Location: Park County, MT | Metro: Park County, MT
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,370 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,680 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,710 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,290 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,816 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,274 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,616 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,847 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors in ZIP code 59020, located in the Park County, MT metro area, reveals several key points. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,910. This figure is significantly higher than the average market rent reported by the Census ACS, which stands at $1,357. This comparison indicates that voucher tenants can generally cashflow at the FMR level, providing a strong financial advantage to landlords who accept Section 8 vouchers.
To further analyze the investment potential, consider the median home value in the area, which is $602,399. Using this, we can calculate the rent-to-price ratio. With an average market rent of $1,357, the ratio comes out to be approximately 0.225%, indicating a relatively low rental yield compared to the property values. However, the high FMR of $1,910 makes the rent-to-price ratio more favorable at about 0.317%, suggesting that properties rented through Section 8 vouchers offer better returns.
In terms of the broader real estate market, the data shows that the median days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that require price cuts are not available. This lack of data means that the typical challenges faced by sellers in terms of DOM and price adjustments do not impact the analysis. However, it does highlight that the focus should remain on the stability and cashflow benefits of renting to voucher tenants rather than speculative appreciation.
The strongest angle for investors in ZIP code 59020 is the cashflow opportunity provided by the difference between the HUD FMR and the actual market rents. Accepting Section 8 vouchers allows landlords to secure higher rental income than the prevailing market rates, making it an attractive option for those looking to maximize their returns in this specific market.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). 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.