Montana Population Growth Slows; Kalispell and East Helena Thrive

Montana’s once-booming population growth rate has slowed since the COVID-19 pandemic, as shown by U.S. Census Bureau data. Despite this, areas like East Helena and Kalispell remain significant growth centers. Kalispell retained its status as Montana’s fastest-growing city, adding over 1,100 new residents from 2023 to 2024, marking a nearly 4% increase. Meanwhile, East Helena experienced a 5% growth rate, gaining 110 new residents.

Formerly the state’s growth leader, Bozeman has witnessed a decline in its expansion rate. Previously at nearly 3% between 2020 and 2021, it saw a 1.4% growth rate, adding fewer than 800 people by 2024. Neighboring Belgrade also noted a significant slowdown, shifting from an 8.1% increase in 2021 to a 2.3% rise, equating to an estimated 280 additional residents.

Great Falls is the only major Montana city experiencing a consistent population decrease since the 2020 census. From 2023 to 2024, it lost 230 residents, a minor figure relative to its total population. Butte-Silver Bow also reported a slight decline in the same period.

Other large Montana cities observed modest growth. Billings added 686 residents, Missoula 557, and Helena 360. Migration, mainly from other states, remains a key factor in Montana’s population trends. The Census Bureau estimates a net migration of 51,000 people into Montana from 2020 to 2023. However, more deaths than births, 38,942 to 36,078, somewhat balanced the influx. From 2023 to 2024, the state recorded 12 more births than deaths, a first since 2019. Migration contributed 6,000 new residents to Montana in 2024.

The Census Bureau produces these interim population estimates to provide updates between its decennial U.S. population counts. The 2024 estimates reflect changes from July 1, 2023, to July 1, 2024.