Hunt & Live

Treasure County, MT

758 residents · 978 sq mi · 0.8/sq mi · 100% rural

Climate
45.9°F
15.1" rain/yr
Water
dry sub-humid
Aridity index 0.75
Hardiness
Zone 7a
Winter low ~1.1°F

About Treasure County

Treasure County is a county in the U.S. state of Montana. As of the 2020 census, the population was 762, making it the second-least populous county in Montana. Its county seat is Hysham. The county was split off from Rosebud county in 1919 and named Treasure in hopes of drawing in new settlers.

77
Prepper Suitability
worsebetter
National rank: #296 of 3,109
Locator map
Location within the continental US

Prepper Assessment

Living in this area offers a predominantly rural lifestyle with a population density of just 0.8 people per square mile, providing ample space for self-sufficient living. The climate features an annual mean temperature of 45.9°F, with a growing season supported by USDA zone 7a, allowing for a variety of crops. However, the region receives only 15.1 inches of rainfall per year, classifying it as dry sub-humid, which may limit certain agricultural activities without adequate water management.

Natural hazards in the area include a notable wildfire risk, ranked at 64 by FEMA, which could impact property and safety during dry seasons. While the violence percentile is favorable at 92, indicating a safer environment, the low population density may pose challenges for community support and resource sharing. Additionally, the median home price of $210,700, combined with a relatively high median household income of $70,096, may create affordability concerns for some potential residents.

This county may suit individuals or families seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle with a focus on self-sufficiency and agricultural pursuits. It is ideal for those who can adapt to limited water resources and are prepared for potential wildfire risks. However, those who prefer a more connected community or urban amenities may find the remoteness and low population density to be significant drawbacks.

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

Key Facts

Top 15% nationally
National prepper rank: #481 of 3,109.
#1 in MT
The highest-scoring county in Montana for prepper suitability.
Dominant hazard: wildfire
FEMA ranks wildfire risk at 64/100 here — the leading natural threat.
Extremely rural
Only 0.8 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 45.9°F annual mean and 15.1" of annual precipitation. USDA hardiness zone 7a.
Housing & taxes
Median home value $210,700.

Score Breakdown

Violence
68
percentile (lower = safer)
Disasters
0
percentile (lower = safer)
Density
1
percentile (lower = emptier)
Overall FEMA Risk
0.5
NRI composite (0-100)

Natural Hazard Profile (FEMA NRI)

Cold Wave 18
Drought 27
Earthquake 3
Hail 8
Heat Wave 6
Riverine Flood 3
Ice Storm 1
Landslide 16
Lightning 5
Strong Wind 3
Tornado 2
Wildfire 64
Winter Weather 12

Monthly Climate (1991–2020 normals)

Average temperature
JFMAMJ JASOND
Monthly precipitation (inches)
JFMAMJ JASOND
Summer high
87.1°F
Winter low
11.1°F
Heating degree days
7,493
Cooling degree days
574

Housing & Economy

Median home value
$210,700
Median HH income
$70,096
Price to income
Property tax rate
0.6%
~$1,263/yr median

Community Profile

Median age
54.3
Homeownership
68.2%
Poverty rate
9.9%
Unemployment
1.1%

Connectivity

Broadband households
58.6%
No internet access
9.9%

Explore Treasure 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.