FY2027 Small Area FMR · Helena, MT
ZIP 59601 Fair Market Rent & Payment Standards
HUD's FY2027 Small Area Fair Market Rent for a two-bedroom home in ZIP code 59601 (Helena, MT) is $1,650 a month, up 0.6% from FY2026. That is 17% above the Jefferson County, MT area-wide FMR of $1,410.
Payment standard range, 2 bedrooms
Housing agencies may set voucher payment standards anywhere from 90% to 110% of the FMR without asking HUD.
FY2027 FY2026
Where 59601 sits in the Jefferson County, MT area
Of the 10 ZIP codes HUD lists for the area, 59601 has the 2nd highest two-bedroom Small Area FMR. Jefferson County, MT is not on HUD's list of mandatory Small Area FMR areas, so voucher payment standards here are normally based on the area-wide FMR of $1,410 for two bedrooms; an agency that opts in to Small Area FMRs would use $1,650 for this ZIP code instead.
ZIP code 59601 crosses more than one HUD area. HUD also lists it under Lewis and Clark County, MT (same figures). The figure that applies depends on which side of the line the home is.
All unit sizes
| Unit | FY2027 SAFMR | Payment standard range | Area-wide FMR | FY2026 SAFMR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,150 | $1,035 – $1,265 | $982 | $1,130 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,320 | $1,188 – $1,452 | $1,078 | $1,310 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,650 | $1,485 – $1,815 | $1,410 | $1,640 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,280 | $2,052 – $2,508 | $1,847 | $2,240 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,390 | $2,151 – $2,629 | $1,854 | $2,490 |
A household renting a two-bedroom home at the Small Area FMR of $1,650 needs about $66,000 a year to keep housing costs at 30% of income. The area median family income is $115,200 and the 80% low-income limit for four people is $91,750. ZIP code 59601 lies mainly in Lewis and Clark County. See the Jefferson County, MT county page for the full income limits table and the household check.
Nearby ZIP codes
Questions
What is the Fair Market Rent for ZIP code 59601?
HUD's FY2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents for 59601 are $1,150 (studio), $1,320 (1 BR), $1,650 (2 BR), $2,280 (3 BR) and $2,390 (4 BR) a month.
What is the Section 8 payment standard in 59601?
Housing agencies set payment standards between 90% and 110% of the applicable FMR without HUD approval. For a two-bedroom unit in 59601 that range is $1,485 to $1,815 if the agency uses Small Area FMRs. Ask your housing agency for its actual payment standard.
Which income limits apply in 59601?
The FY2026 income limits of the Jefferson County, MT area apply: median family income $115,200, low-income (80%) limit $91,750 for a family of four.