.9 hours per week (~5.8 hrs/day).
Saves $2,591/mo vs. Assisted Living (excludes home mortgage/utilities).
Full-time home care costs $385/mo more than Assisted Living (where meals & utilities are included).
Assisted Living saves $4,847/mo; Memory Care averages $6,190/mo.
Monthly Assisted Living cost comparison adjusted for Stillwater County economic indicators.
Official ACS 5-Year benchmarks used to model local care affordability (see methodology).
| Median Household Income | $81,503/yr ($6,792/mo) |
| Median Home Value | $355,600 |
| Median Gross Rent | $968/mo |
| Montana Medicaid Limit (2026) | $2,901/mo |
Official Medicare provider registry showing certified bed capacity, ownership structure, and CMS 5-star quality ratings.