Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Lake County, Montana
Lake County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,448 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $901 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $27.85 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,448
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 5% less than in Montana
- Typical rent
- $901
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 17% less than in Montana
- Wage needed
- $27.85
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $57,920 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 41%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 8% less than in Montana
Only here
Renting in Lake County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Nearby, in Teton County, the typical rent is $730: 19% less than in Lake County ($901).
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 Lake 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 Lake County was $1,633 a month in September 2026. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,116 | $21.46 | $44,640 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,123 | $21.60 | $44,920 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,448 | $27.85 | $57,920 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,821 | $35.02 | $72,840 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,046 | $39.35 | $81,840 |
HUD area: Lake 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 13 ZIP codes in Lake County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,300 in 59824 to $2,010 in 59914. 8 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,448).
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)
| 59824 | Lake County, MT | $1,000 | $1,010 | $1,300 | $1,680 | $1,840 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 59855 | Lake County, MT | $990 | $1,000 | $1,300 | $1,680 | $1,800 |
| 59860 | Lake County, MT | $1,130 | $1,130 | $1,460 | $1,840 | $2,060 |
| 59863 | Lake County, MT | $1,030 | $1,060 | $1,360 | $1,700 | $1,980 |
| 59864 | Lake County, MT | $1,080 | $1,090 | $1,400 | $1,760 | $1,980 |
| 59865 | Lake County, MT | $990 | $1,000 | $1,300 | $1,680 | $1,800 |
| 59910 | Lake County, MT | $1,200 | $1,200 | $1,560 | $1,980 | $2,220 |
| 59911 | Flathead County, MT | $1,340 | $1,350 | $1,760 | $2,320 | $2,660 |
| 59911 | Lake County, MT | $1,340 | $1,350 | $1,760 | $2,320 | $2,660 |
| 59914 | Lake County, MT | $1,550 | $1,560 | $2,010 | $2,530 | $2,840 |
| 59915 | Lake County, MT | $1,160 | $1,190 | $1,540 | $1,920 | $2,260 |
| 59929 | Lake County, MT | $1,120 | $1,120 | $1,450 | $1,820 | $2,050 |
| 59931 | Lake County, MT | $1,120 | $1,120 | $1,450 | $1,820 | $2,140 |
- 59824 · Lake County, MT $1,300$1,680
- 59855 · Lake County, MT $1,300$1,680
- 59860 · Lake County, MT $1,460$1,840
- 59863 · Lake County, MT $1,360$1,700
- 59864 · Lake County, MT $1,400$1,760
- 59865 · Lake County, MT $1,300$1,680
- 59910 · Lake County, MT $1,560$1,980
- 59911 · Flathead County, MT $1,760$2,320
- 59911 · Lake County, MT $1,760$2,320
- 59914 · Lake County, MT $2,010$2,530
- 59915 · Lake County, MT $1,540$1,920
- 59929 · Lake County, MT $1,450$1,820
- 59931 · Lake County, MT $1,450$1,820
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 Lake County, 41% 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.
41%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
3,138 households rent in Lake County
- Spend half or more of their income 20%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 21%
- Spend less than 30% 59%
Compared with the state and the country
- Lake 41%
- Montana 45%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Lake County
HUD lists 20 properties with homes for low-income households in Lake County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 16
- HUD-assisted
- 4
418 homes in all; 341 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Lakeview Village HUD-assisted 50262 US Highway 93, Polson 59860 95 homes, 40 low-income · For older adults · (406) 883-2222
- Polson Landing Tax credit (LIHTC) 402 Ridgewater Dr, Polson 59860 35 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 23 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2017 · For families
- Turtle Lake Project Tax credit (LIHTC) 34122 Blacktail ST, Ronan 59864 33 low-income homes · 2 bd: 4 · 3 bd: 14 · 4 bd: 15 · In service since 2004
- Cherry Hill Village North Tax credit (LIHTC) 1100 Cherry Hill Ct, Polson 59860 29 homes, 28 low-income · 1 bd: 29 · In service since 1990 · For older adults
- Lake View Villa HUD-assisted 312 11th Ave W, Polson 59860 22 low-income homes · For families · (406) 883-3257
- Ronan Maxwell Senior Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 411 1st Ave SW, Ronan 59864 21 low-income homes · 1 bd: 15 · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 2000 · For older adults
- Felsman Addition Tax credit (LIHTC) 36195 Felsmans St, Pablo 59855 20 low-income homes · 3 bd: 10 · 4 bd: 10 · In service since 1998 · For families
- Sunny Slope Vista Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 11th Street E., Polson 59860 20 homes, 19 low-income · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2003 · For older adults
- Sparrow Lane Homes Phase I Tax credit (LIHTC) 35866 Sparrow LN, Pablo 59855 18 low-income homes · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 2001 · For families
- Sparrow Lane Homes Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 18 Warbler LN, Ronan 59864 18 low-income homes · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 2003 · For families
- Sparrow Lane II Tax credit (LIHTC) 1 Thru 18 Warbler Lane, Pablo 59855 18 low-income homes · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 2003
- Felsman Nand E Tax credit (LIHTC) PO Box 38, Pablo 59855 12 low-income homes · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 2006
- Arlee Elderly Living Center Tax credit (LIHTC) 107 Lumpry Road, Arlee 59821 10 low-income homes · 1 bd: 10 · In service since 2000 · For older adults
- Elmo Elderly Living Center Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Cemetery RD, Elmo 59915 10 homes, 8 low-income · 1 bd: 10 · In service since 2001 · For older adults
- Acre Lawn Apartments I Tax credit (LIHTC) 217 11th Ave NW, Ronan 59864 8 low-income homes · 3 bd: 6 · 4 bd: 2 · In service since 2001 · For families
- Main Street H and G Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 207 Main St SW, Ronan 59864 8 low-income homes · Studio: 1 · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 2001 · For families
- ST Ignatius - Maxwell Senior Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 228 N Main St, St Ignatius 59865 8 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2000 · For older adults
- Meadowlark Vista Apartments HUD-assisted 323 11th Ave NW, Ronan 59864 18 homes, 6 low-income · (406) 676-5900
- Acre Lawn Apartments II Tax credit (LIHTC) 311 11th Ave NW, Ronan 59864 6 low-income homes · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 2002 · For families
- Maxwell Junior Apts. HUD-assisted 123 Cleveland St SW, Ronan 59864 9 homes, 3 low-income · (406) 676-5900
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 Lake 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 Lake 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
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
| People | Extremely low (30%) | Very low (50%) | Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $19,150 | $31,850 | $51,000 |
| 2 people | $21,850 | $36,400 | $58,250 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $40,950 | $65,550 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $45,500 | $72,800 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $49,150 | $78,650 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $52,800 | $84,450 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $56,450 | $90,300 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $60,100 | $96,100 |
Area median income: $83,800. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Lake County, MT. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,004 – $1,228
- 1 bedroom $1,011 – $1,235
- 2 bedrooms $1,303 – $1,593
- 3 bedrooms $1,639 – $2,003
- 4 bedrooms $1,841 – $2,251
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
- City of Ronan Housing Authority Section 8 vouchers · 39 vouchers (406) 676-5900 City of Ronan Housing Authority: raddington@lakecountyhousing.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 ruleCompare 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 Lake County
This is the nearest HUD-approved agency. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Homeword, Inc.
1535 Liberty Ln Ste 116A, Missoula · 53 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 5 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Lake 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
Your move
We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.
Adjust advanced details
Let's do the math
Cash to move in
$2,896
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,448
- Security deposit
- $1,448
- Total
- $2,896
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.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fair market rent in Lake County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,116; 1 bedroom: $1,123; 2 bedrooms: $1,448; 3 bedrooms: $1,821; 4 bedrooms: $2,046. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Lake County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,448) without spending more than 30% of income takes $27.85 an hour full time, or $57,920 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Lake County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $45,500 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 Lake 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 $1,303 and $1,593 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Lake County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,300 in 59824 to $2,010 in 59914. 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 Lake County?
HUD lists 20 properties with homes for low-income households in Lake County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. 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 Lake County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Lake County, 41% of renter households are in that position; in Montana, 45%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).