Renting in Flathead County, Montana: fair rents and Section 8

Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms: $1,682; a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027; 10% more than in Montana
Typical rent: $1,142; a month, Census, Average 2020–2024; 6% more than in Montana
Wage needed: $32.35; an hour, 2 bedrooms; Or $67,280 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
Rent-burdened households: 51%; spend 30% or more of income on rent; 13% more than in Montana

Source: Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site) Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Average 2020–2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates (external site)

Only here

Renting in Flathead County: what sets it apart

What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.

Nearby, in Glacier County, the typical rent is $548: 52% less than in Flathead County ($1,142).
At $1,142, Flathead County ranks 5th among the 54 counties in Montana with this figure for the highest typical rent.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024).

Fair market rent

What HUD sets for each size

Every year HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) publishes a Fair Market Rent (FMR) for each home size in Flathead County. It is used to work out how much a Section 8 voucher covers. The table shows what you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income.

The fair market rent covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone. HUD generally sets it at the 40th percentile: 4 in 10 standard-quality homes rented recently cost less. 24 CFR §888.113(a)

According to Zillow (ZORI), the typical asking rent in Flathead County was $2,025 a month in September 2026: 3.6% more than 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data

Fair market rent and wage needed To pay the fair market rent without spending more than 30% of income, working full time (40 hours a week).

Fair market rent and wage needed. To pay the fair market rent without spending more than 30% of income, working full time (40 hours a week).
Size	Fair rent per month	Hourly wage	Income needed per year
Studio	$1,277	$24.56	$51,080
1 bedroom	$1,286	$24.73	$51,440
2 bedrooms	$1,682	$32.35	$67,280
3 bedrooms	$2,263	$43.52	$90,520
4 bedrooms	$2,626	$50.50	$105,040

HUD area: Flathead County, MT. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027

By ZIP code

The fair market rent for your ZIP code

HUD also publishes fair market rents by ZIP code (Small Area FMRs) for 16 ZIP codes in Flathead County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,530 in 59916 to $2,060 in 59937. 4 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,682).

Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses. 24 CFR §982.503(a)(1)

Fair market rent by ZIP code, HUD area and size, Fiscal year 2027. A ZIP code that crosses a HUD area line appears once per area.

59901	Flathead County, MT	$1,250	$1,260	$1,650	$2,220	$2,580
59912	Flathead County, MT	$1,200	$1,210	$1,580	$2,130	$2,560
59913	Flathead County, MT	$1,280	$1,280	$1,680	$2,260	$2,620
59916	Flathead County, MT	$1,150	$1,170	$1,530	$2,010	$2,560
59919	Flathead County, MT	$1,280	$1,280	$1,680	$2,260	$2,790
59920	Flathead County, MT	$1,160	$1,180	$1,540	$2,060	$2,560
59922	Flathead County, MT	$1,300	$1,300	$1,710	$2,280	$2,630
59922	Lake County, MT	$1,300	$1,300	$1,710	$2,280	$2,630
59925	Flathead County, MT	$1,150	$1,170	$1,530	$2,030	$2,560
59925	Lincoln County, MT	$1,150	$1,170	$1,530	$2,030	$2,560
59926	Flathead County, MT	$1,280	$1,280	$1,680	$2,260	$2,790
59927	Flathead County, MT	$1,390	$1,410	$1,770	$2,400	$2,800
59928	Flathead County, MT	$1,150	$1,170	$1,530	$2,010	$2,560
59932	Flathead County, MT	$1,280	$1,280	$1,680	$2,260	$2,620
59936	Flathead County, MT	$1,150	$1,170	$1,530	$2,010	$2,560
59937	Flathead County, MT	$1,560	$1,570	$2,060	$2,770	$3,220

ZIP code 2 bd3 bd
59901 · Flathead County, MT $1,650$2,220
59912 · Flathead County, MT $1,580$2,130
59913 · Flathead County, MT $1,680$2,260
59916 · Flathead County, MT $1,530$2,010
59919 · Flathead County, MT $1,680$2,260
59920 · Flathead County, MT $1,540$2,060
59922 · Flathead County, MT $1,710$2,280
59922 · Lake County, MT $1,710$2,280
59925 · Flathead County, MT $1,530$2,030
59925 · Lincoln County, MT $1,530$2,030
59926 · Flathead County, MT $1,680$2,260
59927 · Flathead County, MT $1,770$2,400
59928 · Flathead County, MT $1,530$2,010
59932 · Flathead County, MT $1,680$2,260
59936 · Flathead County, MT $1,530$2,010
59937 · Flathead County, MT $2,060$2,770

Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site)

Rent burden

How many households spend too much

HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Flathead County, 51% of renter households are in that position; in Montana, 45%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).

Paying too much rent leaves little for food, transportation and savings. If that is you, the agencies below can guide you for free.

51%

of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.

12,225 households rent in Flathead County

Spend half or more of their income 23%
Spend 30% or more, but less than half 28%
Spend less than 30% 49%

Compared with the state and the country

Flathead 51%
Montana 45%
United States 51%

Low-income apartments

Low-income apartments in Flathead County

HUD lists 34 properties with homes for low-income households in Flathead County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.

with tax credits (LIHTC): 28
HUD-assisted: 10
public housing: 1

1,102 homes in all; 1,089 of them low-income, according to HUD.

Glacier Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 506 1st Ave W, Kalispell 59901 61 homes, 60 low-income · 1 bd: 61 · In service since 2009 · For older adults · (406) 267-5417
Big Sky Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 110 2nd Ave W, Kalispell 59901 60 low-income homes · Studio: 28 · 1 bd: 32 · In service since 2018 · For older adults · (406) 257-0371
Sunridge Pointe Apts (valley View) Tax credit (LIHTC) 400 Liberty St, Kalispell 59901 52 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2000 · For families
Mountain View Manor Public housing 100 E 4th St, Whitefish 59937 50 low-income homes · Run by Whitefish Housing Authority · Average payment: $446 a month · Average wait: 5 months · (406) 901-2844
Meridian Pointe Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1055 N Meridian Rd, Kalispell 59901 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 1994 · For families
The Elms HUD-assisted 330 3rd Ave W, Kalispell 59901 41 low-income homes · For older adults · (406) 257-9059
Stonecreek Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 819 Ashar Ave, Whitefish 59937 41 homes, 40 low-income · 1 bd: 41 · In service since 1992 · For older adults
Depot Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 249 E Center St, Kalispell 59901 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 28 · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 2013 · For older adults
Kalispell Senior Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 320 Two Mile Dr, Kalispell 59901 40 homes, 39 low-income · 1 bd: 39 · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 1992 · For older adults
Treasure State Plaza Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 600 Liberty St, Kalispell 59901 38 low-income homes · 1 bd: 38 · In service since 2009 · For older adults · (406) 752-7978
Centre Court Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 121 2nd Ave W, Kalispell 59901 40 homes, 36 low-income · 1 bd: 30 · 2 bd: 10 · In service since 2003 · For older adults
Columbia Villa Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 700 7th St W, Columbia Falls 59912 36 low-income homes · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2000 · For families · (406) 252-3773
El Dorita Apartments HUD-assisted 420 Liberty St, Kalispell 59901 36 low-income homes · For families · (406) 752-7884
Fernwell Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 20 4th Ave E, Kalispell 59901 36 low-income homes · Studio: 22 · 1 bd: 13 · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 1995
Westwind Village Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 206 Cooper Ln, Kalispell 59901 34 homes, 33 low-income · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 26 · In service since 1995 · For families
Spring Creek Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 20 Appleway Dr, Kalispell 59901 33 low-income homes · 2 bd: 9 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2009
Spring Creek Apartments II Tax credit (LIHTC) 20 Appleway Dr, Kalispell 59901 33 low-income homes · 2 bd: 18 · 3 bd: 15 · In service since 2011
Spring Creek Apts 2 Tax credit (LIHTC) 20 Appleway Dr, Kalispell 59901 33 low-income homes · 2 bd: 18 · 3 bd: 15 · In service since 2011
Courtyard Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1842 Airport Rd, Kalispell 59901 32 low-income homes · 1 bd: 21 · 2 bd: 9 · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 2018 · For families · (406) 257-6106
Little Jon Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1150 Grand Dr, Bigfork 59911 31 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 3 · In service since 2017 · For families
Whitefish Manor HUD-assisted 1345 E 7th St, Whitefish 59937 30 low-income homes · For older adults · (406) 862-6719
Mountain Senior Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 550 State Park Rd, Whitefish 59937 30 homes, 29 low-income · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 20 · In service since 2004 · For older adults
Cherry Orchard Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 700 Liberty St, Kalispell 59901 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · In service since 1999 · For older adults
Crestview Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 103 Crestview Dr, Bigfork 59911 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 2008 · For older adults
Teakettle Vista Apartments II Tax credit (LIHTC) 1160 12th Ave W, Columbia Falls 59912 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2004 · For older adults
Westgate Senior Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 500 Corporate Dr, Kalispell 59901 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 18 · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 2000 · For older adults
Kalispell Senior Housing, Inc. (vanee Apartments) HUD-assisted 420 Grandview Dr, Kalispell 59901 23 homes, 22 low-income · For older adults · (406) 257-8050
Timber Hills HUD-assisted 95 Windward Way, Kalispell 59901 20 low-income homes · For families · (406) 857-3803
Teakettle Vista Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1220 12th Ave W, Columbia Falls 59912 20 homes, 19 low-income · 1 bd: 19 · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 2000 · For older adults
Meridian Pointe Apartments II Tax credit (LIHTC) 1055 N Meridian Rd, Kalispell 59901 16 low-income homes · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 1995 · For families
Mountain Apartments II Tax credit (LIHTC) 430 Colorado Ave, Whitefish 59937 15 low-income homes · 1 bd: 3 · 2 bd: 9 · 3 bd: 3 · In service since 2002 · For families
Mountain Apts Phase I Tax credit (LIHTC) 430 Colorado Ave, Whitefish 59937 15 homes, 14 low-income · 1 bd: 3 · 2 bd: 9 · 3 bd: 3 · In service since 2001 · For families
Columbia Arms Tax credit (LIHTC) 810 5th St W, Columbia Falls 59912 12 homes, 11 low-income · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 1991 · For older adults
Hailey Apartments Whitefish Tax credit (LIHTC) 125 Winter Loop Ln, Whitefish 59937 10 low-income homes · 1 bd: 2 · 2 bd: 6 · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 2004 · For families

5 properties have two programs at the same address and appear once. Search HUD's map

How to apply

For tax-credit apartments and HUD-assisted buildings, you apply directly at the building's management office. They tell you whether units are open and how to apply; HUD does not have that information. Source: HUD
You apply for public housing at the housing agency that runs it. The agency looks at your yearly income, whether you are a family, an older adult or a person with a disability, and your U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status. If you qualify, your name goes on a waiting list unless they can help you right away. Source: HUD
In tax-credit (LIHTC) apartments, the low-income homes have an income limit, a percentage of the area median income, and a rent cap. Source: 26 U.S.C. §42(g)
In buildings with Section 8 project-based assistance, only low-income households can move in. Source: 24 CFR §5.653(b)
A housing voucher (Section 8) is a separate kind of help: you apply at the public housing agency and use it to rent a home you choose. Source: HUD

This county's income limits Search HUD's map

In public housing, the average payment is what households pay on average for rent and utilities, and the average wait is the time on the list of those who moved in. HUD does not publish those figures where fewer than 11 households reported.

Source: HUD, retrieved November 6, 2026. LIHTC database, updated May 14, 2025; Assisted multifamily properties, updated October 23, 2026; Public housing developments, updated October 23, 2026.

Section 8

The Section 8 voucher in Flathead County

The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 1 agency serves in Flathead County. Here is what the rules say:

The rules, with their source

You apply at the public housing agency. If you qualify, your name usually goes on a waiting list. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or noncitizens with eligible status as HUD defines it. Source: HUD
Generally, your family must have very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income, by family size (the middle column of the table). Source: 24 CFR §5.603, §982.201(b)
Each year, at least 75% of the families an agency admits from its list must have extremely low income (the 30% column). Source: 24 CFR §982.201(b)(2)
If the rent is below the payment standard, the family generally pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. If it is above, the family pays more. Source: 24 CFR §982.1(a)(3)
When you move in, if the rent is above the payment standard, your share cannot go over 40% of your adjusted monthly income. Source: 24 CFR §982.508
Each agency sets a payment standard for each size. Without asking HUD, it can go from 90% to 110% of the fair market rent. Source: 24 CFR §982.503(b), (c)

Mixed-status families: how assistance is figured

HUD income limits Yearly income of the whole family, before taxes.

HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Flathead County, MT.
People	Extremely low (30%)	Very low (50%)	Low
1 person	$21,350	$35,550	$56,850
2 people	$24,400	$40,600	$65,000
3 people	$27,450	$45,700	$73,100
4 people	$33,000	$50,750	$81,200
5 people	$38,680	$54,850	$87,700
6 people	$44,360	$58,900	$94,200
7 people	$50,040	$62,950	$100,700
8 people	$55,720	$67,000	$107,200

Area median income: $101,500. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Flathead County, MT. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026

How much can you earn? Check your case

Possible payment standard

Studio $1,149 – $1,405
1 bedroom $1,157 – $1,415
2 bedrooms $1,514 – $1,850
3 bedrooms $2,037 – $2,489
4 bedrooms $2,363 – $2,889

The range the rule allows: 90% to 110% of the county's fair market rent. Your agency publishes its own.

Housing agencies that serve this place

Whitefish Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 19 vouchers · 50 public housing units (406) 901-2844 Whitefish Housing Authority: director@whitefishhousing.org

Housing agencies in Montana Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026

Your rights as a tenant in Montana

What Montana law says about deposits, notices and eviction, with the citation for each rule.

See your rights, rule by rule

Compare these rules with other states →

A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.

If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?: 3 days; Mont. Code Ann. §70-24-422(2)
How much notice before a rent increase?: 15 days; Mont. Code Ann. §70-26-109

Only a court order can remove youMont. Code Ann. §70-24-428
Protection from retaliationMont. Code Ann. §70-24-431(1)

Help

Where to get help with rent in Flathead County

HUD lists no counseling agencies near in Flathead County. Free legal aid and your housing agency can guide you.

See every agency in Montana Find legal aid (lsc.gov)

Tool

How much cash do you need to move in?

It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Flathead County. Change the rent, the deposit and the fees to yours: the numbers stay in your browser.

Count power on top of the rent: in Montana, the average home bill was $108 a month in 2024 (EIA). See electricity and gas costs

Open the full tool

Your move

State

We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.

Monthly rentHUD fair market rent$HUD two-bedroom fair market rent (FMR) in Flathead County (FY2027). Enter the rent of the home you want.What you can set aside each month$To see how long it takes to put it together.

Adjust advanced details

Deposit and rent in advance

The deposit, in

Months of rentDollars

Months of rent for the depositThat is $1,682. We start with an example; enter what you are asked for.Pay the first month before moving inThey also ask for the last month

Application fees$What each application charges, for all the ones you'll fill out.Utility deposits and connection$Electricity, gas, water and internet. Ask each company.The move$Planning example, not a price: $100 to $400 to rent a truck for a day for a move within your city. Get quotes.Pet deposit$Other costs$Boxes, locks, basic furniture.

Let's do the math

Cash to move in

$3,364

What you need before you get the keys.

What adds up

First month: $1,682
Security deposit: $1,682
Total: $3,364

The deposit cap

Pick your state to see whether its law caps the deposit.

Compare each state's rules →

When you'll have it

Enter what you can set aside each month to see how long it takes.

What helps

Ask for a receipt for every payment and keep a copy of the lease.
On move-in day, walk through the home and take dated photos.
Never send money for a home you haven't seen or a lease you haven't read.

Guide: the security deposit Guide: avoiding rental scams Family budget How much rent can I afford?

This is a planning estimate, not a price. What you are asked for depends on the landlord, your lease and your state's and city's rules. It is not legal advice.

Guides

Before you sign

Frequently asked questions

What is the fair market rent in Flathead County?

According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,277; 1 bedroom: $1,286; 2 bedrooms: $1,682; 3 bedrooms: $2,263; 4 bedrooms: $2,626. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.

How much do you need to earn to rent in Flathead County?

Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,682) without spending more than 30% of income takes $32.35 an hour full time, or $67,280 a year.

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Flathead County?

Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $50,750 a year (Fiscal year 2026). The family usually pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. You apply at the housing agency.

How much does Section 8 pay in Flathead County?

The voucher pays up to your housing agency's payment standard, minus your share. The rule lets the agency set it between 90% and 110% of the fair market rent: for 2 bedrooms here, between $1,514 and $1,850 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.

Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Flathead County?

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,530 in 59916 to $2,060 in 59937. Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses.

How many low-income apartments are there in Flathead County?

HUD lists 34 properties with homes for low-income households in Flathead County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest. For tax-credit apartments and HUD-assisted buildings, you apply directly at the building's management office. They tell you whether units are open and how to apply; HUD does not have that information.

How many households spend too much on rent in Flathead County?

HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Flathead County, 51% of renter households are in that position; in Montana, 45%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).

Sources and methodology

Fair market rents and income limits come from HUD; typical rent and the burden, from the Census. The wage needed is our calculation: fair market rent × 12 ÷ 30% ÷ full-time hours a year. The voucher rules were read in their official text on the date shown.

Fair Market Rents Fiscal year 2027
Small Area Fair Market Rents Fiscal year 2027
Low-income apartments Retrieved November 6, 2026
American Community Survey Average 2020–2024
Income Limits Fiscal year 2026
Public Housing Agencies Retrieved November 6, 2026

Program rules

24 CFR §888.113, Fair market rents for existing housing: Methodology Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.503, Payment standard areas, schedule, and amounts Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §5.603, Definitions (income) Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.201, Eligibility and targeting Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.1, Programs: purpose and structure Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.508, Maximum family share at initial occupancy Verified October 30, 2026
HUD, Housing Choice Voucher Tenants Verified October 30, 2026

Renting in Flathead County, Montana

Four numbers to start with

Renting in Flathead County: what sets it apart

What HUD sets for each size

The fair market rent for your ZIP code

How many households spend too much

Compared with the state and the country

Low-income apartments in Flathead County

The Section 8 voucher in Flathead County

The rules, with their source

Possible payment standard

Housing agencies that serve this place

Your rights as a tenant in Montana

Where to get help with rent in Flathead County

How much cash do you need to move in?

Your move

Before you sign

Frequently asked questions

What is the fair market rent in Flathead County?

How much do you need to earn to rent in Flathead County?

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Flathead County?

How much does Section 8 pay in Flathead County?

Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Flathead County?

How many low-income apartments are there in Flathead County?

How many households spend too much on rent in Flathead County?