Location: Mineral County, MT | Metro: Missoula, 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 | $1,090 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,320 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,560 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,080 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,500 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,900 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,248 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,508 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,683 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,560 | $433,416 | 0.36% | F |
| 3BR | $2,080 | $571,038 | 0.36% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The market analysis for Section 8 investors in ZIP code 59820, Alberton, MT, reveals a competitive rental environment. The HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area, set at $1,040 per month for FY 2024, is slightly below the Census ACS-reported market rent of $1,114. This indicates that voucher tenants will cashflow marginally at the FMR rate, necessitating some flexibility in pricing or an emphasis on premium units to ensure positive cash flow.
The median home value in the area stands at $509,676, providing a basis for calculating the rent-to-price ratio. Using the market rent figure of $1,114, the monthly rent-to-price ratio is approximately 0.22%, suggesting that the area has a relatively low rental yield compared to the property values. However, given the limited data on days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that have had their prices cut, it's challenging to assess the exact impact on rent-vs-buy dynamics. These metrics are marked as N/A, indicating either insufficient data or that such trends are not significant enough to report.
The strongest angle for investors in this market is likely stability. With a consistent demand for housing and a manageable gap between the HUD FMR and market rents, investors can expect steady cash flows without the need for frequent adjustments or speculative investments. Stability in this context means less risk and more predictable returns, making it an attractive proposition for landlords and small-portfolio investors looking to maintain a reliable income stream.
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.