Roosevelt Ranks Above National Average Despite Challenges
Roosevelt County's composite score of 62.7 exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 25% of U.S. counties. However, this score reflects real local economic constraints that merit attention.
2 / 5
Notably Below Montana's County Average
Roosevelt scores 62.7 compared to Montana's state average of 72.1, placing it among the lower-performing counties within the state. This gap reflects structural economic and health care challenges that distinguish Roosevelt from stronger Montana counties.
3 / 5
Exceptional Housing Affordability Across the Board
Roosevelt excels in cost with a score of 89.5—the highest among these eight counties—featuring a median home value of $119,400 and rent at just $707 per month. For residents prioritizing low housing costs, Roosevelt offers unmatched value.
4 / 5
Income and Health Care Present Real Headwinds
Median household income is just $53,125 with an income score of 18.1, the lowest in this cohort, while a health score of 44.3 signals limited access to quality health care. The effective tax rate of 1.286% is also among the state's highest, adding to household budget pressure.
5 / 5
Best for Highly Cost-Sensitive, Independent Households
Roosevelt suits retirees with modest fixed incomes and remote workers with reliable outside earnings who prioritize absolute affordability. Families relying on local employment or requiring extensive health services should carefully weigh the economic and health care limitations.
Roosevelt Ranks Above National Average Despite Challenges
Roosevelt County's composite score of 62.7 exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 25% of U.S. counties. However, this score reflects real local economic constraints that merit attention.
Notably Below Montana's County Average
Roosevelt scores 62.7 compared to Montana's state average of 72.1, placing it among the lower-performing counties within the state. This gap reflects structural economic and health care challenges that distinguish Roosevelt from stronger Montana counties.
Exceptional Housing Affordability Across the Board
Roosevelt excels in cost with a score of 89.5—the highest among these eight counties—featuring a median home value of $119,400 and rent at just $707 per month. For residents prioritizing low housing costs, Roosevelt offers unmatched value.
Income and Health Care Present Real Headwinds
Median household income is just $53,125 with an income score of 18.1, the lowest in this cohort, while a health score of 44.3 signals limited access to quality health care. The effective tax rate of 1.286% is also among the state's highest, adding to household budget pressure.
Best for Highly Cost-Sensitive, Independent Households
Roosevelt suits retirees with modest fixed incomes and remote workers with reliable outside earnings who prioritize absolute affordability. Families relying on local employment or requiring extensive health services should carefully weigh the economic and health care limitations.
Score breakdown
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🏛66.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.