The Montana Population Boom Isn’t Over, It’s Just Evolving

Montana's Growth Is Cooling But Not Stopping

Ever since COVID hit in 2020, it feels like the biggest story in Montana has been just how many people are moving here.

For the last six years, you couldn't turn on the news, scroll social media, or have a conversation without hearing about another wave of newcomers arriving in the Treasure State.

New Census Data Shows Where Growth Is Happening In Montana

Montana is still growing, but the pace has slowed down a bit, and where people are choosing to move is starting to change.

New estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau show Montana's growth in 2025 was nearly identical to the year before. The state added about 5,500 residents, bringing the total population to roughly 1.5 million.

What's interesting isn't how many people moved here. It's where they're moving to.

For years, places like Bozeman and Kalispell seemed to be everyone's destination of choice. While both communities are still growing, some of the biggest gains are now happening in smaller towns with populations under 10,000.

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Housing Affordability May Be Reshaping Migration Trends

Communities like Sidney, which actually saw population declines for a stretch, are now among the faster-growing towns in Montana. Places like Townsend and Roundup are also seeing an increased pace in growth.

Part of the slowdown could come down to affordability. Montana continues to struggle with some of the least affordable housing in America, which has made it harder for some people to make the move.

The bottom line is Montana's population boom isn't over. It's just not running at the same breakneck pace it was a few years ago. What used to feel like a sprint has settled into more of a jog.

Source: Montana Free Press