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Montana Population Overview (2026 Projection)
Montana is a state in the Mountain West sub-region of the Western United States. It is bordered by Idaho to the west, North Dakota and South Dakota to the east, Wyoming to the south, and the Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan to the north.
Montana is the 7th least populous state in the U.S. and the 4th largest by land area. It covers a total of 145,552 square miles (376,980 km²) with an average population density of about 7 people per square mile, making it the 3rd least densely populated state in the U.S. According to the 2020 U.S. Census, Montana had a population of 1,084,225 (approximately 1.08 million).
More recent estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau indicate that as of July 1, 2024, Montana’s population was approximately 1,137,233, or about 1.1 million people, reflecting moderate growth in recent years.
👉 Projected Population of Montana (2026): ~1.15 million
Montana Population Growth (2010–2020)
Montana experienced a population growth rate of 9.6% between 2010 and 2020, adding approximately 94,810 residents during the decade. The median age in Montana is about 39.8 years, and the state shows a nearly balanced gender ratio, with 49.7% females and 50.3% males.
Montana Census 2020 Snapshot
| Indicator | Data |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 1,084,225 (1.08 million) |
| Population Change (2010–2020) | +9.6% |
| Population Rank | 44th |
| Total Land Area | 145,552 sq mi (376,980 km²) |
| Area Rank | 4th |
| Population Density | 7.09 per sq mi (2.73 per km²) |
| Capital City | Helena |
| Largest City | Billings |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020)
Montana Historical Population
Montana’s population history reflects periods of rapid expansion followed by slower, more stable growth. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the state experienced explosive population increases driven by mining booms, railroad expansion, and westward settlement. Growth slowed mid-century, with occasional declines, before resuming steady gains in recent decades. By the 2020 Census, Montana’s population had surpassed 1 million residents, marking a significant milestone in the state’s demographic history.
Decadal Population Change (1910–2020)
| Census Year | Population | % Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1870 | 20,595 | — |
| 1880 | 39,159 | 90.10% |
| 1890 | 142,924 | 265.00% |
| 1900 | 243,329 | 70.30% |
| 1910 | 376,053 | 54.50% |
| 1920 | 548,889 | 46.00% |
| 1930 | 537,606 | −2.1% |
| 1940 | 559,456 | 4.10% |
| 1950 | 591,024 | 5.60% |
| 1960 | 674,767 | 14.20% |
| 1970 | 694,409 | 2.90% |
| 1980 | 786,690 | 13.30% |
| 1990 | 799,065 | 1.60% |
| 2000 | 902,195 | 12.90% |
| 2010 | 989,415 | 9.70% |
| 2020 | 1,084,225 | 9.60% |
Montana Demographics (Summary)
Religion and Affiliations
Christianity is the majority religion in Montana, followed by approximately 65% of the population. The largest Christian denomination in the state is Protestant (42%), followed by Roman Catholic (17%), Mormonism (4%), Eastern Orthodoxy (1%), and Jehovah’s Witnesses (1%).
The Unaffiliated population accounts for about 30% of Montana’s residents, who do not identify with any religious faith. Other non-Christian religions make up roughly 5% of the population and include Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and other smaller faiths.
For more details, read Religion in Montana
Race and Ethnicity in Montana
According to the 2020 Census, the White alone (non-Hispanic) population was the largest racial or ethnic group in Montana, comprising 83.13% of the total population. It was followed by the American Indian and Alaska Native population at 5.96%. People identifying with two or more races accounted for 5.05%, while the Hispanic or Latino population made up 4.17% of the state’s population.
Ancestry in Montana
Based on census studies and population estimates, German, Irish, English, Norwegian, and American are the five largest ancestry groups reported in Montana.
For more details, read Race and Ethnicity in Montana
Top cities and counties in Montana
As of 2022, Montana is divided into 56 counties. The most populous counties in the state are Yellowstone County (158,980 residents) and Missoula County (117,441 residents). Beaverhead County is the largest county by land area, covering 5,543 square miles.
The most populous city in Montana is Billings, with a population of 117,116 residents. It is followed by Missoula (73,489) and Great Falls (60,442), making them the other major population centers in the state.
Read more about Cities and Counties in Montana
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Montana
What is the population of Montana in 2026?
Montana’s population is projected to be approximately 1.16 million in 2026, based on recent census trends and annual population estimates.
Is Montana one of the least populated states in the U.S.?
Yes. Montana is among the 10 least populated states in the United States, despite being the fourth-largest state by land area.
Which city has the largest population in Montana?
Billings is the largest city in Montana, with a population of about 117,000 residents, followed by Missoula and Great Falls.
Why is Montana’s population density so low?
Montana’s low population density is due to its large land area, mountainous terrain, harsh winters, and a historically rural, resource-based economy.
Is Montana’s population growing or declining?
Montana’s population is growing steadily. Between 2010 and 2020, the state’s population increased by 9.6%, and growth has continued into the mid-2020s.
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