Richey - Scenic View

Richey

The Prairie Pride of Eastern Montana

Population
238
County
Dawson County
Region
Eastern Montana
Elevation
2,490 ft
Top Industry
Education & Healthcare
Nearest Hospital
McCone County Health Center (28.9 mi)
Zip Code
59259
Area Code
406
Time Zone
Mountain Time (MT)
Industry: Census ACS 5-Year 2019–2023 · Hospital: MT DPHHS 2024
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Nearest Major Airports

🛩️ Glendive (GDV)
44 miles
~59m drive
🛩️ Wolf Point (OLF)
47 miles
~1h 1m drive
🛩️ Sidney (SDY)
49 miles
~1h 4m drive

Quick Facts

  • Population: ~TBD (Source: U.S. Census Bureau estimates)
  • County: TBD County
  • Elevation: TBD ft
  • Known For: Historical agricultural roots, stunning Montana landscapes, and quiet small-town charm.

History & Heritage

The quiet town of Richey represents the vast, enduring frontier spirit of Montana.

The history of Richey is closely tied to the pioneering spirit of early Montana. Founded during the homesteading or railroad eras, the town grew as a central hub for the surrounding farmers and ranchers who worked the expansive plains and river valleys. Today, it retains its deep agricultural heritage and stands as a testament to the resilience of rural Montana communities.

Top Things to Do in Richey

  • Explore the Surrounding Wilderness: Richey serves as a fantastic, quiet basecamp for exploring the vast public lands, rivers, and mountain ranges that define this region of Montana.
  • Experience Local Culture: Visit the local businesses, cafes, and historic sites in town to experience the genuine, welcoming hospitality of a classic Montana ranching community.
  • Hunting and Fishing: The surrounding agricultural fields, prairies, and waterways provide excellent, uncrowded opportunities for seasonal hunting and fishing.

Local Industry & Economy

The economy of Richey is primarily driven by agriculture. The vast expanses of land surrounding the town are dedicated to cattle ranching and dryland farming (primarily wheat, barley, and hay). Small, locally-owned businesses provide essential services and goods to the community, while the local school district often serves as one of the primary civic anchors and employers in town.

Getting There & Nearby Destinations

  • Getting There: Richey is accessible via Montana's network of scenic state highways and local county roads, offering a beautiful drive no matter which direction you approach from.
  • Nearby Destinations:
    • Regional Hubs: Larger neighboring cities offer comprehensive dining, shopping, and commercial airports.
    • State Parks and Public Lands: Visitors can easily take day trips to nearby state parks, national forests, or wildlife refuges.

Where to Stay in Richey

Because Richey is a smaller, residential community, traditional commercial lodging can be limited.

  • Local Motels: There may be small, independent motels in or near town offering basic accommodations for highway travelers and hunters.
  • Nearby Cities: Many visitors choose to stay in larger regional hubs a short drive away, utilizing Richey as a scenic day-trip destination.
  • Camping: For outdoor enthusiasts, nearby public lands often provide beautiful, rustic camping options.

Average Monthly Climate: Richey

MonthAvg HighAvg LowPrecipSnow
Jan30°F13°F0.5"1"
Feb26°F7°F0.8"2"
Mar40°F19°F0.5"1.1"
Apr51°F29°F1.4"2.3"
May65°F42°F2.2"0.3"
Jun77°F55°F2"0"
Jul85°F61°F1.2"0"
Aug83°F59°F1"0"
Sep73°F51°F2.1"0"
Oct53°F35°F1.6"1.7"
Nov40°F22°F0.7"1.3"
Dec30°F13°F0.7"1.8"

Housing & Cost of Living

$134,528
Typical Home Value
Census (2019–23): $105,600
$455/mo
Median Rent
$66,250
Median Household Income
National Rankings
Home Value11th percentile
Rent2nd percentile
Income52nd percentile
Affordability Ratio (home price ÷ income)2xAffordable
Percentile among ~21,000 U.S. cities. Higher = more expensive (home/rent) or higher earning (income).
Housing Availability
142
Total Housing Units
33.1%
Vacancy Rate
Employment & Economy
ACS 5-Year 2019–2023
8.2%
Unemployment Rate
MT avg: ~3.5%
68.2%
Labor Force Participation
112
Employed Residents
Top Industries
Education & Healthcare
23.2%
Retail
19.6%
Agriculture & Mining
8.9%
Home values from Zillow ZHVI (Jan 2026). Income, vacancy,, employment, industry, from U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year 2019–2023. Data may not reflect current conditions. Check Zillow for the latest market data.
🏫
Richey Public Schools
~60 students

Outdoor Recreation Near Richey

6.9/10
Very Good
50 sites within 50 mi
8 categories
🌳1🏞️155🥾1🏛️142🦅5👀7
Must-See Highlights
🌳
Makoshika State Park
State Parks42 mi
🏞️
Lindsay Reservoir
Lakes30 mi
🏛️
Richey Historical Museum
Museums0 mi
🦅
Fox Lake Wildlife Management Area
Wildlife19 mi
🏛️
Historical Society Museum
Museums21 mi
🏛️
McCone County Museum
Museums29 mi
🏛️
Poplar Museum
Museums33 mi
🏛️
Fort Peck Tribal Museum
Museums34 mi
🏛️
Savage Museum
Museums36 mi
🏞️
Gartside Reservoir
Lakes37 mi

Distances are straight-line estimates. Driving distances may be longer. Data: OpenStreetMap contributors & editorial research.

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