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 | $1,000 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,250 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,450 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,010 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,430 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,819 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,157 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,410 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,581 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,450 | $625,443 | 0.23% | F |
| 3BR | $2,010 | $876,510 | 0.23% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 59030 in Gardiner, MT presents several potential issues for landlords considering Section 8 investments. First, tenant turnover is likely to be higher due to the significant gap between the market rent of $568 and the Federal Market Rent (FMR) of $1,400 for the fiscal year 2026 in the metropolitan area. This disparity can lead to tenants seeking higher subsidies, which may not be available, resulting in frequent moves.
Vacancy exposure is another concern. The average days on market (DOM) is not available, indicating a lack of historical data on how long properties typically remain vacant before being rented. Given the limited information, it's prudent to assume that the risk of extended vacancies exists, especially if market conditions change unfavorably.
Deferred maintenance exposure is also a factor. With a typical home value of $775,392 and a median income of $56,542, there is a considerable difference between property values and residents' financial capacity. Landlords must be prepared to invest in regular maintenance and repairs, as tenants may struggle to cover such costs themselves, leading to potential wear and tear over time.
Despite these challenges, the high renter share of 43.6% suggests strong demand for rental properties, which often translates into higher interest in Section 8 vouchers. This high density of renters can provide a stable pool of potential tenants, reducing the risk of vacancies and ensuring a steady stream of applications.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord.
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.