Biggest Cities in Montana

Montana is one of the least urbanized states in the country. Even its largest city, Billings, would be considered a small city in most states. Montana's cities feel like frontier towns that grew up organically from the ranching, mining, and railroad infrastructure of the 19th century.

Billings — 120,000 (city); 185,000 (metro). The largest city in Montana and the trade hub of the "Billings Metro" — a regional market that extends into Wyoming and the Dakotas. Billings is at the center of Montana's energy industry (oil refineries, coal export terminals) and is the regional healthcare hub with two major hospital systems. The Rimrocks — dramatic sandstone cliffs that rise 500 feet above the city — are the dominant landscape feature.

Missoula — 73,000. Home of the University of Montana and the cultural capital of western Montana. The Clark Fork River runs through downtown. Missoula is known for its independent bookstores, outdoor recreation culture, thriving brewery scene, and environmental activism. It sits in a broad mountain valley surrounded by the Rattlesnake Wilderness, the Lolo National Forest, and Snowbowl ski area.

Great Falls — 60,000. On the Missouri River in north-central Montana, Great Falls was a major railroad hub and now serves as the agricultural trade center for the high plains. Malmstrom Air Force Base is the largest employer. The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center is one of the best museums in the state.

Bozeman — 54,000 (city); 130,000 (metro). Montana's fastest-growing city. Home of Montana State University, Bozeman sits in the Gallatin Valley with the Bridger Mountains to the north and the gateway to Yellowstone National Park to the south (90 miles). The city has attracted significant technology companies and remote workers. Real estate prices have risen faster in Bozeman than in almost any other US city in the 2020s.

Helena — 33,000. The state capital, tucked into a narrow mountain valley. Helena grew from the 1864 gold rush at Last Chance Gulch (now the main street). Despite its small size, Helena has a concentration of exceptional Victorian-era architecture, the Montana Historical Society museum, and the Cathedral of Saint Helena.

Kalispell — 26,000. The hub of the Flathead Valley near Glacier National Park and Flathead Lake. Kalispell serves as the commercial center for the most scenic region of Montana.