Location: Silver Bow County, MT | Metro: Jefferson 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 | $1,040 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,090 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,390 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,870 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,330 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,703 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,027 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,269 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,432 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,090 | $293,962 | 0.37% | F |
| 2BR | $1,390 | $357,024 | 0.39% | F |
| 3BR | $1,870 | $508,997 | 0.37% | F |
| 4BR | $2,330 | $520,711 | 0.45% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 in ZIP code 59759, which includes Whitehall, MT, in Jefferson County, are straightforward. The SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment in this ZIP code is set at $1,450 per month for fiscal year 2026. However, the local market rent for a similar unit is significantly lower, running at $923 according to the latest Census ACS data.
A Section 8 voucher works by covering the difference between the local market rent and the SAFMR, up to the limit. Landlords should note that the tenant is responsible for paying 30% of their adjusted income towards rent. If the tenant's share is below the market rent, the voucher makes up the shortfall, but only up to the SAFMR limit. For instance, if a tenant's share is $700, the voucher would cover the remaining $223 to meet the market rent of $923, but since the SAFMR is higher, it wouldn't exceed the $1,450 cap.
The voucher also includes utility allowances. These vary but typically add around $200-$300 to the base rent amount. This means that if you factor in an allowance of $250, the total reimbursement could be $1,173 ($923 market rent + $250 utilities).
To illustrate, let's assume the local market rent remains stable at $923. With a utility allowance of $250, the total reimbursement to the landlord would be $1,173. Given the SAFMR of $1,450, landlords would still receive a surplus of $227 per month over the local market rent. This surplus provides landlords with a financial buffer and helps offset any maintenance costs or vacancies.
In conclusion, landlords in ZIP 59759 can expect a typical reimbursement for a two-bedroom unit under a Section 8 voucher to be around $1,173, leaving them with a surplus of approximately $227 above the local market rent of $923. This makes Section 8 a viable option for landlords looking to secure long-term tenants while maintaining profitability.
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.