Nicknamed Big Sky Country, Montana is defined by its vast landscapes, rugged mountains, and towns deep-rooted in Western heritage. While much of the state remains sparsely populated, its largest cities serve as economic, cultural, and educational hubs that support local industries and communities.
From the energy sector in Billings to the university-driven culture of Missoula, each city brings something unique to the state’s identity. Communities provide a mix of outdoor adventure, frontier history, and expanding economic opportunities. Whether it’s the military presence in Great Falls, the high-tech boom in Bozeman, or the mining legacy of Butte, these cities play a crucial role in shaping Montana’s character.
Here are the ten biggest cities in Montana, in order of the highest to lowest populations:
Billings, MT
Billings’ location along the Yellowstone River and its proximity to the Beartooth Mountains make it a gateway for outdoor exploration. As the largest city in Montana, it had a population of 117,116 in 2020. “Magic City” serves as a regional hub for healthcare, retail, and energy, particularly in oil refining and agriculture.
Historic sites such as the Moss Mansion Museum and Pictograph Cave State Park highlight Billings’ past, while the vibrant downtown area offers breweries, restaurants, and a growing arts scene. The Alberta Bair Theater is a focal point for performing arts, attracting national and regional acts.
MetraPark, Montana’s largest multi-purpose event center, hosts rodeos, concerts, and the MontanaFair, drawing visitors from across the state. ZooMontana is the only zoological and botanical park in the state, featuring species native to the region’s rugged terrain. Nicknames include “City by the Rims”, “Star of the Big Sky Country”, and “Montana’s Trailhead”.
Missoula, MT
Home to the University of Montana, “The Garden City” is a hub for education, research, and outdoor recreation. Clark Fork River runs through its center, granting it another nickname “River City”. Surrounded by national forests, Missoula is a hotspot for hiking, fishing, and kayaking. It boasted 73,489 residents during the 2020 census.
The city has a strong cultural identity, with annual events like the Montana Book Festival and the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival attracting national attention. The Historic Wilma Theater, built in 1921, remains a beloved venue for music, film, and live performances.
Rattlesnake National Recreation Area provides easy access to pristine wilderness just minutes from downtown. KettleHouse Amphitheater, set along the Blackfoot River, has become one of the top live music venues in the Northwest, drawing nationally recognized artists to its outdoor stage.
Great Falls, MT
Situated along the Missouri River, Great Falls was home to 60,442 in 2020. Named for the series of waterfalls that Lewis and Clark encountered during their expedition, the city has deep historical significance. The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center offers exhibits detailing their journey through Montana.
Great Falls is home to Malmstrom Air Force Base, a major installation that contributes to the city’s economy and strategic importance. The C.M. Russell Museum, dedicated to the renowned Western artist Charles Marion Russell, showcases Montana’s cowboy and frontier heritage. Nicknames include “The Electric City”, “The River City”, and “The Western Art Capital of the World”.
Giant Springs State Park, one of the largest freshwater springs in the country, provides a scenic retreat for fishing, picnicking, and hiking along the River’s Edge Trail. Great Falls hosts the annual Montana Pro Rodeo Circuit Finals, a major event that celebrates the state’s strong rodeo culture and Western heritage.
Bozeman, MT
Home to Montana State University, Bozeman is a hub for research, innovation, and outdoor recreation. Its proximity to Yellowstone National Park and Big Sky Resort makes it a key location for tourism and environmental science. A rapidly growing city, Bozeman had 53,293 people at the time of the 2020 census.
The Museum of the Rockies, affiliated with MSU, houses one of the world’s largest collections of dinosaur fossils, drawing paleontology enthusiasts from across the globe. Downtown Bozeman features a lively mix of local shops, craft breweries, and farm-to-table restaurants.
Bozeman’s economy is increasingly shaped by technology and aerospace industries, with companies like Oracle and Bridger Aerospace contributing to its growth. Bridger Bowl Ski Area, just 16 miles from downtown, provides some of the best skiing in the state, with deep powder runs and a strong local skiing community.
Learn about the ski resorts near Bozeman.
Butte-Silver Bow, MT
Once a booming mining town, the city’s history is deeply tied to copper mining, earning it the nickname “The Richest Hill on Earth”. The Berkeley Pit, a former open-pit copper mine, stands as a testament to Butte’s industrial legacy. Butte-Silver Bow was home to 34,494 people in 2020.
The city’s historic Uptown district features well-preserved architecture, reflecting its early 20th-century prosperity. The World Museum of Mining offers visitors an in-depth look at Montana’s mining past, including underground tours of an old copper mine.
Each year, “Butte America” hosts the Montana Folk Festival, one of the largest free music festivals in the Northwest, celebrating diverse cultural traditions. The Mai Wah Society Museum preserves the history of Chinese immigrants who played a crucial role in the city’s mining boom, showcasing artifacts from Butte’s once-thriving Chinatown.
Helena, MT
“The Capital City”, Helena was founded during the gold rush of 1864, and during the 2020 census recorded 32,091 residents. It retains much of its historical charm, with landmarks such as the Montana State Capitol and the Cathedral of St. Helena.
The city’s economy is centered around government, education, and tourism, with outdoor attractions like Mount Helena offering hiking trails and panoramic views. The Holter Museum of Art provides a space for contemporary exhibits and local artistic expression.
Last Chance Gulch, once the site of a major gold discovery, is now a lively shopping and dining district. The Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts is world-renowned, attracting artists from across the globe for its innovative ceramic workshops and exhibitions.
Kalispell, MT
Kalispell’s location in the Flathead Valley makes it a gateway to some of Montana’s most breathtaking scenery, drawing outdoor enthusiasts year-round. Situated near Glacier National Park, the city was host to 24,558 residents in 2020.
The Conrad Mansion Museum offers insight into the town’s early history, while Woodland Park provides green space and recreation for residents. Kalispell also has a growing craft beverage scene, with several local breweries and distilleries.
Flathead Lake, the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, is just a short drive from the city, providing opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping. This ski town near Blacktail Mountain and Whitefish Mountain, serves as the headquarters for the U.S. Forest Service’s Flathead National Forest, which covers over 2.4 million acres of protected wilderness.
Belgrade, MT
A fast-growing suburb of Bozeman, Belgrade grew to a population of 10,460 during the 2020 census. Originally founded as a railroad town, it has evolved into a key residential and commercial area supporting the Gallatin Valley.
The city is home to Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, Montana’s busiest airport, which connects the region to major travel hubs. Belgrade’s agricultural roots remain strong, with local farms and ranches contributing to its economy.
Community events, like the annual Fall Festival, celebrate the town’s small-town charm and local traditions. Lewis and Clark Park, featuring a historic rail depot and local festivals, highlights the town’s railroad heritage and a strong sense of community.
Anaconda, MT
Nestled in Western Montana and once a major copper smelting town, Anaconda boasted 9,421 residents in 2020. The Anaconda Smelter Stack, one of the tallest brick structures in the world, remains a symbol of the town’s industrial past.
The area is known for outdoor recreation, with the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness offering backcountry hiking and wildlife viewing. The Old Works Golf Course, designed by Jack Nicklaus, is a unique attraction built on a former smelting site.
The Washoe Theater in Anaconda, a beautifully preserved 1930s Art Deco theater, is considered one of the most stunning historic cinemas in the country. Anaconda’s efforts to preserve its industrial history while promoting tourism have helped revitalize the community.
Whitefish, MT
Whitefish is a picturesque resort town, home to 7,751 people in 2020. Home to Whitefish Mountain Resort, this ski town attracts visitors for skiing in winter and mountain biking in summer.
Downtown Whitefish offers a mix of art galleries, boutique shops, and farm-to-table dining, catering to both locals and tourists. The Whitefish Theatre Company provides a venue for performing arts and cultural events.
Whitefish hosts the annual Whitefish Winter Carnival, a decades-old tradition inspired by Nordic folklore, featuring a parade, skijoring races, and mountain festivities. With its stunning scenery and vibrant tourism industry, Whitefish remains one of Montana’s premier mountain destinations.
From Billings’ economic strength to Whitefish’s resort-town atmosphere, Montana’s largest cities offer a diverse mix of industry, history, and natural beauty. Each city plays a role in shaping the state’s identity, reflecting both its frontier past and evolving future.
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