Richland County
MT · Pop. 11,329 · Rural County
Richland County sits in Montana across 2,085 square miles, home to 11,329 people at 5.4 per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on wheat, hay, sugarbeets. The median home price is $259,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.75%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 4a with a 138-day growing season, average summer highs of 84.4°F and average winter lows of 9.7°F. Annual rainfall averages 14.7 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Sidney Health Center is 18.8 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 86.8% of homes. On the hazard side, wildfire risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.75% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A strong agricultural economy built on wheat, hay, sugarbeets means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
- At 5.4 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
- A low unemployment rate of 2.5% reflects a stable local job base.
- A low poverty rate of 7.1% signals a relatively stable local economy.
Cons
- A 138-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- Annual rainfall of just 14.7 inches means irrigation and water storage are core requirements.
- Average winter lows of 9.7°F demand serious cold-weather infrastructure for livestock and water systems.
At a glance
Richland County, MT is a challenging place to homestead on the data.
- Homestead score
- 39/100
- Median home price
- $259k
- Property tax
- 0.75%
- Growing season
- 138 days (zone 4a)
- Annual rainfall
- 14.7"
- Broadband
- 86.8%
- Nearest hospital
- Sidney Health Center, 18.8 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Richland County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Richland County?
- Richland County is in USDA hardiness zone 4a with a 138-day growing season, average summer highs of 84.4°F, and average winter lows of 9.7°F. The established crops are wheat, hay, sugarbeets.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $259,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.75%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 86.8% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Sidney Health Center is 18.8 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Montana Resources
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LandWatch
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Lands of America
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AcreTrader
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More counties in Montana
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The closest counties to Richland County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
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