Location: Roosevelt County, MT | Metro: Richland County, MT
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,120 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,130 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,450 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,720 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,380 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,761 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,092 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,339 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,506 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 59213, located in Roosevelt County, MT, reveals several critical points for landlords and small-portfolio investors considering investment in this area.
The first question addresses whether the rent math works. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area for fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,410. In contrast, the current market rent, based on Census ACS data, is significantly lower at $225. This stark difference indicates that the rent math does not work in favor of landlords seeking to align with FMR guidelines. At $225, the market rent is far below what would be considered fair market, suggesting a need for either a substantial increase in rental rates or a reevaluation of investment expectations.
The second point concerns the affordability of property acquisition. Unfortunately, the data provided does not include specific figures for the median home value, days on market (DOM), or the percentage of listings that experienced price cuts. Without these metrics, it's challenging to assess the ease or cost of acquiring properties in the area. Landlords and investors should conduct further research to determine if the acquisition costs are within their budgetary constraints.
Regarding tenant demand, the ZIP code has a population of 758 individuals, with 22.6% of them being renters. This relatively low renter share suggests that there might not be a high level of demand for rental properties. However, the small population size also means that even a modest number of renters could represent a significant portion of the local housing market. It's important for potential landlords to understand the local dynamics and consider the possibility of limited tenant pools.
Verdict: Investment in ZIP code 59213 is not advisable due to the mismatch between market rents and FMR guidelines, which makes achieving profitable rental income unlikely. The lack of detailed data on property acquisition costs adds another layer of uncertainty. Additionally, the low renter share implies that tenant demand is not robust, potentially leading to prolonged vacancies and reduced returns on investment. These factors collectively suggest that other areas with higher market rents and stronger tenant demand would be more suitable for real estate investments aimed at generating steady income.
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.