Location: Park County, MT | Metro: Park County, MT
Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,070 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,320 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,120 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,570 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,981 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,339 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,606 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,786 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $2,120 | $737,944 | 0.29% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 59018 is situated in a small, tight-knit community with a total population of 669 residents. This area is predominantly owned, with only 17.8% of the population renting their homes. The median household income stands at $79,375, indicating a relatively affluent neighborhood where homeownership is both feasible and common. The median home value in this ZIP is a substantial $656,103, reflecting the high desirability and cost of living in the region.
When it comes to rental economics, the numbers paint an interesting picture. The Fair Market Rent (FMR), which is set by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for metro areas, is projected to be $1,660 for fiscal year 2026. However, the actual market rent, according to Census ACS data, is significantly lower at $721 per month. This stark difference suggests that landlords in ZIP 59018 could potentially benefit from participating in the Section 8 housing program, which aims to provide affordable housing options for low-income families. By accepting Section 8 vouchers, landlords can charge rents closer to the FMR while still offering affordable housing to tenants.
Given these economic dynamics, ZIP 59018 is better suited for a hands-on value-add buyer rather than a hands-off voucher operator. The discrepancy between the FMR and the market rent presents an opportunity for investors who are willing to renovate properties or manage them more actively to capture higher rents under the Section 8 program. For those interested in a more passive investment strategy, the low market rent might make it challenging to find enough tenants willing to pay the higher FMR rates required by the program. Thus, for small-portfolio investors looking to leverage the benefits of the Section 8 program, active property management and strategic investments will likely yield better returns in this ZIP code.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-08-31). Demographics from U.S. Census (2024).
About FMR: Fair Market Rent (FMR) is used to determine payment standards for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, initial renewal rents for some expiring project-based Section 8 contracts, and rent ceilings for HOME Investment Partnerships.