City Profile
Belgrade, Montana
USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Belgrade, Montana is a rapidly expanding city situated in the picturesque Gallatin Valley just north of Bozeman. Originally founded as a railroad town in the late 19th century and named after the capital of Serbia to honor foreign investors in the Northern Pacific Railway, it has transformed from a quiet agricultural hub into one of the fastest-growing communities in the state. The city retains a distinct small-town character featuring historic grain elevators along Main Street, complemented by modern commercial developments and expansive residential subdivisions. People are drawn to Belgrade for its relative affordability compared to neighboring Bozeman, family-friendly neighborhoods, and stunning panoramic views of the Bridger and Gallatin mountain ranges.
Montana, known as "Big Sky Country," offers a peaceful, nature-centric lifestyle with vast open spaces and a strong sense of community. Its economy is primarily driven by agriculture, forestry, mining, energy production, and a growing service sector that includes tourism and outdoor recreation. While the cost of living can vary, with urban areas like Bozeman being more expensive, some smaller towns offer more affordable options, and the state benefits from no sales tax. Montana experiences significant climatic variations due to its diverse geography, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters, especially in the mountainous western regions.
How this 71/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 78 / 100 | 78.0 | 30% | 23.4 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 105.0 | 37.5 | 25% | 9.4 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $97,328 Income needed to live here: $60,000 Unemployment rate: 2.7% | 95.6 | 20% | 19.1 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: 2.4% Job growth rate: 2.5% | 77.5 | 15% | 11.6 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 72 / 100 | 72.0 | 10% | 7.2 |
| Overall score | 70.7 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Gemini (Tier 1 (fast), q=74), last refreshed
17 October 2026.
They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.
Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.
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Cost of Living
The cost of living in Belgrade sits slightly above the national average, heavily driven by rapid regional growth, surging housing costs, and high demand across the Gallatin Valley. While everyday goods, utilities, and healthcare remain reasonably close to national norms, housing has experienced severe upward pressure, with median home values and rental rates climbing significantly over recent years. Property taxes and real estate demand continue to challenge first-time homebuyers, though residents benefit from Montana's lack of a state sales tax, which helps offset routine retail and consumer purchases.
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Belgrade's economy is deeply intertwined with the broader Gallatin County job market, benefiting from a low regional unemployment rate that hovers around 2.7 percent. Major employment sectors include construction, manufacturing, retail trade, education, and healthcare, supported by its proximity to Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, which acts as a major regional economic anchor. The area has seen robust growth in small businesses, light manufacturing, and professional services as remote workers and expanding enterprises relocate to the valley. While traditional industries like agriculture remain part of the local fabric, the modern economic landscape is increasingly driven by construction, tech-adjacent services, and tourism support.
The average salary in Belgrade is $68,000 per year. You would need approximately $60,000 to live comfortably.
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Belgrade is highly car-dependent, with most residents relying on personal vehicles for daily commuting and errands. The city benefits from direct access to Interstate 90, making commutes to Bozeman, the airport, and nearby industrial centers straightforward, averaging around 25 minutes. While downtown Belgrade offers manageable walkability, public transit options are limited, meaning owning a car is practically essential for navigating the broader Gallatin Valley.
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