Montana Population Growth Slows After COVID Boom Years

State sees modest increase in 2025 as migration remains primary driver of change

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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After several years of rapid expansion during the COVID-19 pandemic, Montana's population growth rate has continued settling to a slower pace according to 2025 figures released by the U.S. Census Bureau. The state added 7,137 residents between mid-2024 and mid-2025, a 0.62% increase, the second-lowest growth rate in the past fifteen years.

Why it matters

Montana's population growth has significant economic and political implications, impacting everything from housing and infrastructure needs to congressional representation. The slowdown in growth after the pandemic surge raises questions about the sustainability of the state's recent rapid expansion.

The details

Migration continues to be the primary factor driving Montana population change, with net migration adding an estimated 7,247 residents in 2025. The vast majority, 6,348, moved from other U.S. states while just under 900 were international arrivals. Without migration, Montana's population would have barely changed as the state recorded 90 fewer births than deaths in 2025, a reflection of Montana's older population and low birthrate.

  • The Census Bureau estimates Montana added 7,137 residents between mid-2024 and mid-2025.
  • In 2021, the peak of the pandemic migration surge, Montana added nearly 18,000 residents.
  • Between 2011 and 2019, the state averaged around an annual population increase of 8,800 residents, an annual growth rate of 0.86%.

The players

U.S. Census Bureau

The federal agency responsible for collecting and publishing demographic data, including annual population estimates for states and counties.

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What’s next

County-level population data slated for a March release and city-level population expected for May will let statisticians and the public evaluate growth trends specific to different parts of the state.

The takeaway

Montana's population growth has slowed significantly after the pandemic-driven surge, raising questions about the sustainability of the state's recent rapid expansion. While migration remains the primary driver of population change, the state's aging population and low birthrate suggest long-term challenges in maintaining robust growth.