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 | $1,150 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,170 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,530 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,030 |
| 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 | $1,170 | $618,863 | 0.19% | F |
| 2BR | $1,530 | $744,748 | 0.21% | F |
| 3BR | $2,030 | $798,689 | 0.25% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The analysis of ZIP 59925, located in Marion, MT, within the Lincoln County, MT metro area, reveals several key points for potential landlords and small-portfolio investors.
The first question concerns the viability of rental income. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,480. However, the current market rent, as per the Census ACS data, stands at $905. This discrepancy indicates that the rent math does not currently work in favor of landlords, as the actual rents charged are significantly below the FMR, suggesting a challenging environment to achieve desired rental yields.
Regarding the affordability of acquisitions, the median home value in ZIP 59925 is $713,172. Unfortunately, the data on days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that require price cuts before selling is not available. Without these metrics, it's difficult to fully assess the liquidity and negotiation dynamics of the real estate market in this area. Nonetheless, the high median home value suggests that property acquisition costs are substantial, which could be a barrier for some investors looking to enter the market.
The third point to consider is tenant demand. The total population of ZIP 59925 is 1,532, with a renter share of 12.9%. This relatively low percentage of renters implies limited demand for rental properties, potentially leading to occupancy challenges and reduced competition among landlords.
In summary, while the median home value in ZIP 59925 is high, indicating a potentially affluent market, the mismatch between FMR and actual market rents, combined with a low renter share, suggests that the area may not be an ideal investment for those seeking stable rental income. The lack of data on DOM and price cut percentages further complicates the assessment of property acquisition feasibility. Therefore, potential landlords and investors should proceed with caution, carefully weighing the risks against the potential rewards of investing in this ZIP code.
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.