[ section 8 · Montana FMR ]

section 8 rents
in montana.

HUD Fair Market Rents across 388 Montana ZIP codes for FY2026. the median 2-bedroom runs $1,370/mo and the median 3-bedroom $1,860/mo — with 3-bedroom rents spanning $1,250 to $3,450/mo depending on the ZIP.

statewide median

FMR by bedroom.

median Fair Market Rent across all Montana ZIPs, by unit size (FY2026).
bedroomsmedian FMR / mo
studio / 0 BR$1,020
1 BR$1,090
2 BR$1,370
3 BR$1,860
4 BR$2,165

3-bedroom FMR ranges from $1,250 to $3,450/mo across Montana ZIP codes — Small Area FMRs vary widely within a single metro.

top metros

where the rents are.

the Montana HUD areas with the most covered ZIPs, with 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom FMRs.
metro / areaZIPs2 BR3 BR
Billings21$1,430$1,970
Madison County18$1,455$1,985
Lewis and Clark County16$1,650$2,250
Big Horn County14$1,345$1,785
Valley County14$1,200$1,570
Lake County14$1,465$1,875
Flathead County14$1,660$2,180
Rosebud County12$1,220$1,685

SAFMR = ZIP-level variation. HUD sets Small Area Fair Market Rents by ZIP in many of these metros, so two homes in the same city can carry very different voucher ceilings.

the underwriting

the DSCR math at montana's median rent.

a worked example — assumptions stated, not hidden. run your exact numbers in the calculator.

At the median 3-bedroom Section 8 rent of $1,860/mo, the maximum PITIA that still clears a 1.20 DSCR is $1,550/mo. Assuming ~25% of that payment goes to property taxes and insurance, the maximum principal & interest is $1,163/mo — which supports roughly a $175,000 loan at 7% over 30 years, or about a $233,000 purchase at 75% LTV.

median 3 BR rent$1,860/mo
max PITIA @ 1.20 DSCR$1,550/mo
max P&I (~75% of PITIA)$1,163/mo
supported loan (7% / 30yr)$175,000
implied price (75% LTV)$233,000

Assumptions: 1.20 DSCR floor, ~25% of PITIA for taxes + insurance, 7.0% 30-year fixed, 75% LTV. Your taxes, insurance, rate, and LTV will differ — run your exact numbers in the DSCR calculator.

FAQ

Montana Section 8, answered.

the four questions investors ask before underwriting a Montana voucher deal.
Montana FMR —
What is the Section 8 rent for a 3-bedroom in Montana?
The median 3-bedroom Fair Market Rent in Montana is $1,860/mo (FY2026). It varies by ZIP — from $1,250 to $3,450/mo across the state under HUD's Small Area FMR schedule.
Montana FMR —
How are Fair Market Rents set in Montana?
HUD publishes Fair Market Rents (and Small Area FMRs by ZIP where applicable) annually — these are the FY2026 figures. Local public housing authorities then set voucher payment standards at 90–110% of FMR, and rent reasonableness versus comparable local units still applies before a lease is approved.
Montana FMR —
Which Montana metros have the highest Section 8 rents?
Lewis and Clark County leads at $2,250/mo for a 3-bedroom, followed by Flathead County at $2,180/mo.
Montana FMR —
Does Section 8 rent in Montana cover a DSCR loan?
At the median 3-bedroom rent of $1,860/mo, the maximum PITIA at a 1.20 DSCR is $1,550/mo. Assuming ~25% goes to taxes and insurance, that supports roughly a $175,000 loan at 7% over 30 years — about a $233,000 purchase at 75% LTV.
live · all 50 states

FMR on every montana listing.

Verleon AI overlays HUD Fair Market Rents on every active listing in Montana — and all 50 states — so you see the Section 8 ceiling and DSCR before you make an offer. See the Section 8 investing guide or the FMR-by-state overview.

Data source: HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rents (Small Area FMRs where published), snapshot 2026-07-14. Payment standards vary by public housing authority (typically 90–110% of FMR). Figures are for research and do not guarantee approved rent on any specific unit.

Not investment advice. Verleon AI provides analytical tooling for real-estate professionals. Underwriting outputs (DSCR, cap rate, Section 8 FMR estimates, scores) are modeled from public and licensed data and are not a substitute for independent due diligence, legal counsel, lender pre-approval, or licensed appraisal. Past performance is not indicative of future results.