Location: Flathead 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 | $1,280 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,280 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,680 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,260 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,790 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,236 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,624 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,914 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,110 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,680 | $325,434 | 0.52% | F |
| 3BR | $2,260 | $413,983 | 0.55% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The potential risks for a Section 8 investment in ZIP code 59919 in Hungry Horse, MT, must be carefully considered. Tenant turnover is a significant concern due to the discrepancy between the market rent and the Fair Market Rent (FMR) set at $1,850 for FY 2026 in the metro area. The absence of specific market rent data suggests that local rents might be below this threshold, leading to higher competition for tenants who can afford to pay more. This disparity can result in frequent turnover, which is costly for landlords.
Vacancy exposure is another critical issue. With no data on days on market (DOM), it's challenging to predict how quickly properties will fill. However, the typical home value of $338,278 and the median income of $53,056 indicate that the cost of living in the area is relatively high compared to average incomes, potentially leading to longer vacancy periods as fewer individuals can afford the rent.
Deferred maintenance is also a risk factor. Properties in this area might require substantial investments to meet the necessary standards for Section 8 eligibility, especially given the typical home value. Landlords should be prepared to invest in repairs and upgrades to avoid violations and ensure compliance with housing regulations.
Despite these challenges, there is a silver lining. The 13.8% renter share in the area points to a high concentration of renters, which typically translates into higher demand for rental assistance vouchers. This increased demand can provide a steady stream of qualified tenants, mitigating some of the risks associated with vacancy and turnover.
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.