Location: Lewis and Clark County, MT | Metro: Lewis and Clark County, MT HUD Metro FMR Area
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 | $780 |
| 1 Bedroom | $890 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,120 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,550 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,620 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,879 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,104 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,272 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,386 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $890 | $311,668 | 0.29% | F |
| 2BR | $1,120 | $349,919 | 0.32% | F |
| 3BR | $1,550 | $464,040 | 0.33% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
Lewis and Clark County's ZIP code 59639, located in Lincoln, MT, stands out due to its relatively low population density with only 1,021 residents. The area has a modest rental rate at 13.0%, indicating that most residents own their homes, which aligns with the high median home value of $358,296. Despite the high home values, the median household income is comparatively lower at $57,778, suggesting that homeownership might be a significant financial commitment for local families.
The voucher economics in ZIP 59639 are favorable for landlords. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,180, significantly higher than the current market rent of $784, based on Census ACS data. This discrepancy means that landlords can potentially receive higher rents through Section 8 vouchers than they would in the open market. For example, a landlord could see an increase of over $396 per month by participating in the Section 8 program, making it a financially attractive option.
Based on the data signature, ZIP 59639 appears to be a stable area. The high median home value coupled with a low percentage of renters indicates a community where long-term homeownership is prevalent. This stability is further supported by the consistency between the historical median income and the projected FMR, suggesting that the local economy can support current housing costs without significant volatility. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should consider the potential benefits of accepting Section 8 vouchers, given the favorable economic conditions for doing so in this ZIP code.
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.