Montana is one of the most geographically vast and sparsely populated states in the country — but that doesn’t mean affordable housing is easy to find. Rapidly growing cities like Bozeman and Missoula have seen rents surge to levels that rival coastal metros, driven by remote worker in-migration, tech industry growth, and a constrained housing supply.
Billings, Great Falls, Helena, and Kalispell face their own affordability pressures, while vast rural stretches across eastern Montana and the Hi-Line face a different challenge: aging housing stock, limited rental inventory, and geographic isolation. For low-income families, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and Native American households across Big Sky Country, Section 8 housing vouchers in Montana provide critical monthly rent relief.
This complete guide covers everything you need to know about Section 8 housing in Montana — including who qualifies, Montana-specific income limits by region, Fair Market Rents, a full directory of Montana Public Housing Authorities, a step-by-step application guide, and answers to the most frequently asked questions.
What Is Section 8 Housing in Montana?
Section 8 — officially called the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program — is a federally funded rental assistance program administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
In Montana, the program is managed by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) in cities across the state, as well as through the Montana Department of Commerce — Housing Division (Montana Housing), which provides statewide oversight, affordable housing financing, and directly administers Housing Choice Vouchers for areas of Montana not covered by a local city PHA.
The program pays a portion of your monthly rent directly to your landlord. You contribute approximately 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent, and your Montana PHA or Montana Housing covers the remainder — up to the local payment standard — each month.
You are free to choose any privately owned rental unit in Montana where the landlord agrees to participate and the unit meets HUD’s Housing Quality Standards.
Montana Context: Montana’s Section 8 landscape is defined by extremes. Bozeman (Gallatin County) now has some of the highest rents — and fastest-rising income limits — of any non-coastal metro in the United States, driven by explosive population growth.
At the same time, vast rural stretches of eastern Montana, the Hi-Line, and areas adjacent to reservations have extremely limited rental inventory and some of the lowest AMIs in the state.
Montana Housing plays a central direct-administration role for much of the state — if you live outside Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, or another city with its own PHA, Montana Housing is likely your primary Section 8 application point.
Montana Source-of-Income Law: What Voucher Holders Need to Know
Montana does not have a statewide source-of-income (SOI) protection law. Montana landlords are legally permitted under state law to refuse Section 8 vouchers — and this is a meaningful challenge in Bozeman and Missoula, where low vacancy rates give landlords significant leverage.
Montana also has no major city-level SOI ordinances currently in effect. This means finding a participating landlord requires active searching — and working closely with your local PHA or Montana Housing specialist is especially important.
Practical Advice: In Bozeman’s near-zero vacancy market, securing a participating landlord within your voucher search window is one of the biggest challenges Montana voucher holders face. Request your PHA’s internal participating landlord list immediately at your briefing, and use GoSection8.com and Montana Housing’s search tools proactively.
In smaller Montana cities and rural areas, many landlords do voluntarily participate in Section 8 — the program’s guaranteed rent payments are attractive in markets with lower tenant demand.
Who Qualifies for Section 8 Housing Vouchers in Montana?
To be eligible for Section 8 housing in Montana, you must meet all of the following requirements:
1. Income Limits
Your household’s total gross annual income must fall below HUD’s income limits for your area in Montana. These vary significantly by county — Gallatin County (Bozeman) has by far the state’s highest AMI, while rural eastern Montana counties run considerably lower.
Below are the approximate [Current_year] income limits for a family of four in major Montana areas:
| Montana Area | Extremely Low (30% AMI) | Very Low (50% AMI) | Low Income (80% AMI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bozeman / Gallatin County | ~$38,100 | ~$63,500 | ~$101,600 |
| Missoula County | ~$27,400 | ~$45,650 | ~$73,050 |
| Billings / Yellowstone County | ~$26,600 | ~$44,350 | ~$70,950 |
| Helena / Lewis and Clark County | ~$27,150 | ~$45,250 | ~$72,400 |
| Kalispell / Flathead County | ~$26,350 | ~$43,950 | ~$70,300 |
| Great Falls / Cascade County | ~$23,500 | ~$39,200 | ~$62,700 |
| Butte / Silver Bow County | ~$22,500 | ~$37,500 | ~$60,000 |
| Havre / Hill County (Hi-Line) | ~$21,350 | ~$35,600 | ~$56,950 |
| Miles City / Custer County (Eastern MT) | ~$21,000 | ~$35,050 | ~$56,050 |
| Glendive / Dawson County (Eastern MT) | ~$20,500 | ~$34,200 | ~$54,700 |
| Reservation / Rural Montana | ~$18,550 | ~$30,950 | ~$49,500 |
Note: Bozeman (Gallatin County) has by far the highest income limits in Montana — a family of four earning up to $63,500 may qualify at the Very Low Income level, reflecting the city’s extraordinary rent increases over the past decade.
Reservation and rural Montana counties have some of the lowest limits in the state. These figures are approximate and updated annually. Always verify current limits at huduser.gov or with your local Montana PHA or Montana Housing.
2. Citizenship or Eligible Immigration Status
At least one household member must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. Mixed-status households qualify for prorated assistance.
Montana has a significant Native American population across seven reservations — Blackfeet, Crow, Fort Belknap, Fort Peck, Flathead, Northern Cheyenne, and Rocky Boy’s — with dedicated tribal housing programs alongside state and federal Section 8.
3. Family Composition
Section 8 is open to single individuals, couples, families with children, elderly persons (age 62+), and persons with disabilities. Household size determines the voucher bedroom size issued.
4. Criminal Background
Federal mandatory bars apply: lifetime sex offender registration and methamphetamine manufacturing in federally assisted housing.
Individual Montana PHAs and Montana Housing set their own additional screening criteria. Contact your specific PHA for their policy if this applies to your household.
5. No Outstanding PHA Debt
Any unpaid debt owed to any PHA — in Montana or another state — must be resolved before approval.
Pro Tip: Bozeman’s income limits have risen dramatically in recent years — a family of four earning up to $63,500 may now qualify at the Very Low Income level. Many Bozeman residents working in hospitality, retail, and service industries assume they earn too much, when in fact they may qualify.
Always check your current income against the latest Gallatin County limits at huduser.gov before assuming you don’t qualify.
How Much Rent Assistance Will You Receive in Montana?
Your Section 8 subsidy in Montana is based on your adjusted monthly income, HUD’s Fair Market Rents for your area, and your PHA’s or Montana Housing’s payment standard.
You pay 30% of adjusted income; the agency covers the rest up to the payment standard.
Here are the approximate [Current_year] Fair Market Rents for major Montana markets:
| Montana Area | 1 Bedroom | 2 Bedroom | 3 Bedroom | 4 Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bozeman / Gallatin County | ~$1,600 | ~$1,950 | ~$2,550 | ~$3,100 |
| Missoula County | ~$1,200 | ~$1,500 | ~$1,950 | ~$2,400 |
| Helena / Lewis and Clark County | ~$1,050 | ~$1,300 | ~$1,700 | ~$2,100 |
| Kalispell / Flathead County | ~$1,050 | ~$1,300 | ~$1,700 | ~$2,100 |
| Billings / Yellowstone County | ~$1,000 | ~$1,250 | ~$1,600 | ~$2,000 |
| Great Falls / Cascade County | ~$850 | ~$1,050 | ~$1,350 | ~$1,700 |
| Butte / Silver Bow County | ~$800 | ~$1,000 | ~$1,300 | ~$1,600 |
| Havre / Hill County (Hi-Line) | ~$750 | ~$900 | ~$1,200 | ~$1,500 |
| Miles City / Eastern Montana | ~$700 | ~$850 | ~$1,100 | ~$1,400 |
| Rural / Reservation Montana | ~$650 | ~$800 | ~$1,050 | ~$1,300 |
Note: Bozeman FMRs are among the highest of any non-metropolitan county in the United States — the result of explosive demand and limited rental supply. Missoula FMRs have also risen sharply.
Payment standards set by each Montana PHA and Montana Housing typically range between 90%–110% of these FMR figures. Confirm current payment standards directly with your local PHA or Montana Housing.
Montana Public Housing Authorities (PHAs): Complete Directory
Section 8 in Montana is administered by local PHAs in major cities, with Montana Housing covering the rest of the state. Below is a comprehensive directory organized by region.
Statewide Resource
| Organization | Phone | Website | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montana Housing (Dept. of Commerce — Housing Division) | (406) 841-2840 | housing.mt.gov | Statewide — directly administers HCV for areas without a local PHA; primary contact for rural and small-city Montana residents |
Western Montana PHAs
| PHA Name | City | Phone | Service Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missoula Housing Authority | Missoula | (406) 549-4113 | Missoula County |
| Kalispell Housing Authority | Kalispell | (406) 257-7517 | Flathead County |
| Butte Housing Authority | Butte | (406) 782-4110 | Silver Bow County |
| Helena Housing Authority | Helena | (406) 442-7830 | Lewis and Clark County |
| Anaconda Housing Authority | Anaconda | (406) 563-8411 | Deer Lodge County |
South-Central Montana PHAs
| PHA Name | City | Phone | Service Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bozeman Housing Authority | Bozeman | (406) 586-3393 | Gallatin County |
| Billings Housing Authority | Billings | (406) 245-6891 | Yellowstone County |
| Livingston Housing Authority | Livingston | (406) 222-0400 | Park County |
North-Central Montana & Hi-Line PHAs
| PHA Name | City | Phone | Service Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Falls Housing Authority | Great Falls | (406) 452-5411 | Cascade County |
| Havre Housing Authority | Havre | (406) 265-7212 | Hill County / Hi-Line |
| Cut Bank Housing Authority | Cut Bank | (406) 873-5565 | Glacier County |
Eastern Montana PHAs
| PHA Name | City | Phone | Service Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miles City Housing Authority | Miles City | (406) 232-5860 | Custer County |
| Glendive Housing Authority | Glendive | (406) 377-3322 | Dawson County |
| Sidney Housing Authority | Sidney | (406) 433-5416 | Richland County |
| Wolf Point Housing Authority | Wolf Point | (406) 653-1840 | Roosevelt County / Fort Peck area |
Tribal Housing Programs
| Tribal Housing Program | Reservation | Phone | Service Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blackfeet Housing Authority | Blackfeet Reservation | (406) 338-7561 | Glacier / Pondera counties |
| Crow Tribe Housing Authority | Crow Reservation | (406) 638-2671 | Big Horn County |
| Fort Belknap Housing Authority | Fort Belknap Reservation | (406) 353-2205 | Blaine / Phillips counties |
| Fort Peck Tribal Housing | Fort Peck Reservation | (406) 768-5155 | Roosevelt / Daniels counties |
| Flathead Reservation Housing | Flathead Reservation (CSKT) | (406) 675-2700 | Lake / Sanders / Missoula counties |
| Northern Cheyenne Housing Authority | Northern Cheyenne Reservation | (406) 477-8282 | Big Horn / Rosebud counties |
| Rocky Boy’s Housing Authority | Rocky Boy’s Reservation | (406) 395-4481 | Hill / Blaine counties |
Tip: Montana has seven federally recognized tribes, each with their own tribal housing authority administering NAHASDA (Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act) housing programs. If you are an enrolled tribal member, contact your tribal housing authority directly — tribal programs may offer faster access than the federal Section 8 waitlist.
For communities not listed above, contact Montana Housing at (406) 841-2840 or housing.mt.gov — Montana Housing directly administers Section 8 for much of rural Montana.
How to Apply for Section 8 Housing Vouchers in Montana
Here is a complete step-by-step guide to applying for Section 8 housing in Montana:
Step 1: Identify Every Montana PHA and Program Serving Your Area
In major cities — Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, Bozeman, Helena, Kalispell, Butte — contact the local city housing authority directly. For all other Montana communities, contact Montana Housing at (406) 841-2840 as your primary access point.
If you are an enrolled tribal member living on or near a reservation, also contact your tribal housing authority — tribal NAHASDA programs operate separately from federal Section 8 and may have different availability.
Step 2: Check for Open Waitlists
Montana PHAs vary in waitlist availability — Bozeman and Missoula lists fill quickly and are often closed. To stay current:
- Check each PHA’s official website and call directly — many Montana PHAs are small operations where a phone call is the most reliable method
- Visit housing.mt.gov for Montana Housing waitlist status and program updates
- Monitor affordablehousingonline.com for Montana waitlist openings
- Contact Montana Legal Services Association at (406) 442-9830 for housing program guidance statewide
- Dial 211 for local referrals to open housing programs
Step 3: Apply Immediately When a Waitlist Opens
Bozeman and Missoula waitlist openings fill extremely quickly. Act immediately when an opening is announced:
- Most Montana PHAs and Montana Housing accept online pre-applications when waitlists open
- Have all household member information ready: full names, dates of birth, SSNs, income details
- Apply to every open Montana PHA and Montana Housing simultaneously
- Consider applying to PHAs in smaller Montana cities — Billings, Great Falls, Butte — which may have shorter waits and allow portability later
Step 4: Maintain Your Waitlist Position
Bozeman Housing Authority waits can run 3 to 6+ years given the city’s extreme housing demand. Missoula runs approximately 2 to 5 years. Billings and Great Falls typically run 1 to 3 years.
In smaller Montana cities and through Montana Housing’s rural programs, waits are often 1 to 2 years when lists are open. While waiting:
- Update your contact information with every PHA every time you move or change your phone number
- Respond promptly to all annual confirmation notices
- Document any priority preference eligibility:
- Currently homeless or residing in emergency shelter
- Victim of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking (VAWA protections apply)
- Veteran or active-duty service member
- Person with a disability requiring accessible or supportive housing
- Displaced by wildfire, flooding, or other natural disaster
Step 5: Complete the Full Application
When your name is reached, gather these documents without delay:
- Photo ID — driver’s license, state ID, or passport for all adult household members
- Birth certificates — for all household members
- Social Security cards — for all household members
- Proof of income — recent pay stubs, Social Security or disability award letters, Montana TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) award letters, or most recent federal tax return
- Bank statements — last 2–3 months for all accounts
- Rental history — landlord names, addresses, and contact info for the past 2–3 years
- Benefit letters — SNAP, Montana Medicaid (Healthy Montana), TANF, or other Montana benefit award letters
Step 6: Attend the Eligibility Interview
A Montana PHA or Montana Housing specialist will review your application, verify documents, and conduct an eligibility interview.
If you believe your application was improperly handled, contact the Montana Legal Services Association at (406) 442-9830 or the Montana Human Rights Bureau at (406) 444-2884 for free guidance.
Step 7: Receive Your Voucher and Search for Housing
If approved, you receive your Montana Section 8 voucher and typically have 60 to 120 days to find eligible housing. Montana has no statewide SOI law, so securing a willing landlord is the most challenging step — especially in Bozeman and Missoula.
Request an extension proactively if you are struggling to find a unit within the search window — Montana PHAs have discretion to grant extensions in tight markets.
Finding Section 8 Housing in Montana
Here are the best resources for finding participating landlords in Montana:
- Montana Housing Locator: housing.mt.gov — Montana Housing maintains affordable housing search tools and landlord resources statewide; (406) 841-2840
- HUD Housing Locator: hudhousinglocator.com — search by Montana city or ZIP code
- GoSection8.com: national database with Montana listings, particularly Billings, Missoula, and Great Falls
- AffordableHousing.com: filter by Montana for voucher-friendly listings
- Your local PHA landlord list: request the internal participating landlord list at your briefing — in Montana’s no-SOI market, this is your most reliable tool
- Craigslist Montana / Facebook Marketplace: search “Section 8 welcome,” “HCV accepted,” or “housing vouchers OK”
- USDA Rural Development Montana: rd.usda.gov — rural housing programs for smaller Montana communities and reservation-adjacent areas; (406) 585-2580
- Montana Human Rights Bureau: For discrimination complaints based on race, disability, or familial status, contact the Montana Human Rights Bureau at (406) 444-2884
Montana Section 8 Housing: Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Section 8 waitlist in Montana?
Bozeman Housing Authority waits can run 3 to 6+ years — one of the longest waits relative to city size of any housing authority in the country. Missoula typically runs 2 to 5 years. Billings and Helena run approximately 1 to 3 years.
Great Falls and Butte typically run 1 to 2 years. Montana Housing’s rural programs often have shorter waits. Applying to Billings or Great Falls while living in Bozeman — and porting your voucher after 12 months — is a viable strategy for Gallatin County residents.
Can a Montana landlord refuse Section 8?
Yes — Montana has no statewide SOI protection law and no major city-level SOI ordinances currently in effect. Montana landlords may legally decline to participate in the Section 8 program.
Work closely with your PHA or Montana Housing housing specialist, request their internal landlord list, and use GoSection8.com to identify willing landlords. In smaller Montana cities and rural areas, voluntary participation rates are higher.
What is the income limit for Section 8 in Montana?
For a family of four, the Very Low Income limit (50% AMI) ranges from approximately $30,950 in rural/reservation Montana to $63,500 in Gallatin County (Bozeman) — one of the sharpest contrasts of any state.
Missoula County is approximately $45,650, Billings (Yellowstone County) approximately $44,350, and Great Falls (Cascade County) approximately $39,200. Verify current county-specific limits at huduser.gov as they are updated annually.
How much does Section 8 pay for rent in Montana?
In Bozeman (Gallatin County), payment standards for a two-bedroom unit are approximately $1,800–$2,145 — among the highest of any non-coastal county in the United States. In Missoula, approximately $1,375–$1,650. In Helena and Kalispell, approximately $1,200–$1,430.
In Billings (Yellowstone County), approximately $1,150–$1,375. In Great Falls, approximately $970–$1,155. In rural and reservation Montana, approximately $740–$880. Contact your specific PHA or Montana Housing for current exact payment standards.
Are there housing programs specifically for Native American households in Montana?
Yes. Montana’s seven federally recognized tribes — Blackfeet, Crow, Fort Belknap, Fort Peck, Flathead (CSKT), Northern Cheyenne, and Rocky Boy’s — each operate their own tribal housing authority under NAHASDA (Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act).
Tribal housing programs are separate from the federal Section 8 program, administered with tribal funds and federal NAHASDA block grants. If you are an enrolled tribal member, contact your tribal housing authority directly — these programs are specifically designed for tribal community needs and may have faster access than the federal HCV waitlist. Urban Indian households in Billings, Great Falls, or Missoula can contact the Montana Urban Indian Health Institute or local urban Indian health centers for housing referrals.
Are there housing resources for Montana wildfire and flood survivors?
Yes. Montana faces recurring wildfire and flooding events — particularly in western Montana and along the Yellowstone and Missouri rivers. Disaster-displaced residents should report their status to their local PHA or Montana Housing as a priority preference.
The Montana Disaster and Emergency Services (DES) at hsdgf.mt.gov coordinates FEMA and disaster housing programs for affected Montanans. USDA Rural Development also offers emergency housing repair programs. Dial 211 for current disaster housing referrals after any active disaster declaration.
Can I use my Montana Section 8 voucher in another state?
Yes. After living in your initial Montana Section 8-assisted unit for at least 12 months, you can port your voucher to another state.
Contact your Montana PHA or Montana Housing to initiate the portability process. Your subsidy will be recalculated based on the receiving area’s payment standards.
Are there Section 8 vouchers for veterans in Montana?
Yes. The HUD-VASH program provides Section 8 vouchers for homeless veterans combined with VA case management.
Montana VA facilities administering HUD-VASH include the Fort Harrison VA Medical Center (Helena) at (406) 442-6410, the Billings VA Clinic at (406) 373-3600, and community-based outpatient clinics in Missoula, Great Falls, Bozeman, Kalispell, Miles City, and Havre. Contact your nearest Montana VA to inquire about HUD-VASH availability.
What other programs help with housing in Montana besides Section 8?
Montana has several additional housing assistance programs including Montana Housing’s LIHTC affordable housing portfolio, emergency rental assistance through local Community Action Agencies statewide, and USDA Rural Development housing programs that are particularly important in rural Montana.
Montana’s TANF program (administered through DPHHS) can provide emergency housing assistance. The Montana Homeless Coalition coordinates statewide homeless services and rapid rehousing programs. Dial 211 for immediate local referrals anywhere in Montana.
Additional Housing Resources in Montana
- Montana Housing (Dept. of Commerce): housing.mt.gov — statewide HCV administration, affordable housing finance, and rental assistance; (406) 841-2840
- 2-1-1 Montana: Dial 211 — emergency housing, shelter, utility assistance, and social services statewide, 24/7
- Montana Human Rights Bureau: dli.mt.gov/human-rights — file housing discrimination complaints; (406) 444-2884
- Montana Legal Services Association: montanalegalservices.org — free housing legal assistance statewide; (406) 442-9830
- Homeword (Missoula): homeword.org — affordable housing development, homeownership counseling, and tenant services in western Montana; (406) 532-3350
- NeighborWorks Montana (Great Falls): nwmontana.org — affordable housing development and homeownership programs statewide; (406) 761-5861
- Billings Community of Hope: communityofhope.net — homeless services and rapid rehousing in Billings; (406) 259-2028
- Poverello Center (Missoula): poverello.org — emergency shelter and housing services in Missoula; (406) 728-1809
- Bozeman Warming Center / Haven: havenbozeman.org — emergency shelter and housing navigation in Bozeman / Gallatin County; (406) 587-5444
- HUD-Approved Housing Counselors: Free counseling statewide — find one at hud.gov/housingcounseling
- HUD-VASH for Veterans: Contact Fort Harrison VA Medical Center at (406) 442-6410 for homeless veteran housing vouchers
- USDA Rural Development Montana: rd.usda.gov — rural housing programs for rural and reservation-adjacent Montana communities; (406) 585-2580
- Montana Homeless Coalition: montanahomelesscoalition.org — statewide homeless services coordination and rapid rehousing resources
Final Thoughts: Getting Section 8 Housing in Montana
Securing a Section 8 housing voucher in Montana is one of the most challenging housing tasks in the state — particularly in Bozeman and Missoula, where waitlists are long, vacancy rates are near zero, and landlords face no legal obligation to accept vouchers.
But Montana’s rural and smaller-city PHAs offer real opportunities for applicants who are flexible on location — and portability allows you to move your voucher after 12 months if circumstances change.
Here are the most important actions to take right now:
- Apply to every open Montana PHA and Montana Housing waitlist simultaneously — don’t limit yourself to Bozeman or Missoula; Billings, Great Falls, and Butte often have shorter waits
- Contact Montana Housing at (406) 841-2840 — if you live outside a major city, Montana Housing is your primary Section 8 access point
- If you are an enrolled tribal member, contact your tribal housing authority directly — NAHASDA tribal programs are separate from federal Section 8 and may have faster availability
- Request your PHA’s internal landlord list immediately at your briefing — in Montana’s no-SOI market, this is your most reliable tool for finding an eligible unit
- Ask about extensions proactively if you receive a voucher in Bozeman or Missoula — PHA housing specialists can grant additional search time in demonstrably tight markets
- Dial 211 for immediate help with housing, emergency rental assistance, and other urgent needs while you wait
For the most current waitlist information, contact your local Montana PHA directly or visit Montana Housing at housing.mt.gov.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Income limits, Fair Market Rents, payment standards, and program rules are updated annually by HUD. Montana state and local housing laws are also subject to change. Always verify current information with your local Montana Public Housing Authority, Montana Housing, or a HUD-approved housing counselor before applying.