Montana Cities by Population (2024)

Montana is one of the least populated states in the U.S. Its population of 1,052,343 puts it at 44th in terms of population when compared to the other states. Not surprisingly, there is just one city that has a population of over 100,000, which is Billings. As of 2017, this city had a population of 110,263. Coming in second place is Missoula, with a population of over 71,000, followed by Great Falls with a population that’s approaching 60,000 inhabitants. In total there are six cities in Montana with populations of at least 10,000, which includes Helena, the state capital.

There are a total of 129 incorporated municipalities that are designated as cities or towns. These are spread across the state’s 56 counties. Breaking this down further, Montana divides its cities into three different classes: First Class, Second Class, and Third Class. First Class cities have populations of over 10,000, Second Class cities have populations between 5,000 and 10,000, while Third Class cities have populations between 1,000 and 5,000. An increase or decrease in population can lead to a change in classes. Looking at individual municipalities, Ismay in Custer County is the smallest town with a population of just 19 inhabitants, while the smallest city is Judith Gap in Wheatland County, with a population of just 126 people.