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 analysis of ZIP code 59761 in Beaverhead County, Montana, reveals several key points that are crucial for landlords and small-portfolio investors.
First, regarding the rent math, the Federal Market Rent (FMR) for FY 2026 is set at $1,080, which significantly exceeds the current market rent of $613 based on Census ACS data. This discrepancy suggests that landlords might struggle to attract tenants paying the higher FMR rate, as it is far above what the local market currently supports.
Second, the acquisition affordability is questionable. The median home value stands at $462,153, which is high relative to the area's economic indicators. However, due to the lack of data on Days on Market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that have been listed with a price cut, it's challenging to provide a comprehensive assessment of how easily these properties can be acquired at their current values.
Third, the tenant demand is modest. With a total population of 312 and a renter share of 26.7%, the pool of potential renters is limited. This means that landlords must carefully consider the competition and the overall housing needs of such a small community.
In conclusion, while ZIP 59761 presents opportunities, the significant gap between the FMR and the actual market rent poses a substantial risk. The high median home value without additional context on DOM and price cuts makes acquisitions less straightforward. Lastly, the limited tenant demand necessitates a cautious approach. Landlords should proceed with caution and consider diversifying their investment strategies beyond this zip code unless they can secure properties well below the median value and offer competitive rental rates.
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.