Demographics in Billings
Detailed demographics data — sourced from authoritative datasets and normalized for direct comparison.
Demographics in Billings, Montana
Billings is Montana's most populous city, with a projected population of 123,723 in 2026. The city has experienced steady population growth, with an annual rate of approximately 1.8% between 2024 and 2026. The median age of residents is 38.8 years.
The community is predominantly White (82.5%), with Hispanic (7.4%) and Two or More Races (4.7%) being the next largest ethnic groups. The median household income in Billings was $73,712 in 2024. Billings is considered family-friendly, offering a diverse range of public and private schools and a laid-back community vibe where residents are eager to welcome newcomers.
Population & Demographics
About Billings, Montana
Billings, Montana, known as the "Magic City" due to its rapid growth since its founding as a railroad town in 1882, is the largest city in Montana and the commercial hub for a wide rural region. Nestled in the fertile Yellowstone River valley and framed by scenic sandstone cliffs known as the Rimrocks, Billings offers a blend of natural beauty and urban amenities. People are drawn to Billings for its laid-back, small-town attitude, resilient economy, and access to abundant outdoor activities. It serves as a major retail, medical, and energy center for much of Montana, northern Wyoming, and parts of North and South Dakota.
The city provides a balance of big-city conveniences and small-town charm, making it an attractive option for families and professionals. Billings is home to Montana State University Billings and offers a diverse range of public and private schools. Its strategic location also places it within a day's trip of famous sites like Yellowstone National Park, offering residents world-class fly fishing, hiking, and biking trails.
About Montana
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.