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Bozeman Real Estate Group
The 5 Biggest Cities in Montana
On Dec 01, 2023
1) BILLINGS
Billings is the largest city in Montana, with a population of 119,960 people. The real estate prices have increased in Billings, as they have across the rest of Montana, but still are more affordable than other parts of the state. The primary industries in Billings are energy, agriculture, and tourism. Billings Clinic, one of Montana's largest employers, began in Billings, and now has locations throughout the state. First Interstate Bank, another top employer, is headquartered in Billings. The city's landscape is unique compared to other Montana cities, located between the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains. The Rimrocks, located on the edge of the city, are sandstone formations that offer miles of recreational opportunities such as hiking, biking, and rock climbing.
Photo credit Wikipedia
2) MISSOULA
The second largest city in Montana is Missoula with a population of 76,559. Missoula is home to the University of Montana. As a laid-back college town with an artsy vibe, Missoula definitely has a personality that feels different than the rest of the state. Their biggest industries are health care, retail, along with mining and agriculture. Housing costs have been increasing in Missoula but remain lower than Bozeman. According to Rocket Homes the median sold price was $550,773 in October 2023. With the Clark Fork flowing right through the middle of town, a local ski hill and tons of public access nearby outdoor recreation is big in Missoula! They have a vibrant downtown with plenty of dining and shopping opportunities as well as many community events throughout the year.
3) GREAT FALLS
Great Falls comes in third with a population of 60,382. Located near the center of Montana, Great Falls is known as the electric city because of the number of dams and power plants nearby. Two of Montana’s largest employers are located in Great Falls, Benefis Hospital Health System and Fringe Benefit Resource. Bio-processing, food production and agriculture are the most prominent industries in Great Falls. When it comes to Montana real estate, Great Falls is one of the most affordable cities. The median sold price was $309,090 in October 2023. The Missouri River runs through the city and features the River’s Edge Trail, a popular place for people to walk, bike, fish, and picnic.
Photo credit Visit Montana
4) BOZEMAN
Bozeman is one of the fastest-growing cities of its size in the nation but is still a relatively small town with a population of 57,494. Located in southwest Montana, Bozeman is home to Montana State University, the biggest college in the state. Bozeman Health and MSU are two of the largest employers in Bozeman along with a growing tech sector and many start-ups. The rapid growth in Bozeman has made it one of the most expensive places to live in Montana with median sales prices well above $700,000. Bozeman is surrounded by mountain ranges, and rivers and is located within a one-hour drive to two ski resorts making outdoor recreation abundant in the area. It also has a thriving downtown with plenty of restaurants, shopping, and local events.
5) BUTTE
Butte, Montana has a population of 35,249. It was once a booming mining town and was the first major city in Montana. The history runs deep and locals are very loyal to their small-town, hard-working roots. One of Montana’s largest employers, Town Pump, started in Butte and now has over 200 locations. It is home to Montana Tech University and Highlands College of Montana Tech. Located near the Continental Divide Trail, Butte is an outdoor recreationist's dream. The Big Hole River is south of the city with blue-ribbon trout fishing, and access to public lands for hiking, hunting, ATVing, and more.
Now let’s take a look at the other end of the spectrum! When it comes to small towns, Montana has plenty. The three least populated towns have less than 100 people in each of them with the smallest one, Ismay Montana having a population of 20! That’s what you call a small town.
Population numbers from the United States Census Bureau
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