Location: Mineral County, MT | Metro: Mineral 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 | $850 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,000 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,230 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,470 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,730 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,007 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,248 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,428 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,549 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,000 | $300,262 | 0.33% | F |
| 2BR | $1,230 | $373,169 | 0.33% | F |
| 3BR | $1,470 | $425,592 | 0.35% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The investment landscape for Section 8 properties in ZIP code 59872, Superior, MT, presents several challenges that could impact profitability. Tenant turnover is a significant risk, with the market rent at $732 being notably lower than the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1,190 for FY 2026 in the metro area. This disparity suggests that tenants might seek higher-rent properties outside of Section 8, leading to frequent changes in occupancy.
Vacancy exposure is another concern. The average days on market (DOM) for rental properties is currently unknown, which can make it difficult to predict how long a property might remain unoccupied. Given the lower market rent, landlords should prepare for extended periods of vacancy if the local rental market shifts unfavorably.
The deferred-maintenance exposure is also considerable. With an average home value of $380,307 and a median income of $55,926, landlords must be prepared to invest in maintaining the property's condition without relying on substantial profit margins. The financial burden of upkeep can be significant when the income derived from the property is capped at a lower market rate.
However, these risks are somewhat mitigated by the high renter share of 21.1%. A larger proportion of renters typically translates into higher demand for housing vouchers, which can stabilize occupancy rates and provide a steady stream of tenants. This factor can help ensure a consistent income flow, even in a challenging market environment.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord.
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.