Location: Jefferson County, MT | Metro: Bozeman, MT MSA
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 | $1,340 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,510 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,940 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,700 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,190 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,700 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,144 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,476 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,700 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,510 | $362,814 | 0.42% | F |
| 2BR | $1,940 | $437,992 | 0.44% | F |
| 3BR | $2,700 | $574,628 | 0.47% | F |
| 4BR | $3,190 | $680,528 | 0.47% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
In Three Forks, Montana (ZIP 59752), the real estate landscape presents a unique opportunity for both landlords and small-portfolio investors. The median home value stands at $550,167, indicating a stable housing market. With only 0.2% of listings experiencing reductions, it's evident that sellers maintain significant pricing power. This suggests that over the next 12 to 24 months, the market will likely continue to favor those who hold onto their properties rather than those looking to sell quickly.
The median days on market (DOM) being listed as N/A signals that homes are either selling rapidly or that there is limited inventory available, further supporting the notion of strong seller's market conditions. This combination of high median home values, minimal price reductions, and rapid sales indicates that the local economy is robust enough to support current property valuations without significant downward pressure.
On the rental side, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is projected to be $1,920, while the current market rent is $1,272. This gap suggests that rents in Three Forks have room to grow, aligning with the broader metropolitan trend. Landlords can expect increased demand for rentals as the area's population grows and becomes more prosperous, leading to potential increases in rental income.
For long-term investors, the setup implied by the data points towards a realistic appreciation thesis. The growing disparity between the current market rent and the projected FMR suggests that rental values will rise, which often precedes an increase in property values. As rental demand rises and supply remains tight, landlords and investors can anticipate a gradual upward trend in property values, enhancing their portfolio's overall worth over time.
The stability in home values and the potential for rental growth create a solid foundation for investment. However, it's important to note that appreciation is not guaranteed; it depends on various factors including economic conditions, local job markets, and population trends. Nonetheless, the current data paints a picture of a market that is poised for steady growth, making Three Forks an attractive location for those looking to invest in real estate for the long term.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.