Move Over Bozeman! This is Now Montana’s Fastest Growing City

For the past few years, Bozeman has been the fastest-growing micropolitan area in the country, but according to new data released by the U.S. Census Bureau, another city in Montana has taken the top spot.

Many cities and towns across Montana have been adjusting to rapid growth in recent years. Between April 2020, and July 2021, the population of Montana grew by more than 20,000 people. The increase in population has resulted in the housing demand outweighing the supply in many parts of the state.

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In new data released by the U.S. Census Bureau on March 24, Kalispell, Montana was named the new fastest-growing micropolitan area in America. From July 1, 2020, to July 1 2021, Kalispell added 3,681 new residents. However, Bozeman wasn't far behind, adding 3,211 new residents in the same time period. Bozeman is the #3 fastest growing micropolitan area in the country. The #2 fastest-growing micropolitan area in the country is Jefferson, Georgia.

In case you're wondering, a micropolitan area is defined as a city with 10,000 to 50,000 residents. The graph below shows what counties in Montana experienced growth between 2020 and 2021. Some counties in central and eastern Montana experienced a decrease in population.

[Source: U.S. Census Bureau]

Of the 543 U.S. micro areas in America, 287 (52.9%) had population increases in 2021. Unfortunately, two of the top three fastest-growing micro areas are in Montana, which isn't a good sign for Montanans hoping that the rapid growth the state has seen in recent years would begin to slow down.

To learn more, and to read the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau, click here.