Location: Liberty County, MT | Metro: Liberty 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 | $790 |
| 1 Bedroom | $820 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,040 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,440 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,710 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,984 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,222 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,400 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,520 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,040 | $152,241 | 0.68% | D |
| 3BR | $1,440 | $234,951 | 0.61% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 59522, encompassing Chester, MT, stands out within Liberty County due to its unique demographic and economic characteristics. With a population of 1,315 residents, it has a rental rate of 43.6%, indicating a significant portion of the community opts for leased housing over ownership. The median household income here is $57,212, which contrasts with the median home value of $214,264. This suggests that while homeownership is relatively expensive, the majority of residents still lean towards owning their homes rather than renting.
In terms of Section 8 voucher economics, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area for fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,030. However, the current market rent in Chester, MT, according to the Census ACS, is significantly lower at $696. This discrepancy means that landlords participating in the Section 8 program can expect to receive higher rents compared to the local market average, making it a potentially attractive option for property owners in the area. Landlords should be aware that the voucher amount covers a substantial part of the typical rental cost, ensuring a steady stream of income from tenants who qualify for assistance.
Based on the data provided, the ZIP code 59522 appears to have a stable economic environment. The median income is sufficient to support both rental and ownership costs, albeit with a heavier tilt towards ownership. Given the disparity between the FMR and the actual market rent, the Section 8 program can serve as a reliable source of income for landlords. However, the high median home value indicates that Chester, MT, may also be on the cusp of becoming more transitional, as changes in the economy could affect the balance between rental and ownership rates.
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.