Median Income
$48,750
35% lower than US avg
Home Value
$126,900
55% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
99/100K
74% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.5%
75% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$820
29% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.3%
4% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.6%
47% lower than US avg
How Ryegate Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population259
Median Age62.5 yrs
Density345/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans14.9%
Economy
B+
Median Income$48,750
Per Capita$29,189
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty6.6%
County GDP$33M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$126,900
Rent$820
Ownership83.2%
Zillow$212,955
Housing Units144
Rent Burden26.0%
Crime
F
Violent99/100K
Property1,490/100K
Health
Obesity33.3%
Uninsured13.1%
Smoking17.4%
Depression25.5%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI26 (Good)
Sunny Days253/yr
Elevation3,647 ft (1,112 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.5%
High School+89.7%
Graduate+4.2%
School Score5.22
Community
2024 VoteR 85% / D 13%
Commute20 min
Broadband68.0%
Is Ryegate a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ryegate receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Ryegate has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ryegate is $48,750, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 6.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ryegate is $126,900, 55% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $820 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Ryegate is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 99 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,490 per 100,000, 24% below the national average.
Education
8.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Ryegate experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 253 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26.
Ryegate has a population of 259 with a density of 345 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 62.5 years, 61% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.9% female and 47.1% male. The city is predominantly White (90.7%), with 6.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.9% of residents, while 5.1% speak Spanish. 14.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 23.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 89.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
62.5yrs
Median Age
61% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.9%
21% above US avg
Spanish
5.1%
62% below US avg
The median household income in Ryegate is $48,750, which is 35% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,189 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $933, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 51 business establishments, including 10 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $48,750 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,189 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $933 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $44,755 |
| Gini Index | 0.469 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.6% |
| 47% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 51 |
| County GDP | $33M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 10 |
| Healthcare | 11 |
| Retail | 15 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.0% |
The median home value in Ryegate is $126,900, 55% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $212,955, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $820 (29% 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. 83.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 144 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1948. 26.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $126,900 |
| 55% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $212,955 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $820 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.0% |
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 | 83.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 83.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 16.8% |
| Housing Units | 144 |
| Median Year Built | 1948 |
Property Tax
In Ryegate, 33.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.3% of residents. 31.2% have high blood pressure. 17.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.8% report binge drinking. 24.6% are physically inactive. 25.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.0% experience frequent mental distress. 13.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:831. 2.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 4.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ryegate vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.3% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.2% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 7.6% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.4% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.6% |
| Depression | 25.5% |
| Mental Distress | 20.0% |
| Physical Distress | 15.3% |
| Short Sleep | 33.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.4% |
| Uninsured | 13.1% |
| 52% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:831 |
| Checkup Rate | 67.6% |
| Dental Visits | 60.2% |
| Premature Death | 11,220/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 4.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 2.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 11 |
Ryegate has a violent crime rate of 99 per 100,000 residents, 74% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,490 per 100,000, 24% below the U.S. average. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Ryegate receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ryegate vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 99.4/100K |
| 74% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,490.3/100K |
| 24% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 17 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ryegate experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 253 sunny days per year, above the 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 3,647 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 46.3°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 253 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,647 ft (1,112 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 345/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.2984°N, 109.2537°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Golden Valley County County |
| Nearest Airport | Billings Logan International (BIL)
48 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (May)
2.40"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 26.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 1.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 45.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 33.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| 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: M3.2 on Jul 21, 2023.
| Feb 6, 1999 |
24 km E of Townsend, Montana |
M3.9 |
150 km |
| Jan 30, 2023 |
9 km NNW of Livingston, Montana |
M3.8 |
121 km |
| Jan 9, 2003 |
23 km E of Wilsall, Montana |
M3.7 |
91 km |
| Jul 6, 2021 |
27 km SSE of Melstone, Montana |
M3.6 |
116 km |
| Jul 21, 2023 |
Eastern Montana |
M3.2 |
94 km |
| Jul 15, 2006 |
Western Montana |
M3.0 |
129 km |
| May 7, 2008 |
10 km SE of Springhill, Montana |
M3.0 |
142 km |
| Sep 15, 2012 |
23 km SSW of White Sulphur Springs, Montana |
M2.9 |
138 km |
| May 21, 2013 |
32 km NE of Melstone, Montana |
M2.8 |
143 km |
| Jul 15, 2006 |
28 km S of White Sulphur Springs, Montana |
M2.8 |
129 km |
| Aug 25, 2012 |
28 km S of White Sulphur Springs, Montana |
M2.8 |
130 km |
| Apr 27, 2016 |
25 km ENE of Toston, Montana |
M2.8 |
146 km |
| Nov 4, 2017 |
32 km NE of Wilsall, Montana |
M2.7 |
83 km |
| Oct 16, 2011 |
Eastern Montana |
M2.7 |
140 km |
| Aug 1, 2011 |
14 km ESE of Livingston, Montana |
M2.6 |
114 km |
| Jan 8, 2003 |
24 km E of Wilsall, Montana |
M2.5 |
90 km |
| Aug 17, 2012 |
28 km S of White Sulphur Springs, Montana |
M2.5 |
130 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
56 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 6 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1965 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 2010 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2010 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Aug 14, 1999 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1986 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 20, 1964 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1958 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2016 |
EF1 |
93 km |
0 |
| Aug 23, 1998 |
EF1 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1991 |
EF1 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1990 |
EF1 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1977 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1971 |
EF1 |
63 km |
0 |
| Aug 22, 1965 |
EF1 |
80 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1958 |
EF1 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1957 |
EF1 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 1955 |
EF1 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 2019 |
EF0 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 9, 2018 |
EF0 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2011 |
EF0 |
61 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DERBY (200,993 ac, 2006).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2006 |
DERBY |
200,993 |
90 km |
| 1984 |
HAWK CREEK |
157,778 |
76 km |
| 2008 |
DUNN MTN. ASSIST |
105,494 |
83 km |
| 2012 |
DELPHIA |
40,396 |
87 km |
| 2003 |
HOBBLE |
38,365 |
61 km |
| 2020 |
BOBCAT |
31,020 |
68 km |
| 1999 |
FISHEL CREEK |
28,611 |
93 km |
| 2012 |
DAHL |
21,448 |
53 km |
| 2021 |
AMERICAN FORK |
20,726 |
84 km |
| 1994 |
BLACK BUTTE |
10,231 |
84 km |
| 2010 |
STUMP GULCH |
8,873 |
65 km |
| 2021 |
TROUT CREEK |
7,804 |
93 km |
| 2002 |
COW CREEK |
5,162 |
83 km |
| 1988 |
TWO DOT |
5,097 |
78 km |
| 1999 |
HORSE THIE |
4,767 |
40 km |
| 1991 |
BURNETTEPK |
4,644 |
97 km |
| 2000 |
PEASE |
4,361 |
98 km |
| 2006 |
EMERALD HILLS |
4,191 |
90 km |
| 2017 |
BLACKTAIL |
4,029 |
79 km |
| 2017 |
NORTH DELPHIA |
3,767 |
80 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
35°F (1°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| May |
53°F (12°C) |
2.4 in |
Wettest |
| June |
62°F (17°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
1.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| September |
58°F (14°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest |
Ryegate has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 25°F in December to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 13.0 inches, with May being the wettest month (2.4") and February the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Ryegate. 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 | $967 |
| Toddler | $1,014 |
| Preschool | $865 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $763 |
| Toddler | $781 |
| Preschool | $781 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ryegate
What is the population of Ryegate?
Ryegate has a population of 259 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 345 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 62.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.9% female and 47.1% male.
Is Ryegate expensive to live in?
Ryegate 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 $48,750, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $126,900 (55% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $820 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Ryegate safe?
Ryegate is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 99 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,490 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Ryegate receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ryegate?
Ryegate has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 253 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 26.
How is the job market in Ryegate?
The job market in Ryegate is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $933. There are 51 business establishments in the area, including 10 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 2.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ryegate?
The median home value in Ryegate is $126,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $212,955. For renters, the median monthly rent is $820. Fair market rent is $1,076 for a 1-bedroom and $1,336 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 83.2%.
How are the schools in Ryegate?
Schools in Ryegate score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 8.5% of adults in Ryegate hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.7% have completed high school. 4.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ryegate?
The obesity rate in Ryegate is 33.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.4% of adults are smokers. 24.6% are physically inactive. 25.5% of residents report depression. 13.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 2.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:831.
What is transportation like in Ryegate?
The average commute in Ryegate is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ryegate?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ryegate is 90.7% White, 6.2% Hispanic or Latino. 94.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.1% speak Spanish. 14.9% of the population are military veterans. 23.3% of residents have a disability. 89.4% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
