Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Ravalli County, Montana
Ravalli County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,426 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,054 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $27.42 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,426
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 7% less than in Montana
- Typical rent
- $1,054
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 2% less than in Montana
- Wage needed
- $27.42
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $57,040 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 42%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 5% less than in Montana
Only here
Renting in Ravalli County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Nearby, in Granite County, the typical rent is $675: 36% less than in Ravalli County ($1,054).
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 Ravalli 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 Ravalli County was $1,697 a month in September 2026: 4.5% 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 | $1,091 | $20.98 | $43,640 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,166 | $22.42 | $46,640 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,426 | $27.42 | $57,040 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,971 | $37.90 | $78,840 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,383 | $45.83 | $95,320 |
HUD area: Ravalli 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 10 ZIP codes in Ravalli County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,290 in 59871 to $1,950 in 59841. 5 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,426).
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)
| 59827 | Ravalli County, MT | $1,020 | $1,090 | $1,330 | $1,840 | $2,220 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 59828 | Ravalli County, MT | $1,250 | $1,330 | $1,630 | $2,250 | $2,720 |
| 59829 | Ravalli County, MT | $1,020 | $1,090 | $1,330 | $1,840 | $2,220 |
| 59833 | Missoula, MT | $1,150 | $1,260 | $1,530 | $2,110 | $2,550 |
| 59833 | Ravalli County, MT | $1,150 | $1,260 | $1,530 | $2,110 | $2,550 |
| 59840 | Ravalli County, MT | $1,070 | $1,140 | $1,400 | $1,940 | $2,340 |
| 59841 | Ravalli County, MT | $1,490 | $1,590 | $1,950 | $2,700 | $3,260 |
| 59870 | Ravalli County, MT | $1,120 | $1,190 | $1,460 | $2,020 | $2,440 |
| 59871 | Ravalli County, MT | $1,010 | $1,040 | $1,290 | $1,790 | $2,150 |
| 59875 | Ravalli County, MT | $1,030 | $1,100 | $1,350 | $1,870 | $2,260 |
- 59827 · Ravalli County, MT $1,330$1,840
- 59828 · Ravalli County, MT $1,630$2,250
- 59829 · Ravalli County, MT $1,330$1,840
- 59833 · Missoula, MT $1,530$2,110
- 59833 · Ravalli County, MT $1,530$2,110
- 59840 · Ravalli County, MT $1,400$1,940
- 59841 · Ravalli County, MT $1,950$2,700
- 59870 · Ravalli County, MT $1,460$2,020
- 59871 · Ravalli County, MT $1,290$1,790
- 59875 · Ravalli County, MT $1,350$1,870
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 Ravalli County, 42% 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.
42%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
3,849 households rent in Ravalli County
- Spend half or more of their income 17%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 25%
- Spend less than 30% 58%
Compared with the state and the country
- Ravalli 42%
- Montana 45%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Ravalli County
HUD lists 15 properties with homes for low-income households in Ravalli County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 13
- HUD-assisted
- 2
410 homes in all; 406 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Sapphire Lutheran Homes HUD-assisted 501 N 10th St, Hamilton 59840 60 low-income homes · For older adults · (406) 363-6354
- Willow Court Tax credit (LIHTC) 290 Skeels Ave, Hamilton 59840 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 42 · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 1998 · For older adults
- Mountain View III Tax credit (LIHTC) 251 Stonegate Dr, Hamilton 59840 46 low-income homes · 2 bd: 22 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2009
- Mountain View III/Hamilton Tax credit (LIHTC) 251 Stonegate Dr, Hamilton 59840 46 low-income homes · 2 bd: 22 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2009
- Mountain View Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 430 Stonegate Dr, Hamilton 59840 36 homes, 35 low-income · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2003
- Burnt Fork Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 309 11th St, Stevensville 59870 30 low-income homes · 1 bd: 26 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 1991 · For older adults
- Mountain View II Tax credit (LIHTC) 200 Stonegate Dr, Hamilton 59840 28 low-income homes · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2006
- Mountain View II/Hamilton Tax credit (LIHTC) 200 Stonegate Dr, Hamilton 59840 28 low-income homes · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2006
- Corvallis Courtyards Tax credit (LIHTC) 302 Courtyard Cir, Corvallis 59828 24 homes, 23 low-income · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2002 · For families
- Parkside Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 121 State St, Hamilton 59840 24 homes, 22 low-income · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 2000 · For older adults
- Corvallis Courtyards II Tax credit (LIHTC) 312 Courtyard Cir, Corvallis 59828 12 low-income homes · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 2002 · For families
- Meadow Brook Court HUD-assisted 221-223 Willowcreek RD, Corvallis 59828 12 low-income homes · For older adults · (406) 961-5600
- Bitterroot Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) 601 and 603 Welcome Way, Darby 59829 8 low-income homes · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 2003 · For families
- Bitterroot Commons II Tax credit (LIHTC) 501 and 503 Welcome Way, Darby 59829 8 low-income homes · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 2004
- Valley Villas Rehab Tax credit (LIHTC) 414 N 10th St, Hamilton 59840 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 26 · In service since 2017 · For families
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 Ravalli County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. A public housing agency runs it. HUD lists none with an office in Ravalli County; the state's agencies can help you. 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 | $19,500 | $32,550 | $52,050 |
| 2 people | $22,300 | $37,200 | $59,450 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $41,850 | $66,900 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $46,450 | $74,300 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $50,200 | $80,250 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $53,900 | $86,200 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $57,600 | $92,150 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $61,350 | $98,100 |
Area median income: $92,900. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Ravalli County, MT. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $982 – $1,200
- 1 bedroom $1,049 – $1,283
- 2 bedrooms $1,283 – $1,569
- 3 bedrooms $1,774 – $2,168
- 4 bedrooms $2,145 – $2,621
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
HUD lists no housing agency with an office in Ravalli County. You can apply at another agency in your state: you do not have to live where you apply. Source: HUD
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 Ravalli County
This is the nearest HUD-approved agency. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Homeword, Inc.
1535 Liberty Ln Ste 116A, Missoula · 55 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 Ravalli 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
$2,852
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,426
- Security deposit
- $1,426
- Total
- $2,852
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 Ravalli County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,091; 1 bedroom: $1,166; 2 bedrooms: $1,426; 3 bedrooms: $1,971; 4 bedrooms: $2,383. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Ravalli County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,426) without spending more than 30% of income takes $27.42 an hour full time, or $57,040 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Ravalli County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $46,450 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 Ravalli 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 $1,283 and $1,569 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Ravalli County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,290 in 59871 to $1,950 in 59841. 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 Ravalli County?
HUD lists 15 properties with homes for low-income households in Ravalli 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 Ravalli County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Ravalli County, 42% of renter households are in that position; in Montana, 45%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).