Location: Ravalli County, MT | Metro: Ravalli County, MT
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 | $1,020 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,090 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,330 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,840 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,220 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,575 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,884 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,115 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,271 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,090 | $425,810 | 0.26% | F |
| 2BR | $1,330 | $494,670 | 0.27% | F |
| 3BR | $1,840 | $643,766 | 0.29% | F |
| 4BR | $2,220 | $829,381 | 0.27% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 59829, located in Darby, MT, has a population of 2,148 individuals, with 22.6% being renters. This indicates that the area is primarily dominated by homeowners rather than renters. However, the presence of renters suggests there is some demand for rental properties, particularly those that cater to tenants utilizing housing vouchers.
The median household income in Darby, MT, is $63,650, while the average market rent stands at $961 per month. To contextualize this, typical rent consumes approximately 18.8% of the local median income. This percentage is calculated by dividing the monthly rent by the annual median income and multiplying by 12. The formula used is: ($961 / $63,650) * 12 = 18.8%. This relatively low rent-to-income ratio can be seen as favorable for both tenants and landlords, as it means that rent is a manageable expense for most residents.
Comparing the market rent to the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1,320, which is set for the fiscal year 2026 and represents the metro area standard, reveals that the actual rent in Darby is significantly lower. The FMR is higher by about $359 per month, indicating that the rental market in Darby is below the metro average. This gap between the FMR and the actual market rent could suggest that voucher holders might find it easier to secure housing in this area, given the lower cost of living relative to the voucher amount.
A landlord in Darby, MT, should expect tenants who are likely to benefit from housing vouchers due to the discrepancy between the FMR and market rent. These tenants will typically have a portion of their rent covered by the voucher, with the remainder coming from their own pockets. Given the median income and the market rent, tenants using vouchers will probably pay around $270 out-of-pocket each month, assuming they contribute 30% of their income towards rent, as is common under the Section 8 program. This figure is derived from the formula: (30% of $63,650 / 12) = $160. This amount is then subtracted from the market rent to estimate the tenant's contribution: $961 - $160 = $801, leaving $270 as the out-of-pocket cost.
In summary, while Darby, MT, is not a renter-heavy ZIP, there is a segment of the population that relies on housing vouchers. Landlords can expect tenants who are financially stable enough to cover a reasonable portion of the rent, with the majority subsidized by the government. The lower-than-average market rent makes this area attractive for voucher holders, ensuring a steady demand for rental properties.
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.