Location: Flathead County, MT | Metro: Flathead County, MT
| 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 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 59926 presents several challenges for landlords considering Section 8 investments. First, tenant turnover can be a significant issue when comparing the market rent, which is currently unavailable, to the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1,850 for fiscal year 2026 in the metro area. This discrepancy can lead to financial instability if landlords rely on steady rental income. Second, vacancy exposure is a concern due to the lack of data on the number of days on market (DOM), which indicates how long it might take to fill a vacancy. Lastly, there is a notable risk of deferred maintenance, especially considering the typical home value of $484,537 and the median income of $70,948. These figures suggest that homeowners may struggle to keep up with necessary repairs and improvements, potentially leading to lower property values and increased maintenance costs for landlords.
Despite these risks, the high renter share of 29.6% in ZIP 59926 is a positive factor. A large proportion of renters often translates into higher demand for housing vouchers, which can provide a stable source of income for landlords who participate in the Section 8 program. The presence of many renters also implies a robust market for rental properties, which can mitigate some of the risks associated with tenant turnover and vacancy rates.
In conclusion, the investment risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord in ZIP 59926 is moderate. While there are significant challenges, the high renter density offers a counterbalance that can make the investment viable under the right conditions.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). 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.