Hunt & Live

Roosevelt County, MT

10,572 residents · 2,355 sq mi · 4.5/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
41.6°F
14" rain/yr
Water
dry sub-humid
Aridity index 0.75
Hardiness
Zone 6a
Winter low ~-8°F

About Roosevelt County

Roosevelt County is a county in the U.S. state of Montana. As of the 2020 census, the population was 10,794. Its county seat is Wolf Point. Roosevelt County was created by the Montana Legislature in 1919 from a portion of Sheridan County. The name honors former U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt, who had died earlier that year.

47
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #1735 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a predominantly rural experience, with a low population density of 4.5 people per square mile, allowing for ample space and privacy. The climate is characterized by an annual mean temperature of 41.6°F and 14 inches of rain per year, which supports a growing season suitable for USDA zone 6a. However, the dry sub-humid water classification may limit water availability for extensive agricultural pursuits, requiring careful management of resources.

This county faces notable natural hazards, with a high risk of cold waves (FEMA rank 95) and winter weather (91), which can pose challenges for year-round living. Strong winds (83) and a moderate wildfire risk (73) also require consideration. The violence percentile is higher at 86/100, indicating potential safety concerns in certain areas. Additionally, while housing is relatively affordable with a median home price of $112,800, the median household income of $51,038 may limit economic opportunities.

Roosevelt County may suit individuals or families seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle and who are prepared for cold winters and potential natural hazards. Those with skills in self-sufficiency and resource management are likely to thrive here. However, individuals looking for vibrant economic opportunities or those sensitive to cold climates and isolation may find this area challenging. The low property tax rate of 1.32% is a potential hidden gem for those considering long-term investment in homesteading.

AI-generated analysis based on county data (climate, hazards, density, housing, economy). For general orientation only.

Key Facts

Ranked #1,562 nationally
Out of 3,109 CONUS counties for composite prepper suitability.
#39 of 56 in MT
Ranked #39 of 56 counties statewide for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: cold wave
FEMA ranks cold wave risk at 95/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Extremely rural
Only 4.5 people per square mile — fewer than 5/sqmi places you in the bottom 5% nationally for density.
Climate profile
Classified as dry sub-humid with a 41.6°F annual mean and 14.0" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 6a.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $112,800.

Score Breakdown

Violence
95
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
54
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
11
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
54.5
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 95
Drought 41
Earthquake 16
Hail 58
Heat Wave 48
Riverine Flood 27
Ice Storm 40
Landslide 23
Lightning 25
Strong Wind 83
Tornado 32
Wildfire 73
Winter Weather 91

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
83.8°F
Winter low
2°F
Heating degree days
8,960
Cooling degree days
462

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$112,800
Median HH income
$51,038
Price to income
2.2×
Property tax rate
1.32%
~$1,487/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
30.4
Homeownership
65.6%
Poverty rate
31.5%
Unemployment
8.6%

Connectivity

Broadband households
55.6%
No internet access
31.8%

Explore Roosevelt County Further

Similar Counties

Data sources. Prepper scores are national percentile ranks of firearm fatalities (County Health Rankings 2024 / CDC WONDER), FEMA National Risk Index 2023 composite disaster score, and population density (ACS 2022 + TIGER 2022 land area). Climate from NOAA nClimDiv 1991–2020 normals. Hardiness zone is estimated from climate data and may differ from the official USDA PHZM. Demographics and housing from Census ACS 5-year 2022. All scores are for comparison purposes only and do not constitute advice about where to live.