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Property Value
Percent Owner Occupied
Housing Prices
Median Rent
Population
Zip code 59937, located in Whitefish, Montana, is a scenic area known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. This region has experienced significant changes in homeownership rates and housing prices over the past decade, reflecting broader economic trends and local market dynamics. The homeownership rate in zip code 59937 has shown a notable increase from 2013 to 2022. In 2013, 65% of housing units were owner-occupied, and this figure rose to 75% by 2022. This upward trend in homeownership coincided with a substantial increase in average home prices. In 2013, the average home price was $293,537, which more than tripled to $913,232 by 2022. This dramatic rise in home values may have incentivized more residents to invest in property, contributing to the increased homeownership rate.
Federal interest rates have played a role in shaping homeownership trends in the area. From 2013 to 2020, interest rates remained relatively low, ranging from 0.09% to 2.16%. This period of low interest rates coincided with the steady increase in homeownership rates, as more affordable financing options likely encouraged home purchases. The homeownership rate grew from 65% in 2013 to 70% in 2020, demonstrating the positive impact of low interest rates on property ownership.
While homeownership increased, the percentage of renters in zip code 59937 decreased from 35% in 2013 to 25% in 2022. Despite this decline in the renter population, average rent prices showed an upward trend. The average rent rose from $954 in 2013 to $1,098 in 2022, an increase of about 15%. This increase in rent prices, coupled with the rising home values, may have contributed to the shift towards homeownership as residents sought to build equity rather than face increasing rental costs.
In 2023 and 2024, the housing market in zip code 59937 experienced some fluctuations. The average home price decreased slightly from $913,232 in 2022 to $864,269 in 2023, before rising again to $879,024 in 2024. This minor correction and subsequent increase occurred alongside a significant rise in federal interest rates, which jumped from 1.68% in 2022 to 5.02% in 2023 and further to 5.33% in 2024. These higher interest rates may impact future homeownership trends and housing affordability in the area.
Looking ahead, predictive models suggest that average home prices in zip code 59937 may continue to rise over the next five years, albeit at a more moderate pace than the rapid growth seen in the early 2020s. Average rent prices are also expected to increase, potentially driven by ongoing demand for housing in this desirable area. However, the rate of increase for both home prices and rents may be tempered by higher interest rates and overall economic conditions.
In summary, zip code 59937 has experienced a significant shift towards homeownership over the past decade, accompanied by substantial increases in both average home prices and rent costs. The interplay between low interest rates, rising property values, and changing rental markets has shaped these trends. As the area moves forward, the housing market is likely to continue evolving, with potential for further price appreciation balanced against economic factors and interest rate fluctuations.