Location: Sweet Grass 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 | $1,080 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,260 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,510 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,050 |
| 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 | $1,510 | $600,218 | 0.25% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 59052, located in McLeod, MT, comprises a population of 186 individuals. Only 18.6% of these residents are renters, indicating that this area is primarily dominated by homeowners rather than renters. This statistic suggests that the demand for rental properties, especially those accepting Section 8 vouchers, is relatively low compared to areas with higher percentages of renters.
Average market rent in this region stands at $1,000 per month. Given the median household income of $60,547, typical rent consumes approximately 19.8% of the local income. This figure is calculated by taking the monthly rent ($1,000) and dividing it by the annual median income ($60,547), then multiplying by 12 to get the percentage of annual income spent on rent. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area, set at $1,500 for FY 2026, reflects a higher standard than the actual market rent, suggesting that there might be some flexibility for landlords who wish to adjust their rental prices.
Landlords and small-portfolio investors in ZIP 59052 should expect tenants who are likely to be reliant on Section 8 vouchers due to the lower average market rent compared to the FMR. These tenants will typically have an income level that necessitates government assistance to cover housing costs. With only 18.6% of the population renting, competition for vouchers may be less intense, but the overall demand for rental units that accept them is also limited. Therefore, landlords should prepare for a tenant pool that is modest in size but has a genuine need for affordable housing options.
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.