Location: Glacier County, MT | Metro: Glacier County, MT
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $890 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,070 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,170 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,390 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,670 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,937 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,169 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,343 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,460 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The median income in ZIP code 59417 stands at $37,676, which presents a challenging landscape for renters trying to afford the market rate rent of $474 per month. This discrepancy highlights a significant affordability gap where the average household income is notably lower than what is required to comfortably cover the market rent without assistance.
To put this into perspective, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) standard set for metro areas in fiscal year 2026 is $1,180, which is substantially higher than the current market rate. However, it also underscores how far the median income falls short of meeting even the lower market rate. For instance, a household earning the median income would spend nearly 15% of their monthly income on rent at the market rate, whereas the FMR would consume over 30% of their monthly income. This makes it clear that many households in this area would struggle to pay rent without some form of financial aid.
With 42.5% of the 7,470 population being renters, the competition for affordable housing is intense. Landlords must consider the financial realities faced by potential tenants when deciding whether to accept Section 8 vouchers or rely solely on cash-paying residents. The voucher payment standard of $1,180 is considerably higher than the market rate, indicating that landlords who accept vouchers could potentially receive more stable and higher rental payments compared to those who only cater to cash-paying tenants.
The takeaway for landlords is that accepting Section 8 vouchers can be a strategic advantage. It allows them to tap into a government-subsidized income stream that is higher than the current market rate, reducing the risk of vacancies and ensuring a more consistent cash flow. Given the affordability gap and the high proportion of renters, landlords should weigh the benefits of voucher acceptance against any perceived drawbacks, considering it a viable option to maintain occupancy rates and financial stability.
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.