Location: Garfield County, MT | Metro: Garfield County, MT
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $820 |
| 1 Bedroom | $920 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,080 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,450 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,760 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,042 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,287 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,470 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,594 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 59318 reveals a unique position in the real estate market, particularly concerning Section 8 investments. With a Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1,060 for the fiscal year 2026, it's clear that the rental income potential is tied directly to the metro area's standards, as specific market rates and home values are not available. This suggests that landlords should expect to receive rental income at the federal benchmark level.
In terms of stability, ZIP 59318 presents a mixed picture. The percentage of renters stands at 21.7%, indicating a relatively stable demand for rentals. However, the lack of data on days on market (DOM) means we cannot assess how quickly properties are typically leased or vacated. This could be a critical factor for landlords looking to minimize vacancy periods. Additionally, the average income of $58,750 provides some insight into the financial health of the residents, which is an important consideration for long-term tenant reliability and rent payment consistency.
Given these figures, ZIP 59318 does not fit neatly into either a high-yield/low-stability flip-style market or a steady-cashflow zone. Instead, it appears to fall somewhere in between. The yield is moderate, based on the FMR figure, and while there is a significant portion of renters, the exact dynamics of the rental market remain unclear without the DOM data. The income figure suggests that tenants are likely to have sufficient earnings to cover their rent, but the overall stability is compromised by the missing DOM metric.
To conclude, landlords and small-portfolio investors considering ZIP 59318 should prepare for a moderate-yield investment scenario where the stability of cash flow is somewhat assured by the presence of a substantial number of renters and decent average income levels. However, they must also be ready to address the uncertainty around how quickly properties can be rented out, which is key for maintaining consistent cash flow and minimizing vacancy costs.
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.