Billings, Montana, known as "The Magic City," is the largest city in the state and a thriving hub of culture and commerce. Located near the Yellowstone River and within driving distance of Yellowstone National Park, Billings offers a high quality of life for its residents. The city's blend of natural beauty and modern amenities makes living in Billings an attractive option for families and professionals.
Residents of Billings enjoy a variety of recreational activities and cultural events. The city's numerous parks, trails, and cultural institutions provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities and enrichment. The Pictograph Cave State Park and the Yellowstone Art Museum are popular destinations that celebrate the city's cultural and historical significance. The annual Magic City Blues Festival and the Billings Symphony Orchestra & Chorale are events that showcase Billings' vibrant arts scene.
Billings' strong economy is supported by a diverse range of industries, including healthcare, education, and energy. The city's strategic location and status as a regional trade center provide residents with easy access to job opportunities and cultural amenities. Major employers in the area include Billings Clinic and ExxonMobil.
The housing market in Billings includes a variety of options, from riverfront properties to single-family homes in suburban neighborhoods. The city's strong sense of community and welcoming atmosphere further enhance its appeal.
Public transportation in Billings is provided by MET Transit, facilitating easy commutes within the city and to neighboring areas. Billings' climate features cold winters and hot summers, allowing for a variety of seasonal activities. Overall, Billings offers a blend of natural beauty, economic opportunity, and community spirit, making it a desirable place to live.
Amenities
An abundance of amenities, including restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores and fitness facilities, are conveniently situated within walking distance of the area.
Commute
High commute scores indicates that public transit should be easily accessible in this area and the average commute time to work is less than average.
Housing
This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.
Crime
This area is reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people and could signify that it is a dangerous place to live. Crime rates include both violent and property crimes.
Ratings
AreaVibes conducted surveys and polls with locals who live in the area. The results were not favorable for walkability of amenities, parks, public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.
Billings, Montana is a mid-sized city with a population of 109,705 residents. According to the most recent Census, 88% of Billings residents are White, 5% American Indian and Alaskan and 1% Black. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Billings offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 17 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Whether you’re relocating to a new town to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Billings could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Montana if you know where to search. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. The best areas in Billings and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, crime, cost of living, commute, health & safety, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Montana and national averages.
Billings, MT receives 77/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #19 in Montana and #2,393 in the USA. Compared to the US average, Billings ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! Billings has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. Based on the rankings for each individual category, Billings has been rewarded with high marks for cost of living (A-) and housing (A-). The bad news for Billings, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: crime (F).
If you're considering living in Billings, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Billings provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area. A few of the enjoyable things to experience and sights to see are: Zoo Montana, The Moss Mansion, and Angry Hank's Micro Brewery.
Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Billings, the unemployment rate stands at 2.39%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.
A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Billings has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.
Billings real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Billings. Median real estate prices in Billings come in at $233,700, which is 17% higher than the Montana average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Billings, the home price to income ratio is 3.9, which is 4.9% lower than the Montana average.
| Statistic | Billings | Montana | National |
| Average one way commute | 17min | 18min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 82.3% | 75.1% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 7.9% | 10.2% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.0% | 0.8% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.6% | 1.4% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 2.5% | 5.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 4.9% | 6.3% | 4.6% |
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