countyscore
52.7
County Score
Income & Jobs 65.3Health 63.6Property Tax 58

County Report Card

About Richland County, Montana

Richland Beats the National Median

Richland County holds a composite score of 52.7, surpassing the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a stable quality of life that remains competitive on a national scale.

Trailing the Montana Average

Despite its national performance, Richland's score of 52.7 sits below the Montana state average of 56.4. It offers a more modest profile compared to some of its higher-scoring neighbors in the state.

Strong Incomes and Fair Health

The county excels with an Income Score of 65.3, backed by a healthy median household income of $69,578. A Health Score of 63.6 further demonstrates that residents have access to decent medical outcomes and wellness resources.

Water Quality and Resource Concerns

The Water Score of 8.6 is a primary area for improvement, indicating significant challenges with local water resources. Other dimensions like Safety and Risk hover near the middle, with scores of 48.7 and 47.3 respectively.

A Solid Choice for Working Professionals

Richland County suits middle-income workers who value a decent paycheck and standard healthcare. While water infrastructure is a concern, the manageable $866 monthly rent makes it an accessible location for many families.

Score breakdown

Tax58Cost49.7Safety48.7Health63.6Schools56.1Income65.3Risk47.3Water8.6Weather33.3
🏛58
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠49.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼65.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡48.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤63.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓56.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡47.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧8.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤33.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨41.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱33.9
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Roosevelt County
Montana
46.5
Dawson County
Montana
47.7
McKenzie County
North Dakota
48.8
Williams County
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42.7
Wibaux County
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Sheridan County
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McCone County
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Golden Valley County
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Deep Dives

Richland County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Richland County

via TaxByCounty

Richland stays below national average

Richland's effective tax rate of 0.747% sits slightly below the national median of 0.84%, placing it in the lower-middle tier nationally. The median property tax of $1,935 is notably lower than the national median of $2,690, even though homes here are worth $259,000.

Right at Montana's average rate

Richland's 0.747% effective rate nearly matches Montana's state average of 0.767%, making it a middle-ground county by local standards. This means Richland homeowners pay fairly typical property taxes compared to other Montanans.

More affordable than eastern peers

Richland's rate of 0.747% beats Roosevelt County (1.286%) and Sheridan County (1.287%), the eastern tier's highest-taxed counties, by nearly 40%. It also undercuts Silver Bow County (1.055%) significantly.

What $259K home costs in taxes

A median Richland home valued at $259,000 carries an annual tax bill of approximately $1,935. With a mortgage, expect $2,297; without, closer to $1,669.

Assessment appeals still pay off

Even at typical rates, Richland homeowners often discover their homes are assessed above fair market value. Filing a no-cost appeal can unlock substantial savings year after year.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Richland County

via CostByCounty

Richland stays below national affordability strain

Richland County's 14.9% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national benchmark of around 15.9%, making it one of Montana's more affordable rental markets. With a median household income of $69,578 and median rent of $866, households here maintain breathing room in housing budgets.

Montana's sweet spot for affordability

Richland ranks among Montana's most affordable counties, with its 14.9% rent-to-income ratio undercutting the state average of 15.9% by a full percentage point. Median rent matches the state average exactly at $825, offering solid stability for renters.

Competitive with northeastern Montana peers

Richland's $866 monthly rent positions it slightly above neighboring Roosevelt County ($707) but below Sheridan County ($749). As an agricultural hub in the northeast, Richland offers moderate housing costs aligned with the region's rural character.

Richland's balanced housing economics

Renters allocate 14.9% of a $69,578 median income—or $866 monthly—to housing costs. Homeowners carry a $825 monthly payment for a median home value of $259,000, making both rental and ownership accessible compared to state and national benchmarks.

A stable choice for budget-conscious movers

Richland offers rare affordability equilibrium: rents match the state average while rent-to-income ratios beat it. If you're relocating to Montana and prioritizing stable, sustainable housing costs, Richland's northeastern location and balanced economics merit serious consideration.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Richland County

via IncomeByCounty

Richland keeps pace with America

Richland County's median household income of $69,578 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by just 7%, positioning it comfortably above the bottom half of American counties. The county maintains solid earning power despite rural Montana's economic headwinds.

Upper-middle tier in Montana

Richland's $69,578 median income ranks well above Montana's state average of $62,295—an 11.7% premium that reflects a stable, agriculture-based local economy. The county consistently outperforms most Montana peers.

Among the strongest in northeast Montana

Richland's $69,578 exceeds Roosevelt County ($53,125) by $16,453 and Sanders County ($54,035) by $15,543. Only Ravalli County ($71,323) and Stillwater County ($81,503) surpass Richland's earning capacity in this analysis.

Rent easily fits the budget

At 14.9%, Richland's rent-to-income ratio ranks among Montana's best—well below the 30% affordability threshold and significantly lower than Ravalli's 17.7%. Housing costs consume just over one-seventh of median income, leaving substantial room for savings and other expenses.

Richland's affordability enables wealth-building

Low housing costs relative to income create genuine opportunity to save and invest in Richland County. With rents taking just 15% of earnings, households have flexibility to fund retirement accounts, build emergency reserves, or pursue property ownership.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Richland County

via CrimeByCounty

Richland County Stays Below National Crime Levels

Richland County reports a total crime rate of 1,152.5 per 100K, which is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. This translates to a strong safety score of 98.2 out of 100.

Consistent with Montana Safety Standards

The county's safety score matches the Montana state average exactly at 98.2. Its total crime rate of 1,152.5 per 100K is nearly identical to the statewide average of 1,112.5.

Security Comparison with Neighbors

Richland County is significantly safer than neighboring Sheridan County, which has a much higher crime rate of 2,000.0 per 100K. However, it tracks slightly higher than Roosevelt County's rate of 1,092.7.

Analyzing Property and Violent Crimes

Property crimes occur at a rate of 791.8 per 100K, while violent crimes stand at 360.7. The violent crime rate is just below the national average of 369.8 per 100K.

Proactive Steps for Richland Residents

Property crime makes up the majority of local incidents at 791.8 per 100K. Installing motion-sensor cameras and securing entry points can further reduce these risks in your neighborhood.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Richland County

via HealthByCounty

Richland's health mirrors national averages

Richland County's life expectancy of 76.2 years sits near the U.S. average of 76.4 years, while its 15% poor/fair health rate falls between national (17%) and state averages. This suggests Richland residents experience middling health outcomes compared to the broader country.

Just below Montana's average lifespan

Richland County's 76.2-year life expectancy trails Montana's 76.3-year average by just 0.1 years, placing it squarely in the state's middle tier. At 9.8% uninsured—well below the 11.9% state average—the county has better insurance coverage than most of Montana.

Primary care access is a local challenge

With only 27 primary care providers per 100K, Richland faces one of the lowest provider densities in rural Montana, comparable to Sheridan County's 28 per 100K. Mental health providers at 143 per 100K also lag significantly behind better-resourced neighbors like Ravalli (262 per 100K) and Sanders (278 per 100K).

Good insurance rates, tight provider network

Richland's 9.8% uninsured rate is a strength, but residents may face longer wait times or travel for primary care given the county's 27 providers per 100K. For mental health needs, access is particularly limited compared to neighboring counties.

Secure coverage before you need it

Though Richland has strong insurance enrollment, the 9.8% uninsured rate means some residents still lack coverage. Head to Healthcare.gov to explore affordable options and ensure your family is protected.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Richland County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small Districts Serving Eastern Montana

Richland County manages 1,865 students across 15 public schools, including seven elementary and four high schools. A high number of districts for the population size, totaling 10, ensures that local communities maintain direct control over their schools. This structure supports a wide geographic area with localized educational hubs.

Consistent Performance Above State Averages

The county's 87.6% graduation rate exceeds the Montana state average of 83.7% and aligns closely with the national average. Local districts invest $8,720 per pupil, which is slightly below the state average of $9,334 but supports a respectable school score of 56.0. This score reflects a solid academic foundation compared to the national median of 50.0.

Sidney Schools Anchor the County

Sidney Elementary is the largest district by far, educating 856 students across three specialized campuses. Fairview Elementary follows as the second-largest, serving 182 students. All 15 schools in the county are traditional public institutions, as no charter schools currently operate in the region.

Small-Town Feel in a Rural Setting

The average school size in Richland County is just 124 students, fostering a tight-knit environment where everyone knows your name. While 11 schools are strictly rural, four are located in town centers like Sidney. Sidney High School is the largest facility with 387 students, providing a contrast to smaller rural primary schools.

Invest in a Community-Focused Education

Families looking for a balance of small-town safety and solid academic performance will find Richland County appealing. Homebuyers often target the Sidney area to access the county's largest schools and most diverse extracurricular programs. Strong graduation rates make this a secure choice for your family's future.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Richland County

via RiskByCounty

Richland's risk sits above national norm

Richland County's composite risk score of 52.70 exceeds typical U.S. exposure levels, though its Relatively Low rating indicates manageable overall hazard. The county faces moderate wildfire and tornado risks balanced against lower earthquake exposure.

Moderate risk in Montana context

Richland scores 52.70 against Montana's state average of 33.31, placing it in the mid-range of county risk profiles. This reflects greater-than-average wildfire and tornado vulnerability compared to most state peers.

Comparable to neighboring Roosevelt

Richland (52.70) and Roosevelt County (54.45) show similar overall risk profiles, both driven by wildfire hazard. Richland's tornado risk of 27.00 is notably lower than Roosevelt's 32.09, while earthquake exposure remains minimal in both.

Wildfire and tornado shape exposure

Wildfire risk at 54.99 and tornado risk at 27.00 are Richland's primary concerns, together accounting for most hazard exposure. Flood risk of 25.06 and earthquake risk of 8.37 present secondary considerations.

Cover wildfire, hail, and wind

Standard homeowners insurance typically covers wind and hail damage from tornadoes, but wildfire coverage requires verification or a separate policy rider. Confirm your replacement-cost limits are adequate for your area's construction costs.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Richland County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer Than the Montana Median

Richland County averages 45.5°F annually, placing it closer to the national median than many of its northern neighbors. This climate reflects a semi-arid transition zone with distinct seasonal extremes.

Leading the State in Temperature

At 45.5°F, Richland County is warmer than the Montana state average of 43.7°F. It experiences a more intense summer heat profile than the high-altitude counties to the west.

Dry Heat on the Eastern Border

Richland’s 15.8 inches of annual precipitation is nearly identical to the state average, but its 31 extreme heat days set it apart from cooler mountain regions. It receives 30.0 inches of snow, significantly less than the heavy totals found in western Montana.

Dramatic Swings From July to January

July brings a hot average of 72.4°F, while January plunges to a cold 17.4°F. This 55-degree spread between seasonal peaks defines the rugged local weather experience.

Prioritize Cooling and Winter Resilience

With a full month of temperatures over 90°F, efficient air conditioning is essential for Richland residents. Winter planning should focus on extreme cold protection rather than heavy snow management, given the modest 30-inch annual snowfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Richland County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Earths on the Eastern Border

Richland County soils average a pH of 7.51, making them more alkaline than both the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 7.43. This high pH reflects the mineral-rich nature of the local landscape. The county earns a soil score of 41.7, which sits just below the Montana average of 43.1.

A Balanced Mix of Silt and Sand

The soil composition here is 41.6% silt, 34.8% sand, and 23.7% clay. This balanced distribution creates a profile that holds moisture reasonably well while remaining easier to work than heavy clay. The significant silt content provides a smooth texture that aids in nutrient retention.

Steady Moisture and Organic Matter

Organic matter content stands at 2.17%, which is higher than the national average of 2.0% but lower than the state’s 2.54%. The Available Water Capacity (AWC) is 0.168 in/in, slightly exceeding the Montana average of 0.165 in/in. This means the soil is well-equipped to store water for crops during dry spells.

Understanding Local Water Movement

While specific drainage classes are unrecorded, the 23.7% clay content suggests moderate drainage speeds. The soil's ability to hold water (AWC of 0.168) is a key asset for dryland farming in the region. Proper management is necessary to prevent salt buildup in these alkaline conditions.

Resilient Growing in Zone 4a

Richland County sits in Hardiness Zone 4a, where gardeners must plan for sub-zero winters. Hardier crops like wheat, sugar beets, and cold-tolerant vegetables thrive in these silty soils. Start seeds indoors to get a jump on the relatively short northern growing season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Richland County

via LawnByCounty

Richland County Outperforms State Lawn Averages

Richland County earns a difficulty score of 33.9, placing it slightly above the Montana average of 33.4. While easier than many neighboring counties, it remains more difficult than the national median of 50.0. Gardeners here manage a cold Hardiness Zone 4a environment.

Managing High Heat and Fast Growth

The county experiences 31 days of extreme heat over 90°F, which is higher than the state average of 22 days. With 2,573 growing degree days, grass grows quickly when water is available, but the 15.8 inches of annual rain is barely enough to keep up. The frost-free window typically runs from mid-May to late September.

Alkaline Soils with Balanced Texture

Local soil has a pH of 7.51, which is more alkaline than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for most turf. The texture is a mix of 23.7% clay and 34.8% sand, providing a stable foundation that generally supports good root structure. You may need sulfur amendments to lower the pH for optimal nutrient uptake.

Conserving Water in Dry Conditions

Over the last year, the county faced 38 weeks of drought, and more than half the area is currently abnormally dry. Mulch your clippings back into the lawn to help the soil retain moisture during those 31 high-heat days. This practice provides natural fertilizer while protecting the grass crowns from the sun.

Target Hardier Grass Varieties

Zone 4a requires extremely cold-hardy choices like Crested Wheatgrass or Buffalo grass. The best time to start your lawn is shortly after the May 12 last frost date when soil temperatures begin to rise. Start early to give your new grass time to establish before the summer heat peaks.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Richland County's county score?
Richland County, Montana has a composite county score of 52.7 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Richland County rank among counties in Montana?
Richland County ranks #37 among all counties in Montana on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Richland County, Montana?
The median annual property tax in Richland County is $1,935, with an effective tax rate of 0.75%. This earns Richland County a tax score of 58/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Richland County?
The median household income in Richland County, Montana is $69,578 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Richland County earns an income score of 65.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Richland County, Montana a good place to live?
Richland County scores 52.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #37 in Montana. The best way to evaluate Richland County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Richland County with other counties side by side.

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.