How much does Section 8 pay for a 2-bedroom in ZIP 59640?

For ZIP 59640 in Lewis and Clark County, MT, the FY2026 two-bedroom Small Area Fair Market Rent is $2,040 per month. Local housing authorities set the Section 8 payment standard between 90% and 110% of that, roughly $1,835 to $2,245 before the tenant's utility allowance.

What are the FY2026 Section 8 rent limits for ZIP 59640?

HUD's FY2026 Small Area Fair Market Rent for ZIP 59640, by bedroom size: studio $1,410, 1-bedroom $1,630, 2-bedroom $2,040, 3-bedroom $2,790, 4-bedroom $3,090. In SAFMR metros the ZIP-level figure, not the county average, is what applies to an address here.

Which housing authority covers ZIP 59640?

Vouchers for Lewis and Clark County are administered by Montana Department of Commerce, Helena Housing Authority. The authority whose jurisdiction covers ZIP 59640 handles the application, the waitlist, the HAP contract, and the unit inspection.

Section 8 Rent in ZIP 59640

FY2026 Small Area Fair Market Rent for ZIP 59640 in Lewis and Clark County, Montana: the exact per-bedroom rents HUD publishes for this ZIP, the estimated payment-standard range, the housing authorities that administer vouchers here, and whether a landlord can legally decline a voucher in Montana.

Studio

$1,410

1 BR

$1,630

2 BR

$2,040

3 BR

$2,790

4 BR

$3,090

Estimated payment standard range (2 BR)

Local PHAs set payment standards between 90% and 110% of FMR. Exact figures vary by PHA. The numbers below are the modeled range.

Low (90%)

$1,835

FMR (100%)

$2,040

High (110%)

$2,245

Gross rent before the tenant utility allowance. The PHA's published payment standard is the number that actually applies; verify with the PHA before signing a lease or HAP contract.

ZIP vs county FMR (2 BR)

ZIP 59640 at $2,040 is $393 higher than the Lewis and Clark County county-wide 2 BR FMR of $1,647. In SAFMR metros the ZIP number is what actually applies to an address here, so a voucher stretches further in this ZIP than the county average suggests.

Can a landlord refuse Section 8 in ZIP 59640?

Source-of-income protection status for Montana is not yet in our database. Check with local legal aid or the state civil-rights office before assuming either way.

Informational only, not legal advice. Laws change, so verify current status before acting on a rejection or making a leasing decision.

Housing authorities serving Lewis and Clark County

Montana Department of Commerce
Helena · PHA code MT901
4,469 Section 8 units
Helena Housing Authority
Helena · PHA code MT004
401 Section 8 units

The PHA whose jurisdiction covers ZIP 59640 handles the application, the HAP contract, and the unit inspection.

Frequently asked questions

How much does Section 8 pay for a 2-bedroom in ZIP 59640?: For ZIP 59640 in Lewis and Clark County, MT, the FY2026 two-bedroom Small Area Fair Market Rent is $2,040 per month. Local housing authorities set the Section 8 payment standard between 90% and 110% of that, roughly $1,835 to $2,245 before the tenant's utility allowance.
What are the FY2026 Section 8 rent limits for ZIP 59640?: HUD's FY2026 Small Area Fair Market Rent for ZIP 59640, by bedroom size: studio $1,410, 1-bedroom $1,630, 2-bedroom $2,040, 3-bedroom $2,790, 4-bedroom $3,090. In SAFMR metros the ZIP-level figure, not the county average, is what applies to an address here.
Which housing authority covers ZIP 59640?: Vouchers for Lewis and Clark County are administered by Montana Department of Commerce, Helena Housing Authority. The authority whose jurisdiction covers ZIP 59640 handles the application, the waitlist, the HAP contract, and the unit inspection.

Find Section 8 apartments in ZIP 59640

VoucherMatch connects voucher holders with landlords who accept Section 8, and it is free for renters. Landlords: listings here reach applicants whose voucher already covers the rent above.

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Lewis and Clark County overview All of Montana

SAFMR data published by HUD for FY2026. ZIP 59640 maps to Lewis and Clark County, MT · FIPS 30049. Investors can run these numbers in the RentalCalcs voucher analyzer.