Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 59526 - 2027

Location: Blaine County, MT | Metro: Blaine County, MT

Investment Score for ZIP 59526

Monthly Rent (2BR)

$1,190

Median Price (2BR)

$129,148

1% Rule

0.92%

Annual Yield

11.06%

Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)

FY 2027 Fair Market Rent Rates

Unit Size	Monthly FMR
Studio	$910
1 Bedroom	$930
2 Bedrooms	$1,190
3 Bedrooms	$1,440
4 Bedrooms	$1,950
5 Bedrooms	$2,262
6 Bedrooms	$2,533
7 Bedrooms	$2,736
8 Bedrooms	$2,873

Investment Analysis by Bedroom Size

Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)

Bedrooms	Monthly FMR	Median Price	1% Rule	Grade
2BR	$1,190	$129,148	0.92%	C
3BR	$1,440	$207,715	0.69%	D

Demographics & Housing Statistics

U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)

Population

2,319

Median Household Income

$63,869

Housing Units

941

Renter Percentage

42.0%

Occupancy Rate

80.8%

Renter Occupied

319

The ZIP code 59526, located in Harlem, Montana, is a small rural community that offers unique opportunities for real estate investors, particularly those interested in the dynamics of the Section 8 housing market. This area is characterized by its modest size and the interplay between federal housing assistance programs and local rental markets.

The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for a two-bedroom apartment in the metro area for fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,190. This figure represents the maximum amount that a landlord can charge for a unit under the Section 8 program, ensuring a steady, government-backed income stream for eligible properties.
The average market rent for a property in ZIP 59526, according to the Census American Community Survey, stands at $617. This indicates that the local rental market is significantly below the FMR, suggesting potential for higher returns if properties can qualify for Section 8.
The median home value in this ZIP code is $165,753, which is relatively low compared to larger urban areas, making it accessible for first-time investors or those looking to diversify their portfolios with affordable assets.
Renters make up 42.0% of the population, indicating a substantial demand for rental properties. This percentage suggests that there is a considerable portion of the community that could benefit from and utilize Section 8 vouchers.
The median household income in ZIP 59526 is $63,869. While this figure is above the poverty line, it still reflects a demographic that might be inclined towards subsidized housing options, thus potentially increasing the pool of tenants who qualify for Section 8.

Synthesizing these points, investing in the Harlem, MT area presents a viable opportunity for landlords and small-portfolio investors, especially when considering the potential for Section 8 participation. The gap between the FMR and market rent provides a financial incentive for qualifying properties, while the lower median home values offer a chance to enter the market with less capital. The significant renter share and median income levels indicate a stable tenant base, although further research should be conducted to understand the availability and distribution of Section 8 vouchers within the community.

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.