Montana is a state located in the western region of the United States. It is known for its beautiful landscapes, including the Rocky Mountains, Yellowstone National Park, and the Glacier National Park. But what is the population of Montana? According to the latest estimates from the United States Census Bureau, the population of Montana as of 2020 was approximately 1.08 million people.
Montana is the fourth-largest state in the United States in terms of land area but is one of the least densely populated states. The population of Montana has been steadily increasing over the years, with a growth rate of 9.6% between 2010 and 2020. The largest city in Montana is Billings, with a population of over 109,000 people, followed by Missoula and Great Falls. However, the majority of the state's population lives in rural areas.
Population Overview
Montana is the fourth largest state in the United States, with a total area of 147,040 square miles. As of 2020, the estimated population of Montana was 1,080,577, making it the 44th most populous state in the country. The population density of Montana is 7.4 people per square mile, which is the third lowest in the United States.
The population of Montana has been steadily increasing over the past few decades. In 1990, the population was just over 800,000, and by 2010, it had grown to over 989,000. The population growth rate in Montana is relatively slow, with an average annual growth rate of 0.6% over the past decade.
The largest city in Montana is Billings, with a population of approximately 110,000. Other major cities include Missoula, Great Falls, and Bozeman. However, the majority of Montana's population lives in rural areas, with only about 56% of the population living in urban areas.
Montana has a relatively diverse population, with a significant Native American population, as well as a growing Hispanic population. According to the 2020 census, approximately 6.6% of Montana's population is Native American, and 3.6% is Hispanic.
Overall, Montana has a small but steadily growing population, with a relatively low population density. The state's population is diverse, with a significant Native American and Hispanic population, and the majority of the population living in rural areas.
Historical Population Data
Montana's population has seen steady growth since the 1800s. In 1860, the population was just 4,297. By 1900, it had grown to 243,329. The population continued to increase throughout the 20th century, reaching 799,065 in 2000.
The following table shows the population of Montana at 10-year intervals from 1900 to 2020:
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 1900 | 243,329 |
| 1910 | 376,053 |
| 1920 | 548,889 |
| 1930 | 537,606 |
| 1940 | 559,456 |
| 1950 | 591,024 |
| 1960 | 674,767 |
| 1970 | 694,409 |
| 1980 | 786,690 |
| 1990 | 799,065 |
| 2000 | 902,195 |
| 2010 | 989,415 |
| 2020 | 1,080,577 |
It is clear from the table that Montana's population has steadily increased over the past century. However, the rate of growth has slowed in recent years. Between 2010 and 2020, the population increased by just 9.2%, compared to a 17.7% increase between 2000 and 2010.
Despite this slower growth rate, Montana's population is still expected to continue growing in the coming years. The state's natural beauty, low cost of living, and strong economy make it an attractive destination for people looking to relocate.
Demographics
Montana has a population of approximately 1.07 million people, making it the 44th most populous state in the United States. The state's population has been growing steadily over the years, with an increase of 9.6% since the 2010 census.
Montana has a predominantly white population, with 89.3% of its residents identifying as white. The next largest ethnic group is Native Americans, who make up 6.6% of the population. Hispanics and Latinos make up 3.8% of the population, followed by African Americans at 0.6%.
The median age in Montana is 40.3 years, which is slightly higher than the national median age of 38.5 years. The state has a slightly higher percentage of males than females, with males making up 50.6% of the population.
Montana has a relatively low population density, with an average of 7.1 people per square mile. The largest city in Montana is Billings, with a population of approximately 109,577 people. Other major cities include Missoula, Great Falls, and Bozeman.
Overall, Montana has a diverse population with a predominantly white demographic. The state's population has been steadily growing over the years, and it has a relatively low population density compared to other states in the United States.
Population Density
Montana is the fourth-largest state in the US but has a relatively low population density. As of 2020, Montana's population density was 7.4 people per square mile, making it the third least densely populated state in the country. The state's total population was estimated to be around 1.08 million people.
The population density varies widely across Montana, with some areas having less than one person per square mile, while others have a much higher density. The most densely populated areas in Montana are the cities of Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, and Bozeman. These cities have a population density of around 2,500 to 3,500 people per square mile.
Despite the low population density, Montana has experienced a steady population growth rate over the past few decades. Between 2010 and 2020, Montana's population increased by 9.6%, which is higher than the national average growth rate of 6.3%.
The table below shows the population density of Montana's top ten most populous counties as of 2020:
| County | Population Density (people per square mile) |
|---|---|
| Yellowstone | 39.7 |
| Missoula | 23.4 |
| Gallatin | 19.2 |
| Flathead | 14.7 |
| Cascade | 10.4 |
| Lewis and Clark | 9.8 |
| Ravalli | 9.6 |
| Silver Bow | 8.6 |
| Lake | 7.7 |
| Lincoln | 6.9 |
Overall, Montana's population density is relatively low compared to other states in the US, but it has been steadily increasing in recent years. The state's largest cities have a higher population density than the rural areas, but even these cities have a lower density compared to other metropolitan areas in the country.
Urban Vs Rural Population
Montana is known for its vast, open spaces and natural beauty. However, the state has a relatively small population, with just over one million residents in 2020. The population of Montana is concentrated in a few urban areas, with most of the state being rural.
Urban Population
According to the United States Census Bureau, Montana has six urban areas with populations greater than 10,000 people. The largest of these is Billings, with a population of over 110,000. Other urban areas in Montana include Missoula, Great Falls, Bozeman, Helena, and Kalispell.
These urban areas are home to a diverse population, with a mix of young professionals, families, and retirees. They offer a range of amenities, including shopping centers, restaurants, and cultural attractions. However, they are also more densely populated than rural areas, with higher levels of traffic and noise.
Rural Population
The majority of Montana's population lives in rural areas. The state has a large number of small towns and communities, many of which are spread out across the vast landscape. These areas are known for their natural beauty, with mountains, forests, and rivers providing a stunning backdrop to everyday life.
Rural communities in Montana tend to be close-knit, with residents relying on each other for support and assistance. Many people in these areas work in agriculture, mining, or other natural resource industries. While these areas may lack the amenities of urban areas, they offer a slower pace of life and a strong sense of community.
Overall, Montana's population is divided between urban and rural areas. While urban areas offer a range of amenities and a diverse population, rural areas are known for their natural beauty and close-knit communities.
Population Growth Rate
Montana's population has been growing at a steady pace for the past few decades. The state's population growth rate has been consistently higher than the national average. Between 2010 and 2020, Montana's population increased by 9.6%, while the national average was 7.4%.
One of the main factors contributing to Montana's population growth is net migration. The state has been attracting a significant number of people from other states, particularly from California, Texas, and Washington. Many of these migrants are retirees looking for a better quality of life, lower taxes, and a more relaxed pace of living.
Another factor driving Montana's population growth is natural increase. The state's birth rate has been higher than its death rate, resulting in a positive natural increase. However, the natural increase has been declining in recent years due to an aging population and a lower fertility rate.
The table below shows Montana's population growth rate over the past few decades:
| Year | Population | Growth Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 799,065 | N/A |
| 2000 | 902,195 | 12.9% |
| 2010 | 989,415 | 9.7% |
| 2020 | 1,084,225 | 9.6% |
Overall, Montana's population growth rate is expected to continue at a steady pace in the coming years. The state's economy is growing, and its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities continue to attract new residents. However, the state will need to address some challenges, such as an aging population and a shortage of affordable housing, to sustain its population growth in the long term.
Predicted Future Population
Montana's population is predicted to continue growing steadily in the coming years. The state's current estimated population is around 1.08 million, and this is expected to increase to 1.15 million by 2030. The following are some factors that are likely to contribute to this growth:
- Migration: Montana has been attracting a significant number of people from other states in recent years. This trend is expected to continue, particularly as more people become aware of the state's favourable tax policies, natural beauty, and quality of life.
- Birth rate: Montana has a relatively high birth rate compared to other states. This is partly due to the state's younger population and the fact that many families choose to have children in Montana due to its natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities.
- Economic growth: Montana's economy is expected to continue growing in the coming years, particularly in sectors such as healthcare, technology, and tourism. This growth is likely to result in more job opportunities and attract more people to the state.
It is important to note that while Montana's population is predicted to continue growing, the rate of growth is expected to slow down in the coming years. This is due to a variety of factors, including an aging population and a lower rate of natural population increase (i.e. births minus deaths).
Overall, Montana's predicted future population growth is likely to have both positive and negative impacts on the state. While it will bring economic benefits and help to sustain communities, it may also put pressure on infrastructure, natural resources, and the environment.
Comparative Population Statistics
Montana is the fourth-largest state in the United States by land area but has a relatively low population compared to other states. As of 2020, Montana's estimated population was 1,080,577, with a population density of 7.2 people per square mile.
To put Montana's population into perspective, here are some comparative population statistics:
- Montana's population is less than 1% of the total US population.
- Montana ranks 44th in population out of the 50 US states.
- Montana's population is smaller than the population of many US cities, such as San Antonio, Texas and San Diego, California.
- Montana's population density is one of the lowest in the US, with only Alaska and Wyoming having lower population densities.
Despite its relatively low population, Montana's population has been steadily increasing over the years. Between 2010 and 2020, Montana's population grew by 9.6%, which is slightly higher than the national average of 7.4%.
Overall, while Montana may have a small population compared to other states, it is a state with a unique culture and landscape that attracts many visitors and residents alike.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Montana's population has been steadily increasing over the years, with a current estimated population of 1.08 million as of 2021. Despite its large size, Montana is one of the least populated states in the United States, with a population density of only 7 people per square mile.
The state's population growth rate has been slower than the national average, with a growth rate of 4.1% over the past decade. However, Montana's population is expected to continue growing in the coming years, with projections estimating a population of 1.1 million by 2025.
Montana's population is predominantly White, with over 89% of the population identifying as White alone. The state also has a significant Native American population, with over 6% of the population identifying as American Indian or Alaska Native alone.
Overall, Montana's population is diverse and growing, with a unique mix of rural and urban communities. As the state continues to grow and evolve, it will be interesting to see how its population changes and adapts to new challenges and opportunities.