Location: Valley County, MT | Metro: Daniels 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 | $1,050 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,090 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,400 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,930 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,260 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,622 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,937 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,172 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,331 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,400 | $105,015 | 1.33% | A |
| 3BR | $1,930 | $163,532 | 1.18% | B |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The classification of ZIP code 59201, located in Wolf Point, MT, on the axes of yield and stability reveals a unique investment scenario. On the yield axis, the Federal Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,350, significantly higher than the local market rent of $732. This disparity indicates a strong potential for rental income growth, especially if properties can be brought up to the metro FMR standards. Additionally, the median home value of $145,649 suggests that there is room for appreciation in property values, further enhancing the yield potential.
Turning to stability, the ZIP code shows a substantial percentage of renters at 35.6%, which is a positive sign for maintaining consistent cash flow. However, the lack of data on days on market (DOM) and the relatively low average household income of $53,311 indicate some volatility and financial risk. The absence of DOM data could imply either a well-balanced market where homes sell quickly without much need for tracking, or an underreported statistic due to the rural nature of the area. The lower income figure suggests that tenants might have limited financial buffers, potentially affecting their ability to pay rent consistently.
Based on these figures, ZIP 59201 leans towards being a high-yield but low-stability market. The significant gap between the metro FMR and the current market rent points to opportunities for flipping properties to capitalize on higher rental yields. However, the low income levels and the unknown DOM status suggest that such investments would come with higher risks. For landlords and small-portfolio investors looking to balance growth and stability, this ZIP code offers a mix of both, with a focus on maximizing returns through property improvements and careful tenant selection.
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.