Best Cities for Outdoor Enthusiasts in Montana
Montana ranks #2 of 50 for outdoor enthusiasts, with a outdoor enthusiasts score of 81.7. Bozeman is its best city for outdoor enthusiasts at 70.5.
- Montana, all states
- #2 of 50
- Population
- 56,114
Why Montana Works for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Montana ranks #2 out of 50 for outdoor enthusiasts — a premier destination for those who build their lives around access to nature. The outdoor access score of 72/100 is among the highest in the nation, reflecting abundant parks, public land, and recreation facilities. With 29.9% of the state as public land, there's no shortage of space to explore.
Environmental quality matters when you spend significant time outdoors. Montana's environment score of 63/100 reflects clean air (AQI: 27) and strong environmental conditions. Moderate natural disaster risk means seasonal awareness is important — check local conditions before heading out.
The practical side: affordable living (index: 94.6) means more budget for gear, trips, and experiences. Safety (61/100) is strong — important for solo hikers and those exploring remote areas, and the overall health infrastructure (59/100) supports an active lifestyle with good access to sports medicine and emergency care.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Outdoor Enthusiasts
| # City | Grade | Outdoor Enthusiasts score | Overall | Environment | Safety | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Bozeman | A | 70.5 | 64.2 | 83 | 70 | 56,114 |
| 2Butte-Silver Bow | B | 67.7 | 55.8 | 88 | — | 35,052 |
| 3Belgrade | B+ | 67.0 | 60.3 | 83 | 76 | 11,872 |
| 4Anaconda-Deer Lodge County | C+ | 66.4 | 52.6 | 96 | — | 9,597 |
| 5Miles City | C+ | 61.8 | 54.8 | 63 | 72 | 8,407 |
| 6Laurel | C+ | 61.7 | 52.6 | 76 | 65 | 7,215 |
| 7Whitefish | B | 60.5 | 58.0 | 42 | 87 | 8,749 |
| 8Sidney | C+ | 60.3 | 54.6 | 69 | 60 | 6,171 |
| 9Missoula | B | 60.2 | 58.6 | 59 | 49 | 76,514 |
| 10Lewistown | D | 60.2 | 48.0 | 73 | 58 | 6,087 |
| 11Helena | B | 59.2 | 57.9 | 59 | 49 | 33,639 |
| 12Lockwood | D | 58.2 | 48.7 | 76 | — | 7,181 |
| 13Kalispell | B | 57.7 | 56.6 | 42 | 68 | 28,504 |
| 14Billings | C+ | 57.3 | 52.8 | 76 | 40 | 119,434 |
| 15Havre | D | 57.1 | 43.8 | 93 | 37 | 9,258 |
| 16Helena Valley West Central | C+ | 56.6 | 54.8 | 59 | — | 8,056 |
| 17Helena Valley Southeast | C | 54.9 | 50.4 | 59 | — | 9,108 |
| 18Livingston | C+ | 52.9 | 52.7 | 19 | 77 | 8,780 |
| 19Evergreen | C | 51.9 | 50.3 | 42 | — | 9,611 |
| 20Great Falls | C | 51.1 | 50.1 | 50 | 40 | 60,329 |
City outdoor enthusiasts scores use each city's own data, with the category weights rescaled over the categories the city has; outdoor access has no city-level measure and is left out.
Compare: States with Similar Outdoor Enthusiasts Rankings
Also See: Montana for Other Lifestyles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Montana a good state for outdoor enthusiasts?
Montana ranks #2 out of 50 for outdoor enthusiasts with a persona-weighted score of 81.7/100. Its strongest relevant category is Outdoor Access (72/100) and its weakest is Economy (52/100).
What is the best city for outdoor enthusiasts in Montana?
Bozeman ranks #1 in Montana for outdoor enthusiasts with a score of 70.5/100, followed by Butte-Silver Bow and Belgrade.
What factors are most important for outdoor enthusiasts in Montana?
Rankings weighted toward outdoor access (parks, public land, recreation), environmental quality, safety, health infrastructure, and affordable housing — for those who prioritize access to nature and an active lifestyle.