Location: Roosevelt County, MT | Metro: McCone County, MT
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,080 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,090 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,930 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,330 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,703 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,027 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,269 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,432 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Roosevelt County, MT, specifically ZIP 59255, presents a unique opportunity for inclusion within a Section 8 portfolio strategy. Given the data at hand, this area is best categorized as a cash-flow anchor. The reasoning behind this classification is straightforward: the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 59255 in the metro area for fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,350, significantly higher than the current market rental rate of $394. This creates a substantial spread that can be leveraged to ensure steady and predictable cash flow.
The FMR is established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to reflect the average gross rent paid for standard-quality rental units in a given area. For ZIP 59255, this figure is markedly above what tenants are currently paying on the open market. As a result, landlords who participate in the Section 8 program can expect to receive a higher rent subsidy from the government than the prevailing market rate, thus securing a reliable source of income that exceeds typical rental rates in the area.
Additionally, the median home value being listed as N/A suggests that the primary focus should be on rental properties rather than owner-occupied homes. This further supports the cash-flow anchor strategy, as the emphasis is on generating consistent income through rentals rather than betting on property value appreciation.
The median income of $45,379 provides insight into the economic profile of the area. While not directly influencing the appreciation potential, it does indicate the affordability of housing for residents. With a renter share of 35.3%, there is a significant portion of the population relying on rental housing, which aligns well with the cash-flow anchor approach. Landlords can anticipate a stable demand for rental properties, ensuring long-term tenancy and minimizing vacancy risks.
In summary, ZIP 59255 serves as an ideal cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio strategy. The $1,350 FMR for the metro area in fiscal year 2026, compared to the current market rate of $394, ensures a strong financial position for landlords participating in the program. The high rent subsidy relative to market rates, combined with a stable tenant base, makes this ZIP code a valuable addition to any investment portfolio focused on guaranteed and predictable cash flow.
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.