Location: Richland County, MT | Metro: Richland County, MT
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,050 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,080 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,190 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,430 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,990 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,308 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,585 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,792 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,932 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 59217 is situated in a predominantly homeowner-focused neighborhood. With a total population of just 171 residents, it's clear that this area is sparsely populated and likely consists of suburban or rural settings where homeownership is the norm, as evidenced by the 0.0% rental rate. The median household income stands at $79,242, indicating a relatively affluent community where families can afford to purchase homes rather than rent them.
In terms of rent economics, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,210. However, the market rent for ZIP 59217 is not available, suggesting that the rental market is either negligible or non-existent due to the high percentage of homeowners. This lack of data points to a community where the demand for rental properties, including those supported by Section 8 vouchers, is minimal.
Given the characteristics of ZIP 59217, it would be challenging for a hands-off voucher operator to find opportunities here. The low number of renters and the absence of market rent data indicate that there is little to no demand for subsidized housing in this area. On the other hand, a hands-on value-add buyer might find limited prospects as well, since the primary housing model is homeownership, and the sparse population means fewer potential tenants even if the investor were to convert homes into rentals.
To conclude, ZIP 59217 is not an ideal location for either hands-off or hands-on Section 8 investors. The community's strong preference for homeownership and the low population density make it less attractive for rental investments, especially those reliant on government subsidies. Investors should look elsewhere for better opportunities that align with their investment strategy.
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.