Location: Judith Basin County, MT | Metro: Fergus County, MT
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,240 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,250 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,620 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,240 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,670 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,097 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,469 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,747 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,934 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP 59430, located in Judith Basin County, MT, presents itself as a cash-flow anchor within a Section 8 portfolio strategy. This designation is based on the significant spread between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) set at $1,490 for the metro area for fiscal year 2026 and the current market rent of $1,115. The difference indicates that landlords participating in the Section 8 program can expect higher rental income compared to the local market rates, thereby enhancing their cash flow.
The median home value in ZIP 59430 stands at $350,771. This figure is crucial when evaluating the potential for appreciation plays. However, given the lack of specific data on price-cut shares and days on market (DOM), it's challenging to make a definitive case for appreciation. In this scenario, the focus should remain on the immediate benefits of higher rental income.
While the ZIP code does have a 19.4% renter share and a median income of $76,875, these factors alone do not sufficiently justify categorizing it as a diversifier. The primary driver for inclusion in a Section 8 portfolio should be the ability to generate stable and predictable cash flows, which ZIP 59430 excels at due to the aforementioned FMR-market rent spread.
To summarize, ZIP 59430 is best suited as a cash-flow anchor in a Section 8 portfolio strategy. Landlords can secure higher rental income through the FMR, which is $375 more per month than the average market rent. This makes it an attractive option for those looking to stabilize and increase their monthly cash flows without the uncertainties associated with appreciation or diversification plays.
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.