Location: Prairie County, MT | Metro: Dawson County, MT
Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,050 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,090 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,400 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,930 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,260 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,622 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,937 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,172 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,331 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,090 | $86,862 | 1.25% | A |
| 2BR | $1,400 | $144,909 | 0.97% | C |
| 3BR | $1,930 | $201,395 | 0.96% | C |
| 4BR | $2,260 | $240,934 | 0.94% | C |
| 5BR | $2,622 | $279,764 | 0.94% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The classification of ZIP 59330 (Glendive, MT) hinges on the balance between yield potential and market stability. With a Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1,350 for the metro area in fiscal year 2026, compared to a local market rent of $812, there is a significant opportunity for rental income through the Section 8 program. This discrepancy suggests a higher yield potential for landlords who can secure Section 8 tenants, as they will receive a subsidy that brings the total rent up to the FMR level.
However, the stability of this market must also be considered. Glendive has a relatively low percentage of renters at 28.6%, indicating that a substantial portion of the population owns their homes. This could make it challenging to maintain a consistent tenant base. Additionally, the median household income of $70,964 provides insight into the economic health of the area but does not directly correlate with vacancy rates or days on market (DOM), which are key indicators of stability. The absence of DOM data makes it difficult to assess how quickly properties are rented out, potentially impacting cash flow consistency.
The median home value of $191,993 in Glendive presents a mixed picture. While it is lower than many metropolitan areas, which could suggest affordability and accessibility for first-time buyers or investors, it also implies a smaller investment base relative to more expensive markets. This lower home value could limit the potential for capital appreciation, though it does not necessarily impact rental yields.
Based on these figures, ZIP 59330 appears to be more of a steady-cashflow zone rather than a high-yield/low-stability flip-style market. The potential for higher rental income through Section 8 subsidies is balanced by the challenges in maintaining occupancy due to the lower percentage of renters. Moreover, the lack of robust data on days on market and the lower median home value suggest that while the market offers decent returns, it may not be as volatile or as lucrative for rapid property flips as other areas might be.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-08-31). 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.