Why Move to Richey?
Richey is a small town of 238 people in Dawson County County, sitting at 2,490 feet in elevation. Known as "The Prairie Pride of Eastern Montana," it combines the best of Montana living — stunning natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and a strong community — with authentic small-town charm.
Montana has no state sales tax and no tax on retirement income, making it financially attractive for both working professionals and retirees. Richey specifically offers 50 recreation and attraction sites nearby, a housing affordability ratio of 2x, and four distinct seasons.
Cost of Living in Richey
The typical home value in Richey is $134,528. Renters can expect to pay around $455 per month. The median household income is $66,250.
The affordability ratio (home price ÷ income) is 2x, which is very affordable by national standards.
Montana has no state sales tax, which saves residents money on everyday purchases. The state also has no tax on Social Security or other retirement income. Property taxes are moderate, based on assessed value.
Richey Housing Market
Richey. The community has 142 total housing units with a 33.1% vacancy rate, suggesting more options and negotiating room for buyers.
Inventory data from Zillow Research (recent). Vacancy & housing units from U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year 2019–2023. Market conditions change — verify current listings before making decisions.
See detailed housing data and percentile rankings on the full Richey profile.
Richey Weather & Climate
Richey experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are warm with July highs averaging 85°F. Winters are cool with January lows around 13°F. Expect about 12" of snow annually.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Precip | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 30°F | 13°F | 0.5" | 1" |
| Feb | 26°F | 7°F | 0.8" | 2" |
| Mar | 40°F | 19°F | 0.5" | 1.1" |
| Apr | 51°F | 29°F | 1.4" | 2.3" |
| May | 65°F | 42°F | 2.2" | 0.3" |
| Jun | 77°F | 55°F | 2" | 0" |
| Jul | 85°F | 61°F | 1.2" | 0" |
| Aug | 83°F | 59°F | 1" | 0" |
| Sep | 73°F | 51°F | 2.1" | 0" |
| Oct | 53°F | 35°F | 1.6" | 1.7" |
| Nov | 40°F | 22°F | 0.7" | 1.3" |
| Dec | 30°F | 13°F | 0.7" | 1.8" |
Outdoor Recreation Near Richey
Richey has access to 50 recreation and attraction sites spanning 8 categories.
Lakes
Nearby lakes include Lindsay Reservoir, Gartside Reservoir, Crisafulli Lake, Hollecker Lake, McIlwain Lake.
Explore all 50 recreation sites on the full Richey profile.
Jobs & Economy in Richey
Richey has an unemployment rate of 8.2%, which is above the state average and may present challenges for job seekers. The labor force participation rate is 68.2%.
The top industries by employment are Education & Healthcare (23.2%), Retail (19.6%), Agriculture & Mining (8.9%). Approximately 112 residents are employed locally.
Employment by Industry
| Industry | Share of Employment |
|---|---|
| Education & Healthcare | 23.2% |
| Retail | 19.6% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 8.9% |
Montana has no state sales tax and no tax on retirement income, making it attractive for both workers and retirees.
Employment and industry data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year 2019–2023. Current conditions may differ.
Schools & Education
Richey is served by the Richey Public Schools school district with approximately 60 students enrolled.
Graduation rates from OPI/NCES 2022–23. Per-pupil spending from Montana OPI fiscal data.
Healthcare in Richey
The nearest hospital is McCone County Health Center in Circle, 28.9 miles away. The nearest major trauma center is Billings Clinic in Billings, 207.2 miles away — plan accordingly for emergencies.
Note: Healthcare access in Richey is limited. If you have ongoing medical needs, consider proximity to Billings Clinic when making your decision.
Hospital data from MT DPHHS 2024. Verify services directly with facilities.
Getting to Richey
Richey is accessible via the following airports:
- Bozeman Yellowstone Intl — 379 miles (394 min drive)
- Billings Logan Intl — 249 miles (264 min drive)
- Missoula Intl — 511 miles (526 min drive)
- Glacier Park Intl (Kalispell) — 513 miles (528 min drive)
- Great Falls Intl — 353 miles (368 min drive)
Pros & Cons of Living in Richey
Pros
- No state sales tax
- Strong outdoor recreation access
- Milder winters than eastern Montana
- Affordable cost of living
- Authentic small-town community
- No state income tax on retirement
Cons
- Cold winters
- Higher unemployment (8.2%)
- Limited healthcare access (nearest hospital: 28.9 mi)
- Limited shopping and dining options
- Distance from major metro areas
- Airport is a significant drive
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Richey, Montana?
The typical home value is $134,528 and rent averages $455/month. The median household income is $66,250. Montana has no state sales tax, which helps offset costs.
What are winters like in Richey?
January lows average 13°F with about 12" of annual snowfall. Compared to eastern Montana, winters here are relatively mild.
Is Richey a good place to live?
Richey offers 50 nearby recreation sites, a favorable affordability ratio of 2x, and four distinct seasons. Montana's lack of sales tax and retirement income tax are significant benefits.
How many homes are for sale in Richey?
Housing availability varies. The community has 142 total housing units with a 33.1% vacancy rate (Census ACS 2019–2023). Check Zillow or local MLS for the most current listings.
What is the job market like in Richey?
Richey has a 8.2% unemployment rate, which is above the state average. Labor force participation is 68.2%. About 112 residents are employed locally. The leading industry is education & healthcare. Montana has no state sales tax, which benefits both businesses and consumers.
What healthcare is available in Richey?
The nearest hospital is McCone County Health Center in Circle (28.9 miles). The nearest major trauma center is Billings Clinic in Billings, 207.2 miles away. There are 6 hospitals within 60 miles.