Location: Richland County, MT | Metro: Dawson County, MT
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,030 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,080 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,190 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
| 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 rent math in ZIP code 59262 does not work in favor of landlords. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the MT metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,150, which is significantly higher than the current market rent of $735 based on Census ACS data. This discrepancy means that landlords aiming to charge the FMR would likely face difficulties in finding tenants willing to pay the higher rate.
Acquisition of properties in this ZIP code is moderately affordable. With a median home value of $276,005, potential investors should consider the cost relative to their investment strategy. However, the lack of data on the number of days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that had their prices cut indicates that there might be uncertainty regarding how quickly homes sell and at what price point adjustments are made.
Tenant demand in ZIP 59262 is relatively low. The total population is 737, and only 32.9% of these residents are renters. This suggests that while there is some demand for rental properties, it is limited given the small size of the renting population.
Verdict: For landlords and small-portfolio investors, ZIP 59262 presents challenges due to the mismatch between FMR and actual market rents, moderate property values, and limited tenant demand. Given these factors, it is advisable to proceed cautiously, ensuring thorough due diligence and possibly seeking additional market insights before committing to investments in this area.
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.