Location: Lake County, MT | Metro: Flathead 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 | $1,340 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,350 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,760 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,320 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,660 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,086 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,456 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,732 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,919 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,350 | $507,379 | 0.27% | F |
| 2BR | $1,760 | $664,044 | 0.27% | F |
| 3BR | $2,320 | $851,391 | 0.27% | F |
| 4BR | $2,660 | $1,226,927 | 0.22% | F |
| 5BR | $3,086 | $1,616,388 | 0.19% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 59911, located in Bigfork, Montana, presents a unique challenge for renters given the local economic conditions and housing costs. The median household income stands at $83,019, which is a solid figure, but it doesn't quite match up to the average rental cost of $1,114 per month as reported by the Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS).
To put this into perspective, let's consider the financial strain this places on a typical renter. A household earning the median income would spend approximately 33% of their monthly income on rent alone. This percentage is based on dividing the median income by 12 months to find the monthly income, then calculating the proportion spent on the average rent.
Further complicating matters is the Housing Choice Voucher program, where the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,780. This means that landlords who accept vouchers could potentially receive higher payments than the market rate. However, the discrepancy between the voucher payment standard and the actual market rate highlights a significant affordability gap for renters without vouchers.
The ZIP code has a relatively low percentage of renters at 16.0%, indicating that homeownership is more prevalent. With a total population of 9,493, this translates to around 1,519 renters. Given the limited number of renters and the high cost of living relative to income, landlords face stiff competition when it comes to attracting tenants.
The takeaway for landlords considering voucher versus cash-pay strategies is clear. While accepting vouchers might involve some administrative overhead, the guaranteed higher payment of $1,780 per month compared to the market rate of $1,114 can be financially advantageous. Moreover, landlords who accept vouchers contribute to making housing more accessible in an area where affordability is a concern. This strategy can also help secure long-term, stable tenancy, which is beneficial in a competitive market with a limited pool of potential renters.
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.