Montana’s Population Growth Slows, With Kalispell Leading the Pack
Recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau highlights a cooling of Montana’s population growth post-pandemic. Between 2023 and 2024, Kalispell emerged as the state’s fastest-growing city, adding over 1,100 residents—an increase of nearly 4%. Similarly, East Helena reported a significant growth rate of over 5%, with 110 new residents.
In contrast, previously booming cities like Bozeman and Belgrade have witnessed slowed growths. Bozeman, which boasted a nearly 3% growth rate in previous years, added just under 800 residents, reflecting a 1.4% increase for the period. Belgrade experienced a notable decline, dropping from 8.1% growth in 2021 to just 2.3% this year.
Great Falls continues to struggle, recording a population drop of 230 residents, while Butte-Silver Bow also noted slight declines. Other larger cities, including Billings, Missoula, and Helena, showed modest increases.
Migration remains the principal driver of Montana’s population changes, with the state recording 51,000 more incoming residents than those departing between 2020 and 2023. However, deaths outnumbered births during this period, marking a shift with the first positive birth statistic since 2019.
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