Housing assistance in Montana for immigrants
Montana at a glance
Montana is home to about 25,679 foreign-born residents (2.3% of the state’s 1,116,875 people) and 50,932 residents of Hispanic or Latino origin (4.6%), per the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (2024 5-year estimates). The procedures below apply to everyone in Montana regardless of immigration status unless noted.
What rent actually costs in Montana — HUD’s official numbers
HUD's Fair Market Rents set the ceiling a Section 8 voucher covers and serve as the official rent benchmark. In Montana (FY 2026), the benchmark rent for a 2-bedroom apartment is $1,307/month (median), ranging from $973 (Phillips County, MT) to $2,154 (Bozeman, MT MSA) across the state's 55 rent areas.
| Area (largest by population) | Studio | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | 4BR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billings, MT HUD Metro FMR Area | $1,016 | $1,109 | $1,417 | $1,951 | $2,216 |
| Bozeman, MT MSA | $1,485 | $1,642 | $2,154 | $2,996 | $3,537 |
| Missoula, MT HUD Metro FMR Area | $1,143 | $1,400 | $1,655 | $2,302 | $2,776 |
| Flathead County, MT | $1,267 | $1,289 | $1,691 | $2,224 | $2,837 |
| Great Falls, MT MSA | $960 | $979 | $1,284 | $1,786 | $2,035 |
| Lewis and Clark County, MT HUD Metro FMR Area | $1,136 | $1,319 | $1,647 | $2,250 | $2,496 |
| Ravalli County, MT | $1,116 | $1,145 | $1,423 | $1,979 | $2,387 |
| Silver Bow County, MT | $1,028 | $1,149 | $1,414 | $1,967 | $2,180 |
Source: HUD FY 2026 Fair Market Rents (effective 2025-10-01; 40th-percentile gross rents — Section 8 payment standards are set at 90-110% of FMR). Look up your county at huduser.gov.
Federal programs in Montana
Section 8 (Housing Choice Voucher) and Public Housing share the same federal rules: low income (typically under 30-50% of Area Median Income) and at least one household member with citizenship or an eligible immigration status — mixed-status families get a prorated voucher rather than nothing. Undocumented members, DACA recipients, and F-1 students don’t count as eligible members. Full eligibility lists and documents: federal housing rules.
To apply in Montana: find your local Public Housing Agency at hud.gov/findpha and get on the waiting list — months to years in tight markets.
Emergency shelters
Available WITHOUT immigration status verification:
- Homeless shelters
- Domestic violence shelters (DV shelters have enhanced privacy)
- Catholic Charities
- Salvation Army
- YWCA / YMCA
- Local churches
National homelessness line: 211 (in many states, connects to local resources)
Do I need ITIN or SSN to rent in Montana?
Not necessarily. Many landlords (especially small individuals) do NOT require SSN to rent. May require: income proof, employer letter, prior landlord references, larger security deposit.
Professionally-managed apartments (large complexes) are stricter about SSN.
Related information
Last verified: 2026-06-15.
General procedural information for educational purposes. Not legal, tax, or immigration advice. Laws and fees change — verify with the issuing agency before taking action. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney or other appropriate professional.
Related procedural information
- Federal benefits eligibility by immigration status — who qualifies for what
- Find legal aid in your state — public-benefits appeals
- ITIN for tax-funded benefits — eligibility requires SSN or ITIN
- Consulate of your country — many offer financial-assistance referrals
- Know Your Rights — public-benefits enrollment — agency confidentiality limits
The Section 8 math in one line
A voucher household pays about 30% of adjusted monthly income toward rent, and the voucher covers the rest up to the local payment standard (90-110% of the FMRs shown above). Housing discrimination is reportable regardless of immigration status: HUD hotline 1-800-669-9777 (hud.gov fair housing).