The Biggest Cities in Montana: New 2026 Population Data

If you've spent more than five minutes trying to find a parking spot in downtown Bozeman or watched new subdivisions pop up around town, it's no surprise that Big Sky Country is growing.

From Billings to the Flathead Valley, cities and towns across the state have been welcoming new residents. Bozeman and Whitefish are still at the top of the list of Montana's fastest-growing cities.

According to U.S. Census Bureau’s Population Estimates Program (PEP), Billings remains Montana's most populated city, with 122,295 people calling the Magic City home. While the top spot remains firmly locked down, the battle for the top five is tighter than ever.

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Whether you're a lifelong local or a recent transplant, here is a look at Montana’s biggest cities.

The 10 Biggest Cities in Montana by Population (2026)

1. Billings (122,295)
2. Missoula (79,837)
3. Great Falls (60,117)
4. Bozeman (59,872)
5. Helena (35,746)
6. Butte (35,686)
7. Kalispell (33,341)
8. Belgrade (13,634)
9. Helena Valley Southeast (9,834)
10. Anaconda - Deer Lodge County (9,794)

Surprisingly, Whitefish didn't make the top 10, but it was close. The population is currently around 9,700, according to the latest data.

If you're in search of a small town in Montana, you have plenty of options. You might miss a few of them if you blink. Compaired to most other states, Montana's most populated cities are on the smaller side, and residents in Big Sky Country would prefer to keep it that way.

If you could live anywhere in Montana, where would it be? Send us a message on our app and let us know. We'd love to hear from you!