Location: Judith Basin County, MT | Metro: Judith Basin County, MT
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 | $890 |
| 1 Bedroom | $910 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,160 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,610 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,910 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,216 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,482 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,681 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,815 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,160 | $185,517 | 0.63% | D |
| 3BR | $1,610 | $276,834 | 0.58% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 59479 encompasses the rural town of Stanford, Montana, a community characterized by its modest size with a total population of 746 residents. Approximately 27.2% of these residents are renters, indicating a niche market for rental properties within the area. The median household income stands at $49,185, reflecting a middle-class community where financial stability is present but not excessive. The median home value in Stanford is $243,500, which places it squarely within the affordable range for many potential homeowners.
Turning to the economic landscape of renting, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,160. However, the actual market rent in Stanford, according to the Census ACS, is significantly lower at $625 per month. This discrepancy between the FMR and the market rent suggests a strong opportunity for landlords and small-portfolio investors who can leverage the gap to either increase their profit margins or offer competitive pricing to attract tenants eligible for Section 8 housing vouchers.
Given the low market rent compared to the FMR, ZIP 59479 is well-suited for both hands-off voucher operators and hands-on value-add buyers. For those preferring a passive approach, the town's relatively stable demand for rental properties combined with the Section 8 program can provide a steady stream of income with minimal management effort. On the other hand, for investors looking to actively manage and improve their properties, there is room to raise rents closer to the FMR level while still remaining attractive to voucher recipients, thus increasing profitability over time. The key to success in Stanford lies in understanding the local market dynamics and tailoring investment strategies accordingly.
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.