Location: Judith Basin County, MT | Metro: Great Falls, MT MSA
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 | $990 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,000 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,310 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,810 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,990 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,308 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,585 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,792 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,932 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,310 | $331,699 | 0.39% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The town of Monarch, located in the heart of Montana's Big Sky Country, offers a unique blend of rural charm and natural beauty. With its population of approximately 1,200 residents, it provides a stable environment for real estate investments. However, the market dynamics are quite different compared to urban centers, which can present both opportunities and challenges for landlords and small-portfolio investors.
In summary, Monarch, MT, presents a niche investment opportunity where the demand for rental properties is relatively low due to the high homeownership rate. The Fair Market Rent of $980 provides a baseline for rental pricing, but the lack of market rent data suggests caution in setting expectations for rental income. Given the median home value of $330,890, it is clear that the area has a stable housing market, but the absence of DOM and median income figures leaves gaps in understanding the full economic picture. Investors should focus on long-term strategies that leverage the town's charm and stability rather than expecting rapid turnovers or high rental yields.
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.