Location: Dawson County, MT | Metro: Dawson County, MT
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $950 |
| 1 Bedroom | $960 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,190 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,480 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,960 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,274 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,547 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,751 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,889 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 59315, located in Dawson County, MT, reveals several key points regarding its viability for Section 8 real-estate investments.
Firstly, the rent math does not work in favor of landlords. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,200. However, without a specific figure for market rent, it's difficult to compare directly. If the market rent is higher than the FMR, landlords will find themselves subsidizing the difference, which can be financially unattractive.
Secondly, the acquisition of properties in this ZIP code is not particularly affordable. The lack of data on median home values, days on market (DOM), and the percentage of homes that had their prices cut indicates an incomplete picture. For a comprehensive analysis, these figures would typically help determine if the housing market is favorable for purchasing properties at affordable rates. The absence of such data suggests caution in making assumptions about affordability.
Thirdly, there is a moderate level of tenant demand. With a population of 104, and 33.3% of residents being renters, the pool of potential tenants is limited but exists. This percentage indicates that over one-third of the population might be eligible for Section 8 housing, providing a baseline demand for rental units that accept this subsidy.
Verdict: ZIP code 59315 presents a challenging environment for Section 8 investments due to the mismatch between the FMR and potentially higher market rents, which could lead to financial losses for landlords. The lack of detailed market data complicates the assessment of property acquisition costs and timelines, suggesting a need for thorough local research before committing to any purchases. While there is a reasonable proportion of renters in the population, the overall small number of potential tenants limits the attractiveness of this ZIP code for broader investment strategies. Landlords and investors should proceed with caution and consider supplementing the available data with local insights to make informed decisions.
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.