Real Estate Investing in Heron, Montana (59844)

Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.

Sanders County • Population: 662 • Data updated: September 2026

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Should you buy in 59844 (Heron, MT)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.

🏠 For Homebuyers
WEAK FIT
Grade F (36/100)

Multiple negative signals. Better options likely exist nearby.

📈 For Investors
MIXED
3.0 / 5 (47/100)

A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.

⚠️ Risks to Know
3 flags
  • High vacancy: 29.6% of homes vacant — above national norms.
  • Elevated poverty: 21.7% poverty rate — can affect rent collection.
  • High price-to-rent: Price-to-rent ratio 31.6 — hard to cash-flow at these prices.

• 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 Heron, MT (59844)?

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3.0/ 5

Investability

Overall investment appeal

3.0/ 5

Appreciation

Long-term value growth

3.0/ 5

Cashflow ROI

Rental yield potential

Avg Home Value $569,885
Avg Monthly Rent $1,503
1% Rule ✗ Does Not Meet
Median Income $49,338
% Renters 22.0%

Market Analysis: 59844 Heron

The 59844 ZIP in Heron, MT is a local-operator market. Outside capital chasing a $570K entry has to pair deep knowledge with the discount.

If the plan assumes clean turnover, on-time rent, and low maintenance on a $570K asset, 59844 is the wrong submarket. If the plan prices in friction, the yield can still work.

Statewide comparisons place 59844 among MT's softer markets. That context does not make the ZIP uninvestable, but it does raise the bar for due diligence.

The demographic picture in 59844 includes headwinds that any investor should price in. Income distribution skews lower than Heron averages, and tenant stability requires active management.

Distressed ZIPs reward experience. robust returns are possible in 59844, but they flow to investors who already understand how to operate in soft markets.

Explore the Data — Click a Tab Below
🏦 Current 30-yr Fixed Mortgage Rate: 6.76% as of Sep 10 Source: Freddie Mac PMMS

Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Heron:

C Below Average
Buy Confidence Score: 52/100
Affordability
0/25
Appreciation
22/25
Stability
7/20
Timing
8/15
Rental backup
15/15
Affordability
Expensive
Homes cost 11.6× the median income
Value Trend
Rising (+12.0%)
How home values changed in the past year
Rental Backup
Strong
Could rent for $1,503/mo if you need to move
Market Conditions
BALANCED
Even conditions for buyers and sellers
Bottom Line: This market may be challenging for buyers. Consider your timing and budget carefully.
🏠

Property Strategy for 59844

Which property type performs best in this market?

Best for Cash Flow
2BR
2.6% cap rate
Best for Appreciation
3BR
+9.9% 5yr CAGR
Best Overall Value
3BR
$207,086/bedroom
📊 Compare All Property Types →
Type Median Value Est. Rent Cap Rate 5yr CAGR $/Bedroom
2BR $470,039 $1,670 2.6% $235,019
3BR $621,257 $2,000 2.3% +9.9% $207,086

Market Trends

Home Value History (with trend line)

$599K$514K$430K$345K$260K$175KJan 2013Oct 2019Jul 2026

📊 How Does 59844 Compare?

Metric 59844 Heron Montana
Home Value $569,885 $569,885 $457,278
5-Year CAGR 6.3% 6.3% 9.2%
Avg Rent $1,503 $1,503 -
Cap Rate 2.1% 2.1% -
💡 Why Invest in 59844? Click to expand

With a 3/5 investability rating, this ZIP shows solid fundamentals for buy-and-hold investors.

📊 See where this ZIP ranks in our Best-of lists →
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Landlord Ground Truth

Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 59844 (Heron, MT). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.

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Investability
Good
Cap Rate
2.1%
Low
5yr Growth
+6.3%
Strong

📊 Market Snapshot

Home Value $569,885
Monthly Rent $1,503
Price-to-Rent 31.6:1
1% Rule ✗ Fails

💰 Return Metrics

Gross Yield 3.2%
Cap Rate 2.1%
5-Year IRR 8.3%

📈 Home Appreciation

1-Year +12.0% ▲
3-Year CAGR +4.0% ▲
5-Year CAGR +6.3% ▲
10-Year CAGR +9.2% ▲

🏠 Rent Trends

1-Year N/A
3-Year CAGR N/A
5-Year CAGR N/A
Negative Leverage — IRR / Tax Play Cap Rate: 2.1%  |  30yr Rate: 6.8%
Leverage reduces cash returns at current rates.

The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (2.1%). 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.

Vacancy
29.6%
Elevated risk
Landlord Climate
5.0/5
Friendly
Value Trend (5yr)
+6.3%
Growing
Eviction process: Fast Rent control: Favorable

Demographics in 59844

Population: 662

💰 Median Household Income
$49,338
This area
$49,338
State
$64,023
USA
$74,580
🏠 Renter Occupied
22.0%
This area
22.0%
State
24.3%
USA
34.0%
💼 Unemployment Rate
1.0%
This area
1.0%
State
-0.5%
USA
3.7%
🎓 College Educated
27.5%
This area
27.5%
State
20.1%
USA
33.7%
👤 Median Age
57.1 years
This area
57.1 years
State
38.3 years
USA
38.9 years
🏚️ Vacancy Rate
29.6%
This area
29.6%
State
26.6%
USA
10.5%
👥 Population by Ethnicity
White 96.4%
Other/Mixed 3.6%
Hispanic/Latino 1.2%
👶 Under 18
22.7%
This area
22.7%
USA
22.0%
👴 65 and Over
34.6%
This area
34.6%
USA
17.3%
📊 Poverty Rate
21.7%
This area
21.7%
USA
11.5%

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best play in Heron, MT?

Most investors in Heron, MT run a careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management strategy. It aligns with the 3.0/5 investability profile and the market fundamentals.

What is the rental occupancy rate in Heron, MT?

Vacancy in Heron, MT is elevated, which keeps landlord downtime on reasonable timelines. Most properties lease within the standard window at $1,503/mo.

Is Heron, MT a good place for real estate investing?

Investors tracking Heron, MT will find a 3.0/5 rating supported by $570K median home values and $1,503/mo rents. That profile suits long-term holders targeting reliable returns.

Can owner-occupants cash flow in Heron, MT?

House hacking in Heron, MT is reasonable to execute. Prices around $570K and rents of $1,503/mo solid owner-occupant economics.

Are renters plentiful in Heron, MT?

Tenant quality in Heron, MT ranks as solid. Landlords generally report measured occupancy at market rents of $1,503/mo.

You know 59844 now. You don’t know where it ranks.

This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 59844 compares to every other market. Investor ($19/mo) screens every U.S. ZIP by cap rate, the 1% rule, vacancy and landlord climate, and exports your shortlist.

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