Location: Toole County, MT | Metro: Liberty County, MT
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $890 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,030 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,190 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,610 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,840 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,134 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,390 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,581 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,710 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 in ZIP code 59456 are straightforward. For a two-bedroom apartment, the SAFMR (Subsidy Allocation Fair Market Rent) is set at $1,210 per month for fiscal year 2026. This figure represents the maximum amount that the government will subsidize for a rental unit in this specific ZIP code. However, the local market rent is currently unavailable, which means we cannot directly compare the subsidized rate against the prevailing market rates.
A landlord participating in the Section 8 program receives a subsidy from the Housing Choice Voucher Program to cover part of the tenant's rent. The tenant is responsible for paying approximately 30% of their adjusted income towards rent. This amount is known as the tenant portion. Additionally, there are utility allowances that vary based on the location and size of the unit. These allowances are meant to cover the tenant’s electricity, gas, water, and sewer costs, and they can range from $200 to $300 per month.
To illustrate, if a tenant has an adjusted monthly income of $1,500, they would be required to pay $450 towards rent (30% of $1,500). If the utility allowance for the two-bedroom apartment in ZIP 59456 is $250, then the total amount the government would pay on behalf of the tenant would be $760 ($1,210 - $450). Therefore, the landlord would receive a total of $1,210 per month, consisting of the tenant's contribution of $450 and the government subsidy of $760.
The SAFMR being set at $1,210 for this ZIP code means that landlords must ensure their rents do not exceed this amount to qualify for the voucher program. Since the local market rent data is not available, it is difficult to determine whether this rate represents a surplus or a gap compared to typical market rates. However, landlords should be aware that if market rents in the area are higher than the SAFMR, they will not receive additional compensation beyond the $1,210 limit for a two-bedroom unit. Conversely, if market rents are lower, landlords may find themselves with a surplus above the tenant's contribution and the utility allowance.
In conclusion, the typical reimbursement for a two-bedroom voucher in ZIP 59456 is $1,210 per month, including both the tenant's payment and the government subsidy. The actual financial impact on a landlord depends on the local market conditions, which are currently unknown. Landlords should carefully consider these factors when deciding to participate in the Section 8 program.
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.