countyscore
60.2
County Score
Safety 90.7Cost of Living 85.5Property Tax 70.8

County Report Card

About Rosebud County, Montana

Rosebud Outpaces the Nation

Rosebud County earns a composite score of 60.2, significantly outperforming the national median of 50.0. It ranks as a high-performing rural county with several standout metrics.

Leading the Montana Pack

At 60.2, Rosebud exceeds the Montana state average of 56.4. This indicates that the county provides a better-than-average quality of life compared to most other Montana counties.

Elite Safety and Great Value

The county boasts a remarkable Safety Score of 90.7, making it one of the more secure places to live. Its Cost Score of 85.5 is equally impressive, with a median gross rent of just $644 per month.

Addressing Health and Water Issues

Rosebud faces difficulties in its Water Score of 5.5 and Health Score of 19.0. Additionally, the Income Score of 28.5 suggests that local wage growth remains a challenge for many residents.

A Haven for Safety and Savings

Rosebud is a perfect fit for retirees or remote workers who value peace, safety, and exceptionally low living costs. While healthcare and water require local solutions, the overall stability of the county is hard to beat.

Score breakdown

Tax70.8Cost85.5Safety90.7Health19Schools46.4Income28.5Risk50.3Water5.5Weather31
🏛70.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠85.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼28.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡90.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤19
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓46.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡50.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧5.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤31
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱35.8
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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Deep Dives

Rosebud County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Rosebud County

via TaxByCounty

Rosebud runs well below national rate

Rosebud's effective tax rate of 0.630% sits 25% below the national median of 0.84%, placing it in the bottom quarter of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $1,191 is less than half the national median of $2,690, reflecting both low rates and modest home values of $188,900.

Among Montana's most affordable counties

Rosebud's 0.630% rate sits comfortably below Montana's state average of 0.767%, ranking among the state's most tax-friendly counties. Homeowners here enjoy roughly 18% lower rates than the typical Montanan.

Second-cheapest in the eastern region

Rosebud's 0.630% rate trails only Ravalli (0.529%) among comparable counties, and beats Roosevelt (1.286%) and Sheridan (1.287%) by more than 50%. It's one of the few tax havens in eastern Montana.

What $189K home costs in taxes

A median Rosebud home valued at $188,900 generates roughly $1,191 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, expect $1,608; without, approximately $911.

Even low bills deserve checking

Low tax rates don't guarantee fair assessments—Rosebud homeowners should still verify their valuations against recent sales. A free appeal could reduce an already modest bill even further.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Rosebud County

via CostByCounty

Rosebud beats national affordability standards

Rosebud County's 13.7% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Montana's best, significantly outpacing the national average of around 15.9%. Renters here spend just $644 monthly on a median household income of $56,430, freeing resources for other needs.

Southeast Montana's affordability leader

Rosebud's 13.7% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest among the eight-county profile, beating the state average of 15.9% by more than 2 percentage points. At $644 monthly rent—$181 below the state median—Rosebud offers exceptional housing value.

Cheapest rent in the region

Rosebud's $644 rent is the lowest across all neighboring counties, $63 cheaper than Roosevelt, $105 below Sheridan, and $130 less than Richland. Only Rosebud and Roosevelt offer sub-$700 monthly rents in this analysis.

Rosebud's exceptional housing value

Renters allocate just 13.7% of a $56,430 annual income—$644 monthly—to housing, the lowest burden in this county cohort. Homeowners benefit similarly, with $643 monthly payments for median homes valued at $188,900, creating near-parity between rental and ownership costs.

Southeastern Montana's best-kept housing secret

If affordability is your priority, Rosebud County delivers: the region's cheapest rent and best rent-to-income ratio. This southeastern location combines low housing costs with balanced ownership economics, making it ideal for anyone seeking maximum housing security on a modest budget.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Rosebud County

via IncomeByCounty

Rosebud earns below the U.S. median

Rosebud County's median household income of $56,430 is 24.5% below the national median of $74,755, reflecting the income pressures facing rural Montana. The county operates in an economic tier shared with struggling communities across the Great Plains.

Below-average for Montana

Rosebud's $56,430 trails Montana's state average of $62,295 by 9.4%, placing the county in the lower half of the state's income distribution. The gap reflects limited job diversity and economic opportunity relative to more developed counties.

Rosebud struggles alongside rural peers

Rosebud's $56,430 exceeds only Roosevelt County ($53,125) and Sanders County ($54,035) in this eight-county group. It falls $14,893 short of Richland County and ranks seventh overall—a pattern reflecting broader challenges in eastern and central Montana.

Affordability is a bright spot

Rosebud's rent-to-income ratio of 13.7% is the best among all eight counties, meaning renters dedicate just over one-eighth of income to housing. This affordability cushion offers breathing room, though the modest underlying income constrains total household purchasing power.

Leverage low housing costs

With rent consuming only 13.7% of income, Rosebud households have genuine capacity to save and build wealth despite modest overall earnings. Prioritizing automatic savings from each paycheck and taking advantage of low-cost homeownership can create long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Rosebud County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety in Rosebud County

Rosebud County boasts a near-perfect safety score of 99.7. Its total crime rate of 168.5 per 100K is a tiny fraction of the national average of 2,385.5.

One of Montana's Safest Jurisdictions

Rosebud County far exceeds the state average safety score of 98.2. Its crime rate of 168.5 per 100K is dramatically lower than the Montana average of 1,112.5.

A Regional Safety Leader

Compared to nearby Stillwater County, which has a crime rate of 1,113.9, Rosebud County is exceptionally secure. This 168.5 rate makes it a standout for safety in Eastern Montana.

Extremely Low Property and Violent Crime

Property crime is remarkably low at 72.2 per 100K, while violent crime sits at 96.3. These figures are among the lowest in the state, with only two agencies reporting.

Maintaining a Secure Environment

With a property crime rate of only 72.2 per 100K, Rosebud County is very safe for homeowners. Basic precautions like locking doors and windows help maintain this high standard of living.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Rosebud County

via HealthByCounty

Rosebud lags well behind U.S. health

Rosebud County's life expectancy of 65.9 years falls 10.5 years short of the U.S. average of 76.4 years, representing a significant health gap. With 24% of residents reporting poor or fair health—well above the national average of 17%—the county experiences substantial health challenges.

Second-worst health outcomes in Montana

Rosebud County's 65.9-year life expectancy ranks second-lowest in Montana, trailing only Roosevelt County's 60.4 years and falling 10.4 years below the state average. At 11.1% uninsured, the county sits near the state average, suggesting insurance gaps aren't the primary driver of poor outcomes.

Health crisis shared with Roosevelt

Rosebud's 24% poor/fair health rate mirrors the severe challenges seen in neighboring Roosevelt County (28.2%), indicating a regional health crisis across this area. Both counties dramatically outpace healthier neighbors like Stillwater (12.2%) and Ravalli (13.1%).

Providers present, but outcomes remain poor

Despite having 49 primary care providers and 245 mental health providers per 100K—respectable numbers—Rosebud residents still experience the state's second-lowest life expectancy. This suggests healthcare access alone isn't solving deeper social determinants driving poor health outcomes.

Ensure your coverage is in place

At 11.1% uninsured, Rosebud County has room to improve enrollment rates and strengthen healthcare access. If you lack insurance, visit Healthcare.gov to explore options and take control of your health today.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Rosebud County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small Schools Serving a Large Frontier

Rosebud County supports 1,503 students through a network of 15 public schools and nine districts. The school levels are fairly evenly split, with six elementary, five middle, and four high schools. This distribution ensures that students at all grade levels have access to local facilities across the county.

Strong Funding Supports Local Education

With a per-pupil expenditure of $10,588, Rosebud County invests more in its students than the state average of $9,334. The graduation rate is 73.7%, which sits below the national average but supports a school score of 52.7. This score is competitive with the Montana state average of 53.7.

Colstrip Schools Drive County Enrollment

Colstrip Elementary is the most prominent district, serving 366 students across two schools. Other notable districts include Lame Deer Elementary and Ashland Elementary, which manage smaller student populations. Traditional public schools make up 100% of the landscape, as no charter schools currently exist in the county.

Exclusively Rural Learning Environments

All 15 schools in Rosebud County are classified as rural, offering a true Montana frontier education experience. The average school size is just 100 students, with Lame Deer School being the largest at 293 students. This environment is characterized by very small cohorts and close-knit student-teacher relationships.

Find Your Place in a Small-School Community

Rosebud County is perfect for families seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle where schools serve as the center of community life. Consider homes in the Colstrip or Forsyth areas to take advantage of the county's most established school districts. Proximity to these schools is a major factor for families relocating to this high-investment region.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Rosebud County

via RiskByCounty

Rosebud's risk edges above U.S. baseline

Rosebud County scores 49.71 on the composite risk scale, moderately above national averages, with a Relatively Low rating. Wildfire exposure dominates, while earthquake risk remains secondary.

Moderate risk within Montana

Rosebud's 49.71 score exceeds Montana's average of 33.31, reflecting greater-than-typical wildfire vulnerability. The county ranks in the moderate tier of Montana's hazard landscape.

Higher wildfire risk than eastern peers

Rosebud (49.71) faces notably higher composite risk than Richland County (52.70) and Roosevelt County (54.45) when considering overall profiles, though its wildfire risk of 95.01 is among the most extreme. This reflects Rosebud's position in Montana's wildland interface.

Wildfire dominates, flood secondary

Wildfire risk at 95.01 is Rosebud's overwhelming hazard, reflecting forested terrain and seasonal fire activity. Flood risk of 56.52 represents a distant second concern, while tornado and earthquake risks remain minimal.

Wildfire insurance is essential

Verify that your homeowners policy includes wildfire coverage or secure a separate endorsement—standard policies often exclude or limit this risk. Maintain defensible space around your home and keep gutters clear to reduce ignition vulnerability.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Rosebud County

via WeatherByCounty

Montana’s High Heat Pocket

Rosebud County’s 45.6°F average annual temperature is several degrees warmer than many surrounding northern counties. This creates a climate that is warmer than the state average, though still cooler than the U.S. median.

Surpassing State Heat Benchmarks

Rosebud reaches 45.6°F annually, notably higher than the Montana average of 43.7°F. It is one of the state's warmer counties, driven largely by its intense summer peaks.

Chasing the Sun in Eastern Montana

Rosebud averages 35 days of extreme heat per year, far exceeding the counts of its mountain-dwelling neighbors. Its 14.8 inches of precipitation and 35.4 inches of snow are typical for the eastern plains but low compared to the western peaks.

Hot Summers and Moderate Snow

Summer temperatures peak in July with an average of 71.9°F, accompanied by over a month of days exceeding 90°F. Winters are cold but manageable, with a December-February average of 23.0°F.

Plan for Sustained Summer Heat

With 35 days of temperatures above 90°F, heat mitigation is the primary concern for residents here. Ensure your cooling systems are serviced by June and keep winter tires ready for the 35.4 inches of annual snow.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Rosebud County

via SoilByCounty

The Soils of Big Sky Country

Rosebud County does not have specific pH or taxonomic order data available in this dataset. Generally, Montana soils are alkaline, with a state average pH of 7.43 compared to the national median of 6.5. This chemistry reflects the dry climate and mineral parent materials of the region.

Rugged Terrain, Varied Textures

Data for sand, silt, and clay percentages are missing for this jurisdiction. The local landscape features a mix of river valleys and breaks, which suggests a wide range of soil workability. Sandy loams are common in the valley floors, while higher elevations may be rockier.

Adapting to Arid Conditions

While specific fertility metrics like organic matter are unlisted, the state average of 2.54% serves as a useful benchmark. The soil’s ability to store water is vital in this semi-arid environment where every drop counts. Adding organic amendments is the best way to improve local growing potential.

Water Management on the Plains

There is no recorded dominant drainage class or hydrologic group for Rosebud County in this data. Effective water management is the biggest challenge for local land use, from ranching to small-scale gardening. Always check for local compaction issues before starting a new project.

Steady Growth in Zone 5a

Rosebud County is classified as Hardiness Zone 5a, allowing for a respectable range of hardy perennials and vegetables. Success comes to those who use mulch to retain soil moisture and protect roots from temperature swings. It is a great environment for sunflowers, beans, and squashes.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Rosebud County

via LawnByCounty

A Favorable Score for High Plains Growth

Rosebud County is one of the more lawn-friendly areas in the state with a score of 35.8. While this is better than the Montana average of 33.4, it still indicates a significant challenge compared to the national average of 50.0. The county sits in Hardiness Zone 5a.

High Summer Heat Limits Growth

Rosebud faces 35 days of extreme heat over 90°F, which is much higher than the state average of 22. With only 14.8 inches of annual rain, your lawn will likely go dormant in summer without significant irrigation. The growing season kicks off after the last frost on May 15.

Understand Your Local Soil Profile

Currently, specific soil metrics for Rosebud County are not recorded in our database. We recommend a professional soil test to check for high alkalinity, a common trait in this region. Identifying your drainage class is essential before planning a high-water-use lawn.

Entire County Under Dry Conditions

The entire county is currently classified as abnormally dry, following 25 weeks of drought in the past year. To protect your turf, keep your mower blades high to shade the soil and reduce water loss. This is especially important during the month of July when temperatures average nearly 72°F.

Drought-Tolerant Species are Key

Buffalo grass and Crested Wheatgrass are excellent choices for Rosebud's hot, dry summers. Schedule your planting for late May once the frost risk has passed and the 2,336 growing degree days begin to accumulate. These grasses will provide the best chance for a low-maintenance, green appearance.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rosebud County's county score?
Rosebud County, Montana has a composite county score of 60.2 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 Rosebud County rank among counties in Montana?
Rosebud County ranks #23 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 Rosebud County, Montana?
The median annual property tax in Rosebud County is $1,191, with an effective tax rate of 0.63%. This earns Rosebud County a tax score of 70.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Rosebud County?
The median household income in Rosebud County, Montana is $56,430 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Rosebud County earns an income score of 28.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Rosebud County, Montana a good place to live?
Rosebud County scores 60.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #23 in Montana. The best way to evaluate Rosebud 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 Rosebud 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.