Location: Valley County, MT | Metro: Valley County, MT
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $920 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,030 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,210 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,680 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,860 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,158 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,417 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,610 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,741 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 market in ZIP code 59231, located in the Valley County, MT metro area, presents a clear opportunity for landlords and small-portfolio investors. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) as determined by HUD for this region in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,200. However, due to the lack of available market rent data, it's essential to rely on the FMR to gauge tenant suitability.
Voucher tenants in this ZIP code will cashflow at the FMR rate, indicating that the HUD subsidy is sufficient to cover the average rent without requiring additional financial support from landlords. This scenario simplifies budgeting and financial planning for property owners who choose to accept Section 8 vouchers.
The median home value in the area is also not specified, which makes deriving an exact rent-to-price ratio challenging. However, given the rural setting of Valley County, the lack of detailed home value data suggests that housing prices might be lower compared to urban areas, potentially making rental income a more attractive investment relative to homeownership.
While the days on market (DOM) and percentage of price cuts are not provided, these metrics typically influence the rent-versus-buy decision. In their absence, it's important to focus on the stability and predictability of Section 8 rents. The consistent FMR rate offers a reliable income stream, reducing the risk associated with volatile market conditions.
The strongest investor angle in ZIP 59231 is likely to be cashflow. With voucher tenants covering the FMR of $1,200, landlords can expect steady, government-backed rental income without the need for premium units. This predictability makes Section 8 properties particularly appealing for those looking to generate stable rental income in a region where market data is sparse.
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.