Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Billings, MT
Considering a move to Billings, MT? With a population of about 117,000, Billings offers affordable living—median home prices are around $335,000 and average rents are $1,150. Commute times are short, averaging just 17 minutes, and you'll enjoy 58% sunny days each year with low annual rainfall. While crime rates are higher than the national average, the city boasts quality healthcare, a strong high school graduation rate, and vibrant access to outdoor recreation. Take a closer look at Billings' cost of living, schools, and community features to see if it's your next hometown!
Demographics - Billings, MT
Demographics - Billings, MT
Billings is home to approximately 117,445 residents, offering a moderately dense urban environment with a median age of 38.3 years. The population is predominantly White, but there is a notable Native American community and a small but present diversity of other groups. With about 7.5% of residents speaking a language other than English at home, the city fosters a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers.
Population:
117,445
Density:
2,600 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.3
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
86.2%
Black:
1.0%
Asian:
1.1%
Others:
6.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Billings, MT?
Billings has a cost of living slightly below the national average, with a cost of living index of 97.2. The median home value is about $335,000 and average rent is $1,150, making housing relatively affordable for a city of its size. Utilities, groceries, and transportation also remain cost-effective, appealing to both homeowners and renters.
Median House Value:
$335,000
Gross Rent:
$1,150
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$105
Auto Insurance:
$1,110
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,620
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$490
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
6.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
97.2
Grocery:
97.0
Housing:
92.3
Utilities:
88.6
Transportation:
96.7
Health Care:
97.5
Miscellaneous:
98.5
Crime
Is Billings, MT a safe place to live?
Billings experiences higher-than-average crime rates, with around 395 violent crimes and 3,455 property crimes per 100,000 residents. The risk of property crime is notably higher, with about a 1 in 29 chance annually. Residents should be aware of these statistics and take appropriate safety measures when considering neighborhoods.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
395
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,455
Crime Index:
3,850
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 253
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 29
Weather
What is the weather like in Billings, MT year-round?
Residents of Billings enjoy four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs around 89°F and cold winters dipping to lows near 18°F. The city receives an average of 13.8 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 58% sunny days, offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities throughout the year.
Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
38°F
Spring
Min:
35°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
36°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
13.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
58%
Neighbors
Billings offers a friendly, family-oriented community where the median household income is $67,200 and the poverty rate is 10.4%. Most residents have at least a high school education, and commute times are short at around 17 minutes. The city has a low unemployment rate and a strong sense of local pride.
Median Income:
$37,900
Household Income:
$67,200
Family Income:
$81,400
Per Capita Income:
$36,500
Income Male:
$44,000
Income Female:
$36,300
Poverty Rate:
10.4%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$1,150
Unemployment Rate:
3.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.9%
Commute Time:
17.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
93.8%
Bachelors or More:
32.7%
Education
How are the schools in Billings, MT?
Billings features a range of educational opportunities, including reputable public schools like Billings West High and Ben Steele Middle, as well as private options such as Billings Central Catholic High. Higher education is easily accessible with Montana State University Billings and Rocky Mountain College located within the city. The area’s strong graduation rates and presence of colleges make it an excellent choice for families and students.
Public Schools
Name:
Billings West High School
Street:
2201 St Johns Ave
Phone:
406-281-5600
Students:
1,860
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.9
Name:
Ben Steele Middle School
Street:
5640 Grand Ave
Phone:
406-281-6000
Students:
990
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.2
Private Schools
Name:
Billings Central Catholic High School
Street:
3 Broadwater Ave
Phone:
406-245-6651
Students:
360
Colleges
Name:
Montana State University Billings
City:
Billings
State:
MT
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
4,100
Name:
Rocky Mountain College
City:
Billings
State:
MT
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,000
Healthcare
Billings provides quality healthcare with major hospitals like Billings Clinic and St. Vincent Healthcare offering comprehensive services and emergency care. The city maintains a good physician-to-population ratio of 2.3 per 1,000 residents, and over 90% of people have health insurance. These factors contribute to Billings’ reputation as a regional medical hub.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Billings Clinic
Address:
2800 10th Ave N, Billings, MT 59101
Phone:
(406) 238-2500
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
St. Vincent Healthcare
Address:
1233 N 30th St, Billings, MT 59101
Phone:
(406) 657-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.8%
Health Care Index:
79.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Billings, MT?
The Billings housing market is stable, with a median home price of $335,000 and a 62.9% owner-occupancy rate. Rental vacancies are low at 4.8%, and home values have appreciated by 3.7% in the past year. These trends indicate a healthy mix of housing options for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$335,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,150
Owner Occupied Rate:
62.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.7%
New Construction Rate:
2.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Residents of Billings are served by the Montana Motor Vehicle Division, located in Helena, with accessible online services for licensing and registration. The DMV provides standard vehicle and driver services for Montana residents. For more information, residents can visit the official state DOJ website.
State:
Montana
Department:
Montana Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
302 N Roberts, Helena, MT 59601
Phone:
1-406-444-3933
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.