Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Missoula County, Montana
Missoula County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,690 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,190 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $32.50 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,690
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 11% more than in Montana
- Typical rent
- $1,190
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 10% more than in Montana
- Wage needed
- $32.50
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $67,600 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 48%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 7% more than in Montana
Only here
Renting in Missoula County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Missoula County has the lowest homeownership rate of the 56 counties in Montana: 59%.
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Missoula County has the highest typical rent in its area: $1,190, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Lewis and Clark County ($1,102).
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At $1,190, Missoula County ranks 3rd 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 Missoula 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 Missoula County was $1,622 a month in September 2026: 2.7% more than 12 months ago. 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 | $1,177 | $22.63 | $47,080 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,433 | $27.56 | $57,320 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,690 | $32.50 | $67,600 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,340 | $45.00 | $93,600 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,825 | $54.33 | $113,000 |
HUD area: Missoula, MT HUD Metro FMR Area. 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 19 ZIP codes in Missoula County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,500 in 59826 to $2,460 in 59834. 4 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,690).
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)
| 59801 | Missoula, MT | $1,110 | $1,360 | $1,600 | $2,220 | $2,670 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 59802 | Missoula, MT | $1,120 | $1,370 | $1,610 | $2,230 | $2,690 |
| 59803 | Missoula, MT | $1,280 | $1,560 | $1,840 | $2,550 | $3,080 |
| 59804 | Missoula, MT | $1,220 | $1,480 | $1,750 | $2,420 | $2,930 |
| 59808 | Missoula, MT | $1,270 | $1,540 | $1,820 | $2,520 | $3,040 |
| 59812 | Missoula, MT | $1,110 | $1,360 | $1,600 | $2,220 | $2,670 |
| 59821 | Lake County, MT | $1,270 | $1,320 | $1,670 | $2,140 | $2,500 |
| 59821 | Missoula, MT | $1,270 | $1,320 | $1,670 | $2,140 | $2,500 |
| 59821 | Sanders County, MT | $1,270 | $1,320 | $1,670 | $2,140 | $2,500 |
| 59823 | Missoula, MT | $1,200 | $1,360 | $1,640 | $2,220 | $2,620 |
| 59826 | Lake County, MT | $1,150 | $1,260 | $1,500 | $2,080 | $2,500 |
| 59826 | Missoula, MT | $1,150 | $1,260 | $1,500 | $2,080 | $2,500 |
| 59834 | Missoula, MT | $1,710 | $2,090 | $2,460 | $3,410 | $4,110 |
| 59846 | Missoula, MT | $1,060 | $1,260 | $1,510 | $2,080 | $2,500 |
| 59847 | Idaho County, ID | $1,150 | $1,410 | $1,660 | $2,300 | $2,770 |
| 59847 | Missoula, MT | $1,150 | $1,410 | $1,660 | $2,300 | $2,770 |
| 59851 | Missoula, MT | $1,120 | $1,370 | $1,610 | $2,230 | $2,690 |
| 59868 | Missoula, MT | $1,180 | $1,430 | $1,690 | $2,340 | $2,820 |
| 59868 | Powell County, MT | $1,180 | $1,430 | $1,690 | $2,340 | $2,820 |
- 59801 · Missoula, MT $1,600$2,220
- 59802 · Missoula, MT $1,610$2,230
- 59803 · Missoula, MT $1,840$2,550
- 59804 · Missoula, MT $1,750$2,420
- 59808 · Missoula, MT $1,820$2,520
- 59812 · Missoula, MT $1,600$2,220
- 59821 · Lake County, MT $1,670$2,140
- 59821 · Missoula, MT $1,670$2,140
- 59821 · Sanders County, MT $1,670$2,140
- 59823 · Missoula, MT $1,640$2,220
- 59826 · Lake County, MT $1,500$2,080
- 59826 · Missoula, MT $1,500$2,080
- 59834 · Missoula, MT $2,460$3,410
- 59846 · Missoula, MT $1,510$2,080
- 59847 · Idaho County, ID $1,660$2,300
- 59847 · Missoula, MT $1,660$2,300
- 59851 · Missoula, MT $1,610$2,230
- 59868 · Missoula, MT $1,690$2,340
- 59868 · Powell County, MT $1,690$2,340
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 Missoula County, 48% 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.
48%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
21,701 households rent in Missoula County
- Spend half or more of their income 24%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 24%
- Spend less than 30% 52%
Compared with the state and the country
- Missoula 48%
- Montana 45%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Missoula County
HUD lists 43 properties with homes for low-income households in Missoula County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 30
- HUD-assisted
- 14
1,879 homes in all; 1,565 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Creekside Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1405 E Broadway St, Missoula 59802 160 homes, 159 low-income · Studio: 12 · 1 bd: 40 · 2 bd: 88 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 1996 · For families
- Clark Fork Riverside HUD-assisted 301 W Front St, Missoula 59802 133 homes, 131 low-income · For older adults · (406) 721-2439
- Parkside Village Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 3602 Stephens Ave, Missoula 59801 104 low-income homes · Studio: 15 · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 68 · 3 bd: 1 · In service since 2000
- Wildflower Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1250 34th St, Missoula 59801 96 homes, 94 low-income · Studio: 20 · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 1994 · For families · (406) 721-2113
- Missoula Manor Homes HUD-assisted 909 W Central Ave, Missoula 59801 126 homes, 88 low-income · For older adults · (406) 728-3210
- Council Groves Apts HUD-assisted 1902 S 3rd St W, Missoula 59801 72 low-income homes · For families · (406) 542-2922
- Cottage Park Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1115 McDonald Ave, Missoula 59801 60 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2011
- Palace Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 149 W Broadway St, Missoula 59802 60 low-income homes · Studio: 5 · 1 bd: 47 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 2013
- Palace Hotel Tax credit (LIHTC) 123 W Broadway St, Missoula 59802 60 low-income homes · Studio: 4 · 1 bd: 44 · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 1995
- Sentinel Village HUD-assisted 1111 McDonald Ave, Missoula 59801 60 homes, 58 low-income · For families · (406) 542-2901
- Burlington Square Tax credit (LIHTC) 2420 Burlington Ave, Missoula 59801 51 low-income homes · 1 bd: 45 · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 1997 · For older adults
- Silvercrest Missoula HUD-assisted 1550 S 2nd St W, Missoula 59801 51 homes, 50 low-income · For older adults · (406) 541-0464
- Grandview Place HUD-assisted 150 Grandview Way, Missoula 59803 48 low-income homes · For families · (406) 251-3080
- Glengarra Place HUD-assisted 3900 Galway Ave, Missoula 59808 41 homes, 40 low-income · For older adults · (406) 541-9245
- Lolo Vista Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 11851 Lolo Vista Dr, Lolo 59847 40 low-income homes · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2011
- Garden District Tax credit (LIHTC) 230 S Catlin St, Missoula 59801 37 low-income homes · 1 bd: 14 · 2 bd: 18 · 3 bd: 5 · In service since 2010
- Russell Square Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1225 34th St, Missoula 59801 46 homes, 36 low-income · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 30 · In service since 2002 · For older adults
- Solstice Tax credit (LIHTC) 1535 Liberty Ln, Missoula 59808 36 low-income homes · Studio: 4 · 1 bd: 19 · 2 bd: 11 · In service since 2011 · For families
- Equinox Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1515 Liberty Ln, Missoula 59808 35 low-income homes · Studio: 5 · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 10 · In service since 2009
- Orchard Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) 210 S Grove St, Missoula 59804 35 low-income homes · 1 bd: 19 · 2 bd: 11 · 3 bd: 5 · In service since 2005
- River Rock Residences Tax credit (LIHTC) 149 W Broadway St, Missoula 59802 33 low-income homes · 1 bd: 27 · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 2013
- Union Place II Tax credit (LIHTC) 2500 Great Northern Ave, Missoula 59808 33 low-income homes · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 9 · In service since 2007
- Union Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 2500 Great Northern Ave, Missoula 59808 30 homes, 29 low-income · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 2005
- Parkside Village Apartments HUD-assisted 1665 Milwaukee Way, Missoula 59801 102 homes, 25 low-income · (406) 549-4113
- Eagle Watch Estates HUD-assisted 565 Burton St, Missoula 59802 24 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (612) 645-7271
- Gold Dust Tax credit (LIHTC) 330 N 1st St W, Missoula 59802 18 low-income homes · Studio: 1 · 2 bd: 14 · 3 bd: 3 · In service since 2003 · For families
- Maclay Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) 2405 McIntosh Loop, Missoula 59801 16 low-income homes · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2006
- Fireweed Court Tax credit (LIHTC) 1437 S 1st St W, Missoula 59801 12 low-income homes · 2 bd: 3 · 3 bd: 9 · In service since 1998
- Lenox Flats Tax credit (LIHTC) 307 Woody St, Missoula 59802 10 low-income homes · Studio: 4 · 1 bd: 5 · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 2000 · For older adults
- Garden District Apartments HUD-assisted 1665 Milwaukee Way, Missoula 59801 37 homes, 9 low-income · (406) 549-4113
- Silvertip Apartments HUD-assisted 1311 E Broadway St, Missoula 59802 115 homes, 8 low-income · For families · (406) 549-4113
- Bruce Blattner Apartments HUD-assisted 1225 W Broadway St, Missoula 59802 8 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (800) 466-7722
- Phillips Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1805 Phillips St, Missoula 59802 8 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · In service since 1996 · For older adults
- Russell Square Housing HUD-assisted 1665 Milwaukee Way, Missoula 59801 50 homes, 6 low-income · (406) 549-4113
- California Street Tax credit (LIHTC) 110 S California St, Missoula 59801 6 low-income homes · 1 bd: 6 · In service since 2017
- Coad I Tax credit (LIHTC) 640 River St, Missoula 59801 6 low-income homes · 2 bd: 2 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 1995 · For families
- Coad II Tax credit (LIHTC) 514 River St, Missoula 59801 6 low-income homes · 2 bd: 2 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 1995 · For families
- Coad III Tax credit (LIHTC) 1250 S 1st St W, Missoula 59801 6 low-income homes · 2 bd: 2 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 1995 · For families
- Butorac Rentals Tax credit (LIHTC) 1914 Scott St, Missoula 59802 4 low-income homes · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 1994 · For families
- Clyatt Rentals Tax credit (LIHTC) 101 Pullman Ct, Missoula 59802 4 low-income homes · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 1994 · For families
- Aspen Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 2550 Great Northern Ave, Missoula 59808 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 2014 · For older adults
- River Ridge Apartments LP Tax credit (LIHTC) 2840 Santa Fe Ct, Missoula 59808 1 bd: 57 · 2 bd: 13 · In service since 2016 · For older adults
- Sweetgrass Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) 1137 Montana St, Missoula 59801 Studio: 8 · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 3 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 2016 · For families
One property has two programs at the same address and appears once. Search HUD's map
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 Missoula 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 Missoula County. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
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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
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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 | $22,750 | $37,950 | $60,700 |
| 2 people | $26,000 | $43,300 | $69,350 |
| 3 people | $29,250 | $48,700 | $78,000 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $54,150 | $86,650 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $58,500 | $93,600 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $62,850 | $100,550 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $67,150 | $107,450 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $71,500 | $114,400 |
Area median income: $110,100. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Missoula, MT HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,059 – $1,295
- 1 bedroom $1,290 – $1,576
- 2 bedrooms $1,521 – $1,859
- 3 bedrooms $2,106 – $2,574
- 4 bedrooms $2,543 – $3,108
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
- Missoula Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 1,121 vouchers (406) 549-4113 Missoula Housing Authority: soliver@missoulahousing.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 Missoula County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Missoula County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Homeword, Inc.
1535 Liberty Ln Ste 116A, Missoula
- 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 Missoula 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
$3,380
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,690
- Security deposit
- $1,690
- Total
- $3,380
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 Missoula County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,177; 1 bedroom: $1,433; 2 bedrooms: $1,690; 3 bedrooms: $2,340; 4 bedrooms: $2,825. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Missoula County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,690) without spending more than 30% of income takes $32.50 an hour full time, or $67,600 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Missoula County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $54,150 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 Missoula 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 $1,521 and $1,859 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Missoula County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,500 in 59826 to $2,460 in 59834. 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 Missoula County?
HUD lists 43 properties with homes for low-income households in Missoula 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 Missoula County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Missoula County, 48% of renter households are in that position; in Montana, 45%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).