Richland County Public RecordsMontana

Richland County, MT, had approximately 7,500 registered voters in 2022. Voters participate in federal, state, and local elections, including school levies and measures. In the 2020 presidential election, about 75% voted Republican. The county maintains 8 polling locations, overseen by the Richland County Elections Administrator. Key issues include agriculture, energy, and taxes. Registration and vote-by-mail are available. The dominant party is Republican, with Democrats and Independents participating. In recent school board elections, turnout was roughly 34%. Voting issues reported are minimal, with strong election security measures in place.

Richland County, MT has 10 public schools, including Sidney High School, with a high school graduation rate of around 85%. Approximately 18% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety measures, such as security cameras and bullying prevention programs, are implemented across campuses. Average test scores for public schools are close to Montana’s state average. The county offers adult education programs through Sidney Public Schools and partnerships with area colleges. Educational initiatives include STEM curricula and career-technical programs, promoting a safe and supportive learning environment for the community.

Richland County, MT, had an employment rate of approximately 67% in 2022. The largest industries are agriculture, oil and gas extraction (employing about 20%), health care, and retail trade. Key occupation types include extraction workers, truck drivers, and healthcare support. Around 77% of residents drive alone to work, with an average commute time of 14 minutes—most commute within the county. Sidney, the largest city, serves as the primary employment hub, while agriculture-support jobs extend into rural areas.

Richland County, MT, has a homeownership rate around 70%, with typical home values near $250,000 as of 2024. The median rent is approximately $900 per month. Property values have remained stable or increased slightly in recent years. Housing includes single-family homes and some multi-family units, with neighborhoods spanning Sidney, Fairview, and rural areas. Property taxes average about 1.1% of assessed value. Affordable living and modest growth define the local real estate market.

Richland County, MT, reports relatively low crime rates compared to national averages. In 2022, the county had a violent crime rate of 150 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 800 per 100,000 residents. Local law enforcement recorded 6 violent crimes and 35 property crimes that year. Reporting is primarily managed by the Richland County Sheriff’s Office, with community policing initiatives in place. Overall, the area maintains a reputation for safety, though residents are encouraged to report suspicious activities and follow crime prevention measures to sustain low crime rates.

As of the 2020 census, Richland County, MT, had a population of 11,491. The median age was 39.2 years, with approximately 49.8% male and 50.2% female residents. The county's racial and ethnic makeup was 92.2% White, 3.6% Native American, 0.5% Asian, 0.1% Black, and 3.4% Hispanic or Latino of any race, reflecting a predominantly White community with small but notable minority populations.