Montana Towns Losing Residents in 2026

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According to U.S. Census data and a report from World Population Review, 18 cities and towns in Montana experienced population decline between 2020 and 2025. Rural communities like West Yellowstone, Wolf Point, Sydney, Plentywood, and Hardin have seen steady decreases in residents, largely due to a lack of high-paying jobs and economic opportunities driving younger people to leave.

Why it matters

The population decline in Montana's small towns reflects broader economic and demographic shifts impacting rural America, as job opportunities dry up and younger generations seek opportunities in larger urban centers. This trend threatens the viability of these communities and could have ripple effects on local services, businesses, and the overall fabric of life in Big Sky Country.

The details

West Yellowstone, a tourist hub near Yellowstone National Park, is one of the fastest-shrinking towns in Montana, struggling with housing shortages and high rents that drive residents away. Wolf Point has seen a major population decrease due to a lack of high-paying jobs, while the town of Sydney near the Bakken Oil Fields lost residents when energy jobs left the region. Other affected towns like Plentywood and Hardin cite aging populations and a struggling local economy as factors behind their steady population declines.

• Between 2020 and 2021, Montana's population grew by an estimated 15,000 new residents.
• From 2020 to 2025, 18 cities and towns in Montana experienced population decline.