Median Income
$66,250
12% lower than US avg
Home Value
$105,600
63% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
219/100K
42% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.4%
51% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$455
61% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.4%
2% lower than US avg
Unemployment
5.6%
56% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Richey Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population215
Median Age45.5 yrs
Density827/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans15.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$66,250
Per Capita$31,772
Unemployment5.6%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$151M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$105,600
Rent$455
Ownership71.6%
Zillow$139,333
Housing Units159
Rent Burden9.0%
Crime
F
Violent219/100K
Property3,085/100K
Health
Obesity31.4%
Uninsured8.6%
Smoking12.5%
Depression23.3%
Heart Disease4.8%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (6°C)
AQI26 (Good)
Rain14.2 in/yr
Sunny Days273/yr
Elevation2,497 ft (761 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.4%
High School+93.6%
Graduate+2.3%
School Score6.26
Community
2024 VoteR 86% / D 12%
Commute25 min
Broadband95.0%
Libraries1
Is Richey a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Richey receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Richey offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Richey is $66,250, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.6% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Richey is $105,600, 63% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $455 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Richey is below the national average at 219 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,085 per 100,000, 57% above the national average.
Education
16.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.6% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Richey has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 273 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 14.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26.
Richey has a population of 215 with a density of 827 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 45.5 years, 17% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47% female and 53% male. The city is predominantly White (94.4%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.7% of residents. 15.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 20.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
45.5yrs
Median Age
17% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.7%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.3%
90% below US avg
The median household income in Richey is $66,250, which is 12% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,772 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $959, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 78 business establishments, including 5 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 9.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $66,250 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,772 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $959 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $51,885 |
| Gini Index | 0.358 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.6% |
| 56% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 78 |
| County GDP | $151M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 5 |
| Healthcare | 4 |
| Retail | 9 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 57.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.8% |
The median home value in Richey is $105,600, 63% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $139,333, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $455 (61% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,076 for a one-bedroom to $1,336 for a two-bedroom apartment. 71.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 159 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1949. 9.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $105,600 |
| 63% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $139,333 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $455 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 9.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $988 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,076 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,336 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,789 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,113 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 71.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 71.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 28.4% |
| Housing Units | 159 |
| Median Year Built | 1949 |
Property Tax
In Richey, 31.4% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.3% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.8% of residents, below the national average. 27.0% have high blood pressure. 12.5% are current smokers. 24.4% report binge drinking. 18.9% are physically inactive, below the national average. 23.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.3% experience frequent mental distress. 8.6% of residents lack health insurance. 8.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Richey vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.4% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.3% |
| Heart Disease | 4.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.0% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 5.1% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.5% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 24.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 18.9% |
| Depression | 23.3% |
| Mental Distress | 17.3% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
| Short Sleep | 33.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.7% |
| Uninsured | 8.6% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 66.6% |
| Dental Visits | 64.3% |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 8.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 4 |
Richey has a violent crime rate of 219 per 100,000 residents, 42% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,085 per 100,000, 57% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Richey receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Richey vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 219.0/100K |
| 42% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,084.5/100K |
| 57% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Richey has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (6°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 273 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 14.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26 / among the cleanest air in the country. The city sits at an elevation of 2,497 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
71°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 43.6°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 273 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,497 ft (761 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 827/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.6439°N, 105.0696°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | McCone County County |
| Nearest Airport | Sidney-Richland Regional (SDY) 41 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
14.2"
63% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
2.72"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 26.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 5.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 25.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 17.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.6 on May 6, 2014.
| Feb 25, 2014 |
23 km N of Brockton, Montana |
M3.8 |
81 km |
| Jul 29, 1998 |
16 km WNW of Froid, Montana |
M3.8 |
85 km |
| Nov 11, 1998 |
10 km SW of Grenora, North Dakota |
M3.5 |
127 km |
| Sep 28, 2012 |
22 km ESE of Williston, North Dakota |
M3.3 |
136 km |
| May 6, 2014 |
12 km NNW of Knife River, Montana |
M2.6 |
49 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
63 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 2 fatalities, 5 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 29, 1961 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1953 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1952 |
EF3 |
97 km |
1 |
| Jul 15, 2013 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1995 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1975 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1975 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1975 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1972 |
EF2 |
21 km |
0 |
| Sep 21, 1969 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1954 |
EF2 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1953 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
EF1 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2010 |
EF1 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 1999 |
EF1 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1998 |
EF1 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1998 |
EF1 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1983 |
EF1 |
42 km |
1 |
| Jul 13, 1980 |
EF1 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jul 22, 1962 |
EF1 |
85 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: GAP/ROUGH CREEK (53,708 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
GAP/ROUGH CREEK |
53,708 |
91 km |
| 1988 |
BAINVILLE |
12,790 |
88 km |
| 2012 |
HIGHWAY 13-20 |
8,372 |
81 km |
| 2017 |
YOOPER |
7,834 |
56 km |
| 2018 |
BUFFALO PASTURE |
7,624 |
77 km |
| 2003 |
GREYBULL |
7,229 |
77 km |
| 2021 |
SMITH |
5,212 |
52 km |
| 2006 |
BUFFALO RANCH |
5,206 |
78 km |
| 2020 |
BULL |
3,428 |
89 km |
| 2003 |
3 MILE |
3,394 |
42 km |
| 1988 |
MONTANA LINE |
3,307 |
77 km |
| 2022 |
BLISTER |
3,298 |
95 km |
| 2021 |
GREAT DIVIDE - DAWSON |
3,003 |
36 km |
| 1999 |
HALLOWEEN |
2,845 |
59 km |
| 2021 |
BADGER HOLE |
2,804 |
78 km |
| 2020 |
SAGE |
2,554 |
90 km |
| 2021 |
HIGHWAY 16 NORTH |
2,069 |
76 km |
| 2021 |
BRACKETT |
1,756 |
68 km |
| 2021 |
THIRTEEN MILE |
1,664 |
54 km |
| 2012 |
SKOV |
1,624 |
73 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
20°F (-6°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| May |
56°F (14°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
2.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (21°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
1.4 in |
Warmest |
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-1°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-8°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Richey has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 16°F in January to 71°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 14.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (2.7") and February the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Richey. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$237 ($142–$378) |
| Specialist Visit |
$331 ($189–$520) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$189 ($95–$331) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,081 ($757–$4,730) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$123 ($71–$189) |
| Dental Filling |
$237 ($142–$378) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24–$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47–$114) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$284 ($142–$473) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$568 ($378–$946) |
| Battery Replacement |
$189 ($95–$331) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$95 ($57–$142) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47–$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$378 ($142–$757) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,622 ($3,784–$11,352) |
| Roof Repair |
$946 ($378–$1,892) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,514 ($5,203–$14,190) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,419 ($473–$3,311) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,190 ($4,730–$28,380) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,730 ($1,892–$9,460) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,419 ($757–$2,838) |
| Will Preparation |
$473 ($189–$946) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,365 ($946–$4,730) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$95) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$142 ($71–$237) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$76 ($47–$123) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.88 ($2.84–$5.20) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.31 ($2.37–$4.73) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.59 ($2.37–$5.20) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.26 ($2.84–$6.15) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.20 ($3.78–$7.10) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.95 ($0.57–$1.70) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($76–$237) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$142) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$114) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$95) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$95) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$142) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$189 ($71–$473) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,892 ($1,135–$3,311) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$123) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.57–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$95 ($28–$237) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,135 ($568–$2,365) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$946 ($473–$1,892) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$378 ($189–$662) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24–$95) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$946 ($378–$2,365) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,825 ($4,730–$28,380) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$57 ($28–$95) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$95 ($47–$189) |
| Dog Grooming |
$57 ($28–$95) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$284 ($142–$473) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$189 ($95–$378) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $922 |
| Toddler | $957 |
| Preschool | $823 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $725 |
| Toddler | $739 |
| Preschool | $739 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Richey
What is the population of Richey?
Richey has a population of 215 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 827 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47% female and 53% male.
Is Richey expensive to live in?
Richey is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.6 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $66,250, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $105,600 (63% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $455 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Richey safe?
Richey is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 219 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,085 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Richey receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Richey?
Richey has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 273 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 14.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 26.
How is the job market in Richey?
The unemployment rate in Richey is 5.6%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $959. There are 78 business establishments in the area, including 5 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 9.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Richey?
The median home value in Richey is $105,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $139,333. For renters, the median monthly rent is $455. Fair market rent is $1,076 for a 1-bedroom and $1,336 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 71.6%.
How are the schools in Richey?
Schools in Richey score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.4% of adults in Richey hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.6% have completed high school. 2.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Richey?
The obesity rate in Richey is 31.4% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 12.5% of adults are smokers. 18.9% are physically inactive. 23.3% of residents report depression. 8.6% lack health insurance. 8.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Richey?
The average commute in Richey is 25 minutes. 57.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Richey?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Richey is 94.4% White. 98.7% of residents speak only English at home. 15.0% of the population are military veterans. 20.4% of residents have a disability. 96.7% have health insurance coverage.