Median Income
$86,250
15% higher than US avg
Home Value
$93,800
67% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
135/100K
64% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
35.6%
6% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$625
46% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.4%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.4%
81% lower than US avg
How Rudyard Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population363
Median Age31.1 yrs
Density395/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans4.0%
Economy
A+
Median Income$86,250
Per Capita$28,884
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty2.4%
County GDP$925M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$93,800
Rent$625
Ownership53.7%
Zillow$186,001
Housing Units171
Rent Burden12.8%
Crime
F
Violent135/100K
Property1,556/100K
Health
Obesity37.4%
Uninsured10.6%
Smoking17.6%
Depression28.4%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (6°C)
AQI26 (Good)
Rain10.8 in/yr
Sunny Days274/yr
Elevation3,112 ft (949 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+35.6%
High School+91.2%
Graduate+8.7%
School Score4.88
Community
2024 VoteR 57% / D 39%
Commute22 min
Broadband91.9%
Libraries1
Is Rudyard a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Rudyard receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Rudyard offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Rudyard is $86,250, 15% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 2.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Rudyard is $93,800, 67% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $625 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Rudyard is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 135 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,556 per 100,000, 21% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 35.6% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 91.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Rudyard has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. With 274 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 10.8 inches, including 35.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26.
Rudyard has a population of 363 with a density of 395 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 31.1 years, 20% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.3% female and 53.7% male. The city is predominantly White (98.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 4.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 8.6% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 78.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
31.1yrs
Median Age
20% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Rudyard is $86,250, which is 15% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,884 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $946, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 601 business establishments, including 56 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 1.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $86,250 |
| 15% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,884 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $946 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $59,947 |
| Gini Index | 0.409 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.4% |
| 81% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 601 |
| County GDP | $925M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 56 |
| Healthcare | 58 |
| Retail | 68 |
| Manufacturing | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,257 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.47% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.6% |
The median home value in Rudyard is $93,800, 67% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $186,001, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $625 (46% 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. 53.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 171 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1962. The average annual property tax is $3,257. 12.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $93,800 |
| 67% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $186,001 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $625 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 12.8% |
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 | 53.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 53.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 46.3% |
| Housing Units | 171 |
| Median Year Built | 1962 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,257 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.47% |
In Rudyard, 37.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 32.2% have high blood pressure. 17.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.9% report binge drinking. 23.8% are physically inactive. 28.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.1% experience frequent mental distress. 10.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,471. The dentist ratio is 1:1,148. 71.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Rudyard vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.2% |
| Asthma | 12.3% |
| COPD | 7.8% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.6% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.8% |
| Depression | 28.4% |
| Mental Distress | 21.1% |
| Physical Distress | 15.6% |
| Short Sleep | 35.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 78.6% |
| Uninsured | 10.6% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,471 |
| Dentists | 1:1,148 |
| Mental Health | 1:247 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.8% |
| Dental Visits | 60.8% |
| Premature Death | 12,044/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 71.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 58 |
Rudyard has a violent crime rate of 135 per 100,000 residents, 64% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,556 per 100,000, 21% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Rudyard receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Rudyard vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 135.3/100K |
| 64% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,556.2/100K |
| 21% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Rudyard has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. The area gets 274 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 10.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 35.3 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 3,112 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 42.3°F |
| 22% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 274 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,112 ft (949 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 395/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.5599°N, 110.5501°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Hill County County |
| Nearest Airport | Cut Bank International (CTB)
84 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
10.8"
72% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
2.20"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 26.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.9 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 50.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 67.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 38.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
17 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.7 on Apr 10, 2024.
| Aug 16, 1994 |
27 km W of Chester, Montana |
M3.9 |
58 km |
| Jun 5, 1991 |
18 km SW of Shelby, Montana |
M3.6 |
109 km |
| Jan 20, 2003 |
10 km S of Little Browning, Montana |
M3.5 |
132 km |
| Aug 15, 1996 |
33 km WNW of Sweet Grass, Montana |
M3.4 |
147 km |
| Nov 6, 2002 |
3 km SSE of Little Browning, Montana |
M3.4 |
131 km |
| Jan 1, 1993 |
20 km WSW of Sweet Grass, Montana |
M3.4 |
126 km |
| Mar 5, 1995 |
2 km NW of Cut Bank, Montana |
M3.3 |
133 km |
| May 29, 2009 |
11 km S of Little Browning, Montana |
M3.2 |
132 km |
| Apr 4, 1990 |
4 km WNW of Santa Rita, Montana |
M3.1 |
135 km |
| Apr 2, 2014 |
13 km NNW of Conrad, Montana |
M3.1 |
113 km |
| Dec 5, 1991 |
15 km WSW of Hays, Montana |
M3.0 |
140 km |
| Jun 9, 2009 |
20 km NNW of Santa Rita, Montana |
M3.0 |
143 km |
| Apr 10, 2024 |
17 km NNW of Santa Rita, Montana |
M2.7 |
142 km |
| Mar 29, 2008 |
4 km SSE of Little Browning, Montana |
M2.6 |
130 km |
| Jan 8, 2012 |
8 km W of Valier, Montana |
M2.6 |
137 km |
| Mar 29, 2008 |
3 km SSE of Cut Bank, Montana |
M2.5 |
130 km |
| Feb 25, 2013 |
28 km WSW of Chester, Montana |
M2.5 |
59 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
26 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 5 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 5, 1988 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1988 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2002 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1995 |
EF1 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1980 |
EF1 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1980 |
EF1 |
33 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1980 |
EF1 |
10 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1977 |
EF1 |
16 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 1965 |
EF1 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1962 |
EF1 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2014 |
EF0 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2012 |
EF0 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1999 |
EF0 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1999 |
EF0 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1996 |
EF0 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1994 |
EF0 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1994 |
EF0 |
44 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1993 |
EF0 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1993 |
EF0 |
96 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1992 |
EF0 |
50 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
12 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: EAST FORK (21,165 ac, 2017).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2017 |
EAST FORK |
21,165 |
81 km |
| 1984 |
CENTENNIAL |
11,775 |
68 km |
| 2022 |
EAGLE CREEK |
6,359 |
82 km |
| 1988 |
LOSTCANYON |
4,532 |
69 km |
| 2008 |
CHOUTEAU CO COMPLEX |
4,365 |
68 km |
| 2014 |
MIDDLE BLACK |
3,854 |
97 km |
| 2012 |
OUTHOUSE |
3,179 |
75 km |
| 2007 |
CHOUTEAU CO ASST |
2,646 |
91 km |
| 2021 |
EAGLE BUTTE |
1,817 |
89 km |
| 2012 |
BIG STRETCH |
1,524 |
58 km |
| 1999 |
SHIRLEY |
1,290 |
60 km |
| 2023 |
HWY 236 |
1,049 |
75 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
22°F (-5°C) |
0.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°F (-0°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| May |
53°F (12°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| June |
61°F (16°C) |
2.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
1.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (19°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| September |
56°F (13°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Rudyard has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 19°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 11.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (2.2") and February the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in Rudyard. 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 | $912 |
| Toddler | $948 |
| Preschool | $815 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $737 |
| Toddler | $752 |
| Preschool | $752 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Rudyard
What is the population of Rudyard?
Rudyard has a population of 363 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 395 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 31.1 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.3% female and 53.7% male.
Is Rudyard expensive to live in?
Rudyard 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 $86,250, 15% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $93,800 (67% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $625 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Rudyard safe?
Rudyard is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 135 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,556 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Rudyard receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Rudyard?
Rudyard has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 19°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. The area receives 274 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 10.8 inches, with 35.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 26.
How is the job market in Rudyard?
The job market in Rudyard is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $946. There are 601 business establishments in the area, including 56 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 1.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Rudyard?
The median home value in Rudyard is $93,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $186,001. For renters, the median monthly rent is $625. Fair market rent is $1,076 for a 1-bedroom and $1,336 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 53.7%. The average annual property tax is $3,257.
How are the schools in Rudyard?
Schools in Rudyard have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 35.6% of adults in Rudyard hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 91.2% have completed high school. 8.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Rudyard?
The obesity rate in Rudyard is 37.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.6% of adults are smokers. 23.8% are physically inactive. 28.4% of residents report depression. 10.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 71.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,471.
What is transportation like in Rudyard?
The average commute in Rudyard is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 75.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Rudyard?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Rudyard is 98.6% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 4.0% of the population are military veterans. 8.6% of residents have a disability. 78.6% have health insurance coverage.
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