Real Estate Investing in Ekalaka, Montana (59324)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 59324 (Ekalaka, MT)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Mixed signals — some positives, some negatives. Worth considering but not a slam-dunk.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
- High vacancy: 30.3% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- 1-year downturn: Values declined 6.6% in the last year.
• Limited market data — this is a very small market; averages are built from few observations and can swing widely. • Modeled rent — no observed market rent for this ZIP; the figure is estimated from HUD fair-market rent.
What’s happening in Ekalaka, MT (59324)?
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Market Analysis: 59324 Ekalaka
Looking more closely, ZIP 59324 has challenges — vacancy pressure, softer price growth, and tenant stability concerns sit alongside the $144K median. It rewards specialists, not generalists.
Rent of $981/mo on a $144K basis reads well until vacancy, delinquency, and capex enter the model. The honest cap rate in 59324 sits below the stated 0.0% once reality is priced in.
Within MT, ZIP 59324 trails on several market indicators that neighboring Carter County submarkets outperform. The gap is real and durable enough to shape underwriting.
Resident income in 59324 sits below the county median. That reality colors rent collection, vacancy, and reinvestment math in ways that outside investors often underestimate.
Experienced landlords with local relationships tend to find 59324 workable. Turnkey investors from out of state usually find the numbers do not hold up in practice.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Ekalaka:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 59324 Compare?
| Metric | 59324 | Ekalaka | Montana |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $144,013 | $144,013 | $457,278 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 6.4% | 6.4% | 9.2% |
| Avg Rent | $981 | $981 | - |
| Cap Rate | 5.3% | 5.3% | - |
Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 59324 (Ekalaka, MT). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $144,013 |
| Monthly Rent | $981 |
| Price-to-Rent | 12.2:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 8.2% |
| Cap Rate | 5.3% |
| 5-Year IRR | 11.7% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | -6.6% ▼ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +2.0% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +6.4% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +7.9% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | N/A |
| 3-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (5.3%). Financing reduces your cash-on-cash return below the cap rate. Markets like this may still make sense as IRR plays — factoring in appreciation, depreciation, and a future refinance when rates drop.
Run an IRR Analysis →⚠️ Risk Signals
Composite view of factors that can impact a ZIP's stability and your downside risk.
Demographics in 59324
Population: 746
Crime & Safety
Crime & Safety Data Coming Soon
We're integrating comprehensive crime statistics including violent crime rates, property crime, and safety scores to help you make informed investment decisions.
Expected: Q1 2025
🎓 Schools in 59324
Schools in This ZIP Code
About Repit School Scores
Traditional school ratings rely heavily on standardized test scores, which often reflect family income more than school quality. Repit takes a different approach.
We evaluate schools based on factors that research shows actually impact educational outcomes:
- Class Size — Smaller classes mean more individual attention
- School Funding — Resources available for programs, staff, and facilities
- Community Factors — Neighborhood characteristics that influence student success
- School Environment — Size, type, and structure
Scores are updated annually using federal education data.
Frequently Asked Questions
How landlord-friendly is Ekalaka, MT?
For rental operators, Ekalaka, MT rates as landlord-friendly. The regulatory environment standard buy-and-hold operations.
Do landlords face vacancy issues in Ekalaka, MT?
Ekalaka, MT sees elevated vacancy, which is reasonable relative to the broader MT rental market.
What is the median home value in Ekalaka, MT?
Median home price in Ekalaka, MT is near $144K, with a 5-year CAGR of 0.0%. Prices have been reliable and supportive of buy-and-hold strategies.
Does house hacking make sense in Ekalaka, MT?
House hacking in Ekalaka, MT is a challenging. With home values around $144K and rents at $981/mo, owner-occupants can offset a meaningful share of PITI.
What is the best play in Ekalaka, MT?
Investors usually favor careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management in Ekalaka, MT. With home values at $144K and rents near $981/mo, other strategies can work but produce reliable rather than outsized returns.
You know 59324 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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