Bozeman Not Among Montana's Fastest Growing Towns

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While Montana has seen an influx of new residents in recent years, the state's fastest growing town is not Bozeman, which is often blamed for the state's growth issues. According to data from World Population Review, only 35 Montana cities with over 1,000 residents have seen positive growth since the 2020 census, and the number one fastest-growing city is pulling away from the rest with nearly 5% growth over the past six years.

Why it matters

Montana's population growth, especially in popular tourist destinations like Bozeman, has been a contentious issue, with many longtime residents expressing concerns about the changes. However, the data shows that the growth is more widespread across the state, challenging the narrative that Bozeman is solely responsible for Montana's growth challenges.

The details

While Bozeman, home to Montana State University, is often cited as the epicenter of Montana's growth, it does not even crack the top 10 fastest-growing towns in the state. Instead, the number one fastest-growing city in Montana is pulling away from the rest, with nearly 5% growth since the 2020 census. In total, only 35 Montana cities with over 1,000 residents have seen positive growth during this time period.

• The data is based on the 2020 census and growth since then.
• The top 10 fastest-growing towns in Montana were identified by World Population Review.