Location: Pondera County, MT | Metro: Glacier County, MT
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $870 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,030 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,150 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,460 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,710 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,984 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,222 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,400 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,520 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP 59448, located in Pondera County, MT, reveals several key points for landlords and small-portfolio investors.
The rent math does not work favorably for Section 8 landlords in this area. The Federal Market Rent (FMR) for the fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,150, which is significantly higher than the actual market rent of $461 reported by the Census ACS. This discrepancy means that landlords might struggle to find tenants willing to pay the higher FMR rate, especially since the local market is accustomed to much lower rents.
Regarding property acquisition, the data indicates that median home values are not available, nor are days on the market (DOM) or the percentage of homes requiring price cuts. Without these specific figures, it's challenging to determine the exact affordability of acquiring properties in this ZIP code. However, the low market rent suggests that property values might also be relatively low, potentially making acquisitions more affordable compared to areas with higher rents.
Tenant demand is present but limited. With a total population of 638, and 61.4% of residents being renters, there are approximately 391 potential tenants in the area. While this represents a substantial portion of the population, the overall number of potential tenants is small, indicating that competition among landlords could be fierce for the available rental pool.
Verdict: ZIP 59448 presents a challenging environment for Section 8 landlords due to the significant gap between the federally mandated rent ($1,150) and the actual market rent ($461). Although property acquisition might be affordable given the low market rent, the limited number of potential tenants (391) and high competition suggest that success in this area would require careful management and possibly a niche approach to attract and retain renters. Landlords should be prepared for financial pressures related to the rent disparity and consider diversifying their investment strategies to mitigate risks.
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.