Median Income
$50,000
33% lower than US avg
Home Value
$48,300
83% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
390/100K
3% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.5%
60% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$871
25% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
25.6%
20% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.9%
75% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.9%
4% lower than US avg
How Roy Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population133
Median Age47.9 yrs
Density39/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 77%
Veterans30.5%
Economy
B+
Median Income$50,000
Per Capita$24,347
Unemployment0.9%
Poverty11.9%
County GDP$23M
Commute14 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$48,300
Rent$871
Ownership51.5%
Zillow$334,788
Housing Units88
Rent Burden28.3%
Crime
F
Violent390/100K
Property1,220/100K
Health
Obesity25.6%
Uninsured7.1%
Smoking11.2%
Depression22.3%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI26 (Good)
Rain13.3 in/yr
Sunny Days273/yr
Elevation3,490 ft (1,064 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.5%
High School+95.8%
Graduate+3.1%
School Score6.18
Community
2024 VoteR 88% / D 11%
Commute14 min
Broadband66.0%
Libraries1
Is Roy a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Roy receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Roy has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Roy is $50,000, 33% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.9%. 11.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Roy is $48,300, 83% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $871 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 390 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,220 per 100,000, 38% below the national average.
Education
13.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.8% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Roy has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 273 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 13.3 inches, including 36.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26.
Roy has a population of 133 with a density of 39 people per square mile, spread across 3.4 square miles. The median age is 47.9 years, 23% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.6% female and 50.4% male. The city is predominantly White (77.4%), with 6.8% Hispanic, 4.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.2% of residents. 30.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 20.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
47.9yrs
Median Age
23% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.2%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.8%
72% below US avg
The median household income in Roy is $50,000, which is 33% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,347 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $666, 53% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 26 business establishments, including 37 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 10.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $50,000 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,347 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $666 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $46,590 |
| Gini Index | 0.381 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.9% |
| 75% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.9% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 26 |
| County GDP | $23M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 37 |
| Healthcare | 47 |
| Retail | 61 |
| Manufacturing | 23 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 13.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 72.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.0% |
The median home value in Roy is $48,300, 83% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $334,788, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $871 (25% 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. 51.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 88 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1972. 28.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $48,300 |
| 83% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $334,788 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $871 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.3% |
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 | 51.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 51.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 48.5% |
| Housing Units | 88 |
| Median Year Built | 1972 |
Property Tax
In Roy, 25.6% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.0% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 25.9% have high blood pressure. 11.2% are current smokers. 19.9% report binge drinking. 16.8% are physically inactive, below the national average. 22.3% report depression. 16.0% experience frequent mental distress. 7.1% of residents lack health insurance. 10.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Roy vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 25.6% |
| 20% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 25.9% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 5.2% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.2% |
| 20% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 16.8% |
| Depression | 22.3% |
| Mental Distress | 16.0% |
| Physical Distress | 11.0% |
| Short Sleep | 24.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.5% |
| Uninsured | 7.1% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 62.0% |
| Dental Visits | 62.6% |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 10.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 47 |
Roy has a violent crime rate of 390 per 100,000 residents, 3% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,220 per 100,000, 38% below the U.S. average. The area has experienced 182 federally declared disasters. Overall, Roy receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Roy vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 389.8/100K |
| 3% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,220.3/100K |
| 38% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 12 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 182 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Roy has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 70°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 13.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 36.3 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. 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 3,490 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-5°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 45.4°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 273 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,490 ft (1,064 m) |
| Area | 3.4 sq mi (8.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 39/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.3343°N, 108.9600°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Petroleum County County |
| Nearest Airport | Billings Logan International (BIL) 107 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
13.3"
65% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
2.87"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 26.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 1.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 27.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 12.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.7 on Jul 10, 2021.
| Jul 6, 2021 |
27 km SSE of Melstone, Montana |
M3.6 |
141 km |
| Dec 5, 1991 |
15 km WSW of Hays, Montana |
M3.0 |
69 km |
| May 21, 2013 |
32 km NE of Melstone, Montana |
M2.8 |
126 km |
| Oct 16, 2011 |
Eastern Montana |
M2.7 |
44 km |
| Jul 10, 2021 |
24 km SSE of Malta, Montana |
M2.7 |
126 km |
| Jul 15, 2015 |
48 km E of Zortman, Montana |
M2.5 |
101 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
52 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 5 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 5, 1988 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1988 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2002 |
EF2 |
31 km |
0 |
| Aug 14, 1999 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1996 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 28, 1981 |
EF2 |
7 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1976 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1962 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 2003 |
EF1 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 23, 1998 |
EF1 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1977 |
EF1 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1977 |
EF1 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1957 |
EF1 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 2020 |
EF0 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 2020 |
EF0 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 2019 |
EF0 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 2019 |
EF0 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 9, 2018 |
EF0 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2012 |
EF0 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 2005 |
EF0 |
54 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BRIDGE COULEE (222,571 ac, 2017).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2017 |
BRIDGE COULEE |
222,571 |
91 km |
| 2017 |
SOUTH BREAKS |
39,217 |
99 km |
| 2006 |
LOST CREEK (BLACK PULASKI COMPLEX) |
38,550 |
95 km |
| 2006 |
SODA CREEK (BLACK PULASKI COMPLEX) |
33,767 |
75 km |
| 2010 |
RAVEN |
26,631 |
61 km |
| 1990 |
VETERANS |
23,660 |
94 km |
| 2021 |
TAYLOR |
21,704 |
54 km |
| 2021 |
PINE GROVE |
16,158 |
77 km |
| 2006 |
LODGEPOLE (BLACK PULASKI COMPLEX) |
15,248 |
81 km |
| 2021 |
SOUTH MOCCASIN |
12,727 |
46 km |
| 2009 |
MEISSNER |
12,318 |
99 km |
| 2012 |
WOLF CREEK |
12,168 |
60 km |
| 2017 |
JULY |
11,409 |
68 km |
| 1994 |
CK CREEK |
11,206 |
70 km |
| 2012 |
ESTER LAKE |
10,898 |
95 km |
| 2019 |
RIDGETOP |
10,316 |
55 km |
| 1996 |
ALKALIE |
10,044 |
74 km |
| 2012 |
WELLS |
9,921 |
84 km |
| 2017 |
CRYING |
7,497 |
73 km |
| 2018 |
3 2 1 HL LOWER CROOKED CREEK UNIT D RX FY 18 |
6,791 |
62 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-5°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
2.9 in |
Wettest |
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
1.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| November |
32°F (0°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Roy has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 22°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 14.5 inches, with May being the wettest month (2.9") and February the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Roy. 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 | $930 |
| Toddler | $962 |
| Preschool | $830 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $730 |
| Toddler | $743 |
| Preschool | $743 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Roy
What is the population of Roy?
Roy has a population of 133 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 39 people per square mile, spread across 3.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 47.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.6% female and 50.4% male.
Is Roy expensive to live in?
Roy 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 $50,000, 33% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $48,300 (83% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $871 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Roy safe?
The violent crime rate in Roy is 390 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,220 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Roy receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Roy?
Roy has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 273 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 13.3 inches, with 36.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 26.
How is the job market in Roy?
The job market in Roy is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $666. There are 26 business establishments in the area, including 37 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 10.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Roy?
The median home value in Roy is $48,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $334,788. For renters, the median monthly rent is $871. Fair market rent is $1,076 for a 1-bedroom and $1,336 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 51.5%.
How are the schools in Roy?
Schools in Roy score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.5% of adults in Roy hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.8% have completed high school. 3.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Roy?
The obesity rate in Roy is 25.6% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 11.2% of adults are smokers. 16.8% are physically inactive. 22.3% of residents report depression. 7.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 10.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Roy?
The average commute in Roy is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 72.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Roy?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Roy is 77.4% White, 4.5% Black or African American, 6.8% Hispanic or Latino. 96.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.8% speak Spanish. 30.5% of the population are military veterans. 20.9% of residents have a disability. 94.5% have health insurance coverage.