Location: Lincoln 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 | $1,260 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,310 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,530 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,010 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,560 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,970 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,326 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,592 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,772 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,310 | $416,800 | 0.31% | F |
| 2BR | $1,530 | $468,317 | 0.33% | F |
| 3BR | $2,010 | $576,352 | 0.35% | F |
| 4BR | $2,560 | $701,608 | 0.36% | F |
| 5BR | $2,970 | $880,282 | 0.34% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The potential pitfalls for a Section 8 landlord in ZIP code 59917, located in Eureka, MT, include significant tenant turnover and vacancy exposure. At a market rent of $913, which is notably lower than the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1,480 for the metro area (FY 2026), landlords might struggle to attract tenants willing to pay the higher FMR, leading to frequent turnover. This can be costly due to the need for regular maintenance and the time spent on screening and processing new applications.
The vacancy exposure is another concern. With the days on market (DOM) being listed as N/A, it suggests that there might be limited data available on how quickly properties typically rent out in this area. However, given the disparity between the market rent and the FMR, landlords could face prolonged vacancies, especially if they set rents closer to the FMR to maximize returns. Vacancies are particularly risky when considering the typical home value of $529,363 and the median income of $50,139, which indicates that many residents might struggle to afford higher rents without assistance.
A further risk factor is deferred maintenance. The high property values relative to median incomes suggest that some homeowners may delay necessary repairs due to financial constraints. For landlords, this could mean inheriting properties in need of significant upgrades, which can be expensive but necessary to maintain rental quality and comply with housing standards.
Despite these challenges, the high renter share of 10.7% provides a silver lining. In areas where a large percentage of the population are renters, there tends to be a greater demand for rental properties, including those utilizing Section 8 vouchers. This demand can help stabilize the rental market and provide a steady stream of qualified tenants seeking affordable housing solutions.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord in ZIP 59917.
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.