Location: Silver Bow County, MT | Metro: Silver Bow County, MT
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,080 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,180 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,970 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,330 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,703 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,027 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,269 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,432 |
The ZIP code 59702 in Unknown, MT presents several challenges for landlords considering Section 8 investments. Tenant turnover is a significant concern, as there is no available market rent data to compare against the $1,410 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the fiscal year 2026, which is based on the metro area. This lack of comparative data makes it difficult to predict how tenants will react to the FMR rates, potentially leading to higher turnover if the market rent is significantly lower.
Vacancy exposure is another issue, with no data on the number of days on market (DOM) for rental properties. Without this information, it's challenging to assess how long it might take to fill vacancies, increasing the risk of lost rental income. Additionally, the absence of typical home values and median income figures in the area makes it hard to gauge the level of deferred maintenance that might be present in rental units. Landlords should be prepared for potential higher-than-average maintenance costs due to the unknown economic conditions of the area.
However, these risks must be weighed against the high concentration of renters in the area, indicated by the unspecified percentage of the renter share. High renter density typically correlates with a greater demand for housing vouchers, suggesting that there could be a steady stream of Section 8 tenants willing to pay the FMR rate. This factor can mitigate some of the risks associated with vacancy and maintenance, as it ensures a consistent pool of potential tenants.
In conclusion, despite the lack of specific market data, the high renter density in ZIP 59702 makes it a moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord. The potential for stable voucher-driven demand balances out the uncertainties around market rent, vacancy periods, and maintenance costs.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027).
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.