Location: Beaverhead County, MT | Metro: Beaverhead County, MT
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $830 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,000 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,090 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,510 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,820 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,111 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,364 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,553 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,681 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Section 8 market analysis for ZIP code 59736, located in Beaverhead County, MT, reveals a unique opportunity for investors. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area is set at $1,080 for fiscal year 2026. However, the current market rent, as per Census ACS data, stands at $710. This discrepancy means that voucher tenants will cashflow positively at the FMR rate, providing a significant financial advantage to landlords.
To further understand the investment potential, let's consider the rent-to-price ratio. The median home value in ZIP 59736 is not available, which suggests that the housing market is relatively sparse or specialized. Despite this lack of data, the fact that voucher rates exceed market rents indicates strong demand for rental properties among subsidized tenants. Landlords can leverage this by offering well-maintained, premium units at the higher FMR rate, ensuring steady positive cashflow.
The dynamics of days on market (DOM) and price-cut share are also important factors in the rent-versus-buy decision. Unfortunately, these metrics are not available for ZIP 59736, but given the higher voucher rates compared to market rents, it's reasonable to infer that the rental market is robust. This robustness supports the idea that voucher holders might prefer renting over buying, especially since the cost of homeownership is likely prohibitive due to the unavailability of median home values.
The strongest investor angle in ZIP 59736 is cashflow. With voucher rates significantly above market rents, landlords can expect consistent and reliable income from their investments. This makes ZIP 59736 an attractive location for both landlords and small-portfolio investors looking to maximize returns through positive cashflow.
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.