countyscore
46.5
County Score
Cost of Living 91.8Water Quality 86Safety 51.3

County Report Card

About Roosevelt County, Montana

Affordability in the High Plains

Roosevelt County's composite score of 46.6 falls slightly below the national median of 50.0. While it trails in some metrics, it maintains a unique profile driven by low living costs.

Below the State Average Baseline

With a score of 46.6, Roosevelt sits nearly ten points below the Montana state average of 56.4. This highlights regional disparities in economic and health outcomes across the state.

Exceptional Housing Affordability and Water

The county shines with a Cost Score of 91.8, thanks to a low median rent of $707 and home values near $119,400. Its Water Score of 86.0 also ranks as a significant regional asset.

Health and Economic Hurdles

Roosevelt struggles with a Health Score of 9.4 and an Income Score of 21.0. These figures reflect lower median household incomes of $53,125 and limited access to healthcare infrastructure.

Best for Budget-Conscious Residents

This county is best for individuals or families who prioritize extremely low housing costs above all else. Those who can navigate the health and tax challenges will find some of the most affordable real estate in the state.

Score breakdown

Tax21.5Cost91.8Safety51.3Health9.4Schools45.7Income21Risk45.6Water86Weather32.7
🏛21.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠91.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼21
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡51.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤9.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓45.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡45.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤32.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱29.9
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

Richland County
Montana
52.7
Sheridan County
Montana
49.3
Daniels County
Montana
67.8
McCone County
Montana
75.3
Dawson County
Montana
47.7
Williams County
North Dakota
42.7
McKenzie County
North Dakota
48.8
Divide County
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72.2

Deep Dives

Roosevelt County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Roosevelt County

via TaxByCounty

Roosevelt's tax rate is exceptionally high

At 1.286%, Roosevelt's effective tax rate ranks in the top 5% of U.S. counties—more than 50% above the national median of 0.84%. Median property taxes of $1,535 remain low due to modest home values of $119,400, nearly 58% below the national median home price.

Montana's second-highest county rate

Roosevelt ranks among the highest-taxed counties in Montana at 1.286%, nearly double the state average of 0.767%. Only Sheridan County (1.287%) comes close to Roosevelt's burden.

Tied for the region's heaviest load

Roosevelt and Sheridan County are locked at the top, both near 1.286-1.287% effective rates. Both substantially exceed Richland (0.747%) and all western Montana counties.

What $119K home costs in taxes

A median Roosevelt home valued at $119,400 generates approximately $1,535 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, the bill rises to $1,767; without, it drops to $1,431.

High rates make appeals even more critical

In high-tax Roosevelt, even a modest overassessment compounds into substantial overpayment over time. A property tax appeal is free and could save Roosevelt homeowners hundreds annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Roosevelt County

via CostByCounty

Roosevelt: Montana's most affordable rentals

Roosevelt County residents pay just 16.0% of household income toward rent—nearly matching the national average despite earning significantly less. At $707 monthly for a median household income of $53,125, Roosevelt offers the region's cheapest housing, though incomes lag 28% below the national median.

Lowest rents in Montana

Roosevelt's $707 median rent ranks among Montana's lowest, undercutting even the state average of $825 by 14%. With a 16.0% rent-to-income ratio, Roosevelt residents enjoy affordability comparable to the state average despite significantly lower earnings.

Cheapest option in the northeast

Roosevelt's $707 rent is the lowest among its region: $57 cheaper than Sheridan, $67 less than Rosebud, and $159 below Richland. However, Roosevelt's median household income of $53,125 is also the region's lowest, limiting purchasing power despite rental bargains.

Roosevelt's tight but manageable budget

The typical Roosevelt renter spends 16.0% of a $53,125 annual income—$707 monthly—on housing. Homeowners benefit even more: median owner costs of just $415 monthly for homes valued at $119,400 represent only 9.4% of household income, among Montana's best ownership affordability.

Maximum affordability, minimum income requirements

Roosevelt County is Montana's clearest path to affordable housing, with rents and home prices significantly below state averages. Consider relocating here if low housing costs outweigh concerns about the county's 28% lower median income relative to the national average.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Roosevelt County

via IncomeByCounty

Roosevelt lags significantly behind America

Roosevelt County's median household income of $53,125 falls 29% below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it among the lower-earning counties nationally. This income gap reflects economic challenges common to rural, remote Montana communities.

Montana's income challenge

Roosevelt's $53,125 ranks near the bottom across Montana counties, trailing the state average of $62,295 by 14.8%. The county faces persistent economic pressure that limits household earning capacity.

Roosevelt faces toughest economics

Roosevelt's $53,125 median income is the lowest in this eight-county comparison, falling $16,453 short of Richland County and $28,378 below Ravalli County. Only Sanders County ($54,035) comes close to Roosevelt's struggling earnings profile.

Low incomes demand careful budgeting

While Roosevelt's rent-to-income ratio of 16% is technically reasonable, the underlying median income of $53,125 limits total household spending power after housing. With a median home value of $119,400, ownership is more accessible here than in wealthier counties—a potential pathway to building equity.

Roosevelt residents must prioritize savings

Limited household income makes emergency savings and retirement planning essential—not optional—in Roosevelt County. Even modest contributions to savings accounts or low-cost index funds compound significantly over time, creating a financial buffer against local economic volatility.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Roosevelt County

via CrimeByCounty

Roosevelt County Reports High Safety Score

With a safety score of 98.3, Roosevelt County remains safer than the national average. The total crime rate of 1,092.7 per 100K is significantly lower than the U.S. rate of 2,385.5.

Tracking the Montana Average

Roosevelt County's total crime rate of 1,092.7 per 100K is slightly lower than the Montana state average of 1,112.5. Its safety score of 98.3 keeps it in line with the state’s general safety profile.

Comparing Rates in the Region

Roosevelt County is safer than neighboring Richland County, which sees 1,152.5 crimes per 100K. It also maintains a better safety profile than Sheridan County's 2,000.0 crime rate.

Violent Crime Trends are Notable

The violent crime rate of 527.8 per 100K is higher than both the state average of 261.3 and the national average of 369.8. Conversely, the property crime rate is quite low at 564.9 per 100K.

Strengthening Community Security

While property crime is low at 564.9 per 100K, the elevated violent crime rate suggests a need for community awareness. Focusing on home security and well-lit communal areas helps keep the neighborhood safe.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Roosevelt County

via HealthByCounty

Roosevelt faces nation's steepest challenges

Roosevelt County's life expectancy of 60.4 years trails the U.S. average by a striking 16 years, representing a public health crisis. Nearly 28.2% of residents report poor or fair health—far exceeding the national average of 17%—indicating severe health disparities in this community.

Montana's lowest life expectancy by far

At 60.4 years, Roosevelt County residents live 15.9 years less than Montana's 76.3-year average—the most dramatic gap in the state. This extraordinary disparity reflects deep structural health challenges that demand urgent attention and resources.

Health crisis exceeds neighboring counties

Roosevelt's 28.2% poor/fair health rate dwarfs nearby Rosebud County (24%) and all other Montana neighbors, while its life expectancy of 60.4 years is uniquely dire. Even Sanders County (16.5% uninsured) shows far better health outcomes, suggesting Roosevelt faces distinct and severe barriers.

Insurance gaps compound existing crises

With 13.4% uninsured—above the state average of 11.9%—nearly 1 in 8 Roosevelt County residents lack coverage, limiting their ability to access the county's 65 primary care providers. The combination of high uninsured rates and severe health outcomes suggests residents face both financial and healthcare delivery barriers.

Healthcare access starts with enrollment

If you're uninsured in Roosevelt County, connecting to coverage is a critical first step toward better health. Visit Healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to learn about plans available to you and your family today.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Roosevelt County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Wide Network of Rural Schools

Roosevelt County operates 22 public schools serving a total enrollment of 2,422 students. The system includes seven elementary, nine middle, and six high schools spread across 12 different districts. This extensive infrastructure provides educational access across a vast, largely rural landscape.

High Investment Amidst Academic Challenges

The county spends $10,743 per pupil, which is significantly higher than the Montana state average of $9,334. Despite this investment, the graduation rate stands at 65.3%, trailing both state and national benchmarks. The composite school score of 48.6 sits just below the national median, indicating a need for continued focus on student outcomes.

Poplar and Wolf Point Lead the Way

Poplar Elementary and Wolf Point Elementary are the county's largest districts, serving 596 and 511 students respectively. There are no charter schools in the county, meaning 100% of the student body attends traditional public schools. Poplar School is the largest individual facility, with 333 students in its primary program.

A Diverse Mix of Town and Rural Locales

Students attend schools in 14 rural locations and eight town settings, reflecting the county's geographic diversity. The average school size is quite small at only 110 students per campus. This low enrollment-to-school ratio allows for smaller class sizes and more direct interaction between teachers and students.

Focus on Communities with High School Support

When researching homes in Roosevelt County, many families prioritize proximity to the larger hubs of Poplar and Wolf Point. These areas offer the most concentrated educational resources and higher enrollment schools. Choosing a home near these districts provides access to the county's primary academic and athletic programs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Roosevelt County

via RiskByCounty

Roosevelt exceeds U.S. average risk

Roosevelt County's composite risk of 54.45 stands above national averages, reflecting elevated wildfire and tornado exposure. The Relatively Low rating indicates these hazards remain manageable within the county's context.

Mid-range risk among Montana peers

Roosevelt scores 54.45 compared to Montana's average of 33.31, positioning it as a moderate-risk county statewide. Wildfire and tornado vulnerabilities drive this elevation above the state norm.

Similar profile to Richland County

Roosevelt (54.45) and neighboring Richland County (52.70) share comparable risk profiles, with wildfire as the dominant threat. Roosevelt's tornado risk of 32.09 edges slightly higher than Richland's 27.00.

Wildfire and tornado are primary threats

Wildfire risk of 72.84 and tornado risk of 32.09 represent Roosevelt's core exposures, reflecting the county's northern plains geography. Flood risk of 26.62 and earthquake risk of 15.78 present lower but notable secondary hazards.

Bundle wildfire and storm coverage

Homeowners should ensure their policies cover wildfire damage and include wind/hail protection for tornado-season events. Check that replacement costs reflect current building prices in Roosevelt County, and consider annual reviews.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Roosevelt County

via WeatherByCounty

A Harsh Northern Plains Environment

Roosevelt County’s annual average temperature of 42.4°F is well below the national median, reflecting its position in the northern Great Plains. The climate is characterized by low moisture and high thermal variability.

Colder Than the Montana Average

The county sits below the state’s 43.7°F average, making it one of the cooler regions in Montana. It also receives less moisture than the state norm, with only 13.9 inches of annual precipitation.

Dry Skies and Bitter Winters

Roosevelt is notably drier than the state average, missing the 15.4-inch mark by over an inch. Its 28.2 inches of annual snowfall is relatively light for Montana, but the lack of cover often leads to deeper soil freezing.

Intense Summer Sun and Frigid Januarys

January is brutal with an average temperature of 13.4°F, while July recovers to a warm 70.0°F. Despite the cold winters, the county still endures 25 days of extreme heat over 90°F every year.

Gear Up for Deep Freezes

Homeowners must prioritize high-efficiency heating systems and insulation to combat the 13.4°F January average. Because of the 25 extreme heat days, dual-purpose HVAC systems are increasingly necessary for year-round comfort.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Roosevelt County

via SoilByCounty

The Great Plains Profile

Official pH and taxonomic data for Roosevelt County are not included in the current record. Most soils in this region of Montana trend toward the state average pH of 7.43, which is significantly more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. This alkalinity is typical for the semi-arid northern plains.

High Plains Texture Varieties

Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay are currently unavailable for this county. Local landscapes typically feature glacial till and alluvial deposits from the nearby Missouri River. These materials create a complex mosaic of drainage patterns across the county's vast acreage.

Dryland Fertility and Capacity

Roosevelt County lacks specific organic matter and water capacity data in this set. Throughout the state, an average organic matter of 2.54% sustains the local agriculture industry. Maintaining ground cover is critical here to preserve whatever moisture and organic material the soil holds.

Navigating the Missouri Watershed

With no dominant drainage class or hydrologic group recorded, builders and farmers must rely on local site assessments. Proximity to the Missouri River can lead to highly variable water tables and drainage speeds. Proper drainage is the primary concern for any new construction or intensive farming.

Planting for Success in Zone 4a

A Hardiness Zone of 4a means plants must survive temperatures as low as -30°F. Local growers find success with prairie-hardy shrubs, grains, and short-season root vegetables. Focus on windbreaks to protect your garden from the persistent plains winds.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Roosevelt County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Conditions in Northern Montana

Roosevelt County presents a tough environment for turf with a lawn difficulty score of 29.9. This falls below the state average of 33.4 and well below the national 50.0 benchmark. Growing a lawn in Hardiness Zone 4a requires patience and specific species selection.

Dry Air and Short Seasons

Annual precipitation is low at just 13.9 inches, making supplemental irrigation a necessity for any green space. With 2,180 growing degree days and 25 extreme heat days, the summer is intense but relatively short. The frost-free period lasts only about four months, starting after May 20.

Soil Testing is the First Step

Because specific soil pH and texture data are not available for this county, a local test is vital. Northern Montana soils are often alkaline and can range from heavy clay to sandy loam. Knowing your specific dirt helps you avoid wasting money on unnecessary fertilizers or amendments.

Extensive Drought Hits Roosevelt Hard

The county spent 39 weeks in drought over the past year, and 85.7% of the land is currently abnormally dry. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and ensure moisture reaches the root zone. Focus your resources on the most visible parts of the lawn during the driest months.

Choosing Rugged Turf for Zone 4a

Select rugged, cold-hardy varieties like Blue Grama or Fine Fescue to survive the 13.4°F January average. Aim to seed your lawn after May 20 to avoid spring frost damage. These varieties are best equipped to handle the county's low rainfall and cold winters.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Roosevelt County's county score?
Roosevelt County, Montana has a composite county score of 46.5 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 Roosevelt County rank among counties in Montana?
Roosevelt County ranks #46 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 Roosevelt County, Montana?
The median annual property tax in Roosevelt County is $1,535, with an effective tax rate of 1.29%. This earns Roosevelt County a tax score of 21.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Roosevelt County?
The median household income in Roosevelt County, Montana is $53,125 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Roosevelt County earns an income score of 21/100 on CountyScore.
Is Roosevelt County, Montana a good place to live?
Roosevelt County scores 46.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #46 in Montana. The best way to evaluate Roosevelt 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 Roosevelt County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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