City Profile
Billings, Montana
USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Billings, Montana, known as the "Magic City" due to its rapid growth since its founding as a railroad town in 1882, is the largest city in Montana and the commercial hub for a wide rural region. Nestled in the fertile Yellowstone River valley and framed by scenic sandstone cliffs known as the Rimrocks, Billings offers a blend of natural beauty and urban amenities. People are drawn to Billings for its laid-back, small-town attitude, resilient economy, and access to abundant outdoor activities. It serves as a major retail, medical, and energy center for much of Montana, northern Wyoming, and parts of North and South Dakota.
The city provides a balance of big-city conveniences and small-town charm, making it an attractive option for families and professionals. Billings is home to Montana State University Billings and offers a diverse range of public and private schools. Its strategic location also places it within a day's trip of famous sites like Yellowstone National Park, offering residents world-class fly fishing, hiking, and biking trails.
Montana, known as "Big Sky Country," offers a peaceful, nature-centric lifestyle with vast open spaces and a strong sense of community. Its economy is primarily driven by agriculture, forestry, mining, energy production, and a growing service sector that includes tourism and outdoor recreation. While the cost of living can vary, with urban areas like Bozeman being more expensive, some smaller towns offer more affordable options, and the state benefits from no sales tax. Montana experiences significant climatic variations due to its diverse geography, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters, especially in the mountainous western regions.
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Expenses
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Billings is generally lower than the national average, making it a more budget-friendly option compared to many other U.S. cities. According to one widely used index, the overall cost of living typically trends about 5% to 6% below the U.S. average, with a cost of living index around 95. This affordability is largely driven by housing costs, which are significantly more reasonable than the national median.
While housing is more affordable, some expenses like groceries and transportation can be slightly higher than the national average. For instance, grocery costs in Billings are about 3.3% higher than the national average. Utilities, however, tend to be more moderate, running approximately 18.3% lower than the national average. The absence of a state or local sales tax in Montana also contributes to overall savings for residents.
Income
Salary Insights
Billings boasts a strong and diverse economy, serving as the largest retail, medical, and energy hub in the region. The city's job market is robust, with employment growing at a rate of 1.35% from 2023 to 2024. Major employers include healthcare providers like Billings Clinic and St. Vincent Healthcare, as well as Billings Public Schools and First Interstate BancSystem.
The top industries driving Billings' economy are healthcare, energy, agriculture, retail and wholesale trade, and education. The energy sector benefits from the region's coal, oil, and natural gas resources, while the fertile Yellowstone Valley supports a strong agricultural industry. The city's economic resilience and steady job growth make it an appealing location for newcomers seeking career opportunities.
The average salary in Billings is $68,328 per year. You would need approximately $71,000 to live comfortably.
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Climate
Mobility
Transport
Getting around Billings is primarily car-dependent, with most errands requiring a vehicle. The city has an average Walk Score of 35, indicating it is a car-dependent city, and a Transit Score of 25, ranking it low for public transportation options compared to other U.S. cities. However, Billings does have a Bike Score of 63, encouraging an active lifestyle for cyclists.
Despite the car-centric layout, residents benefit from relatively short commute times, averaging around 16.5 to 19 minutes. The city's public transit system, MET Transit, offers bus services with affordable monthly passes, connecting various parts of the city, including the hospital corridor and downtown. Interstate 90 runs east to west through the city, making regional travel straightforward.
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