Location: Sanders County, MT | Metro: Sanders 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 | $710 |
| 1 Bedroom | $800 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,210 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,680 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,949 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,183 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,358 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,476 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $800 | $319,349 | 0.25% | F |
| 2BR | $1,010 | $399,027 | 0.25% | F |
| 3BR | $1,210 | $497,084 | 0.24% | F |
| 4BR | $1,680 | $552,274 | 0.3% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 59873, located in Thompson Falls, MT within the Sanders County, MT metro, presents unique characteristics that set it apart from other ZIP codes in the region. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 59873 is $980, which is higher than the market rent of $543. This indicates that the federally determined rental rate for the area is above what the local market typically charges.
The median home value in ZIP 59873 stands at $429,261. This figure is notably lower than the average home value in the broader Sanders County metro, suggesting that it could be considered a value pocket for real estate investment. However, the FMR being significantly higher than the market rent implies potential opportunities for landlords who can leverage federal subsidies to increase their rental income.
A key metric to consider is the 12.8% renter share. This percentage is indicative of a moderate number of renters in the area. Typically, a higher renter share combined with below-average home values can signal a favorable environment for Section 8 properties. In ZIP 59873, the lower home value and the presence of renters, albeit not in overwhelming numbers, align with the potential for such investments.
To summarize, ZIP 59873 appears to be a value pocket within the Sanders County, MT metro. The discrepancy between the FMR and market rent, along with the relatively low home value, makes it an attractive option for landlords and small-portfolio investors looking to benefit from federal rental assistance programs. The moderate renter share supports this inference without signaling it as a premium sub-market.
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.