Location: Liberty County, MT | Metro: Hill County, MT
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $890 |
| 1 Bedroom | $970 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,180 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,560 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,710 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,984 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,222 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,400 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,520 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP code 59531 within Liberty County, Montana, reveals several key points that are essential for landlords and small-portfolio investors.
Firstly, regarding the rent math, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,140. However, due to the lack of available market rent data, it's impossible to conduct a direct comparison. This absence of current market rent figures makes it challenging to assess whether the FMR accurately reflects what tenants are willing to pay in the immediate vicinity.
Secondly, the acquisition affordability in ZIP 59531 cannot be fully evaluated without specific data on median home values, days on market (DOM), and the percentage of homes that have been listed with price cuts. These missing details prevent a comprehensive understanding of how competitive and affordable property acquisitions might be in this area.
Lastly, the tenant demand in ZIP 59531 can be gauged from the local population size and the proportion of renters. With a total population of 351, and 16.3% of the residents being renters, the pool of potential tenants is relatively small. This suggests that competition for rental properties could be intense, and landlords may need to offer attractive terms to secure tenants.
Verdict: Despite the limited availability of market-specific data, the analysis indicates that the Fair Market Rent at $1,140 could serve as a guideline for setting rents, but further research into actual market conditions is necessary. The small population size and low renter share suggest that while there is some demand, it may be constrained. Landlords should proceed cautiously, ensuring they understand the local dynamics before making investment decisions.
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.