Best Cities for Young Professionals in Montana
Montana ranks #5 of 50 for young professionals, with a young professionals score of 70.2. Bozeman is its best city for young professionals at 64.1.
- Montana, all states
- #5 of 50
- Population
- 56,114
Why Montana Works for Young Professionals
Montana ranks #5 out of 50 for young professionals — a top destination for ambitious early-career workers. The state's economy scores 52/100, with 3.3% unemployment and a median household income of $75,340. Modest population growth of 0.63% suggests a stable but not booming market.
For young professionals, the equation comes down to earning potential versus cost of living. Montana's cost-of-living index of 94.6 is significantly below the national average, meaning entry-level salaries go further here than in most metros. Growth metrics are moderate, so career advancement may depend more on specific industries than broad market expansion.
Beyond the paycheck, livability matters. Montana's livability score of 62/100 reflects a vibrant social scene with restaurants, nightlife, arts, and cultural venues. Transportation infrastructure scores well (59/100), with options beyond car dependency.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Young Professionals
| # City | Grade | Young Professionals score | Overall | Economy | Growth | Walkability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Bozeman | A | 64.1 | 64.2 | 67 | 59 | 75 | 56,114 |
| 2Missoula | B | 59.8 | 58.6 | 56 | 53 | 70 | 76,514 |
| 3Helena | B | 58.6 | 57.9 | 55 | 57 | 47 | 33,639 |
| 4Kalispell | B | 58.1 | 56.6 | 51 | 63 | 46 | 28,504 |
| 5Belgrade | B+ | 57.3 | 60.3 | 54 | 63 | 55 | 11,872 |
| 6Butte-Silver Bow | B | 55.0 | 55.8 | 49 | 43 | 65 | 35,052 |
| 7Sidney | C+ | 53.6 | 54.6 | 24 | 67 | 63 | 6,171 |
| 8Whitefish | B | 53.3 | 58.0 | 34 | 44 | 43 | 8,749 |
| 9Billings | C+ | 52.4 | 52.8 | 57 | 42 | 41 | 119,434 |
| 10Helena Valley West Central | C+ | 51.9 | 54.8 | 48 | — | 26 | 8,056 |
| 11Great Falls | C | 51.6 | 50.1 | 52 | 46 | 44 | 60,329 |
| 12Miles City | C+ | 50.4 | 54.8 | 29 | 34 | 52 | 8,407 |
| 13Livingston | C+ | 50.2 | 52.7 | 27 | 37 | 60 | 8,780 |
| 14Evergreen | C | 48.9 | 50.3 | 36 | — | 36 | 9,611 |
| 15Anaconda-Deer Lodge County | C+ | 48.6 | 52.6 | 45 | 35 | 31 | 9,597 |
| 16Helena Valley Southeast | C | 48.5 | 50.4 | 34 | — | 34 | 9,108 |
| 17Lockwood | D | 47.2 | 48.7 | 35 | — | 31 | 7,181 |
| 18Laurel | C+ | 46.9 | 52.6 | 29 | 20 | 50 | 7,215 |
| 19Lewistown | D | 45.1 | 48.0 | 12 | 29 | 62 | 6,087 |
| 20Havre | D | 41.2 | 43.8 | 13 | 33 | 43 | 9,258 |
City young professionals 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 Young Professionals Rankings
Also See: Montana for Other Lifestyles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Montana a good state for young professionals?
Montana ranks #5 out of 50 for young professionals with a persona-weighted score of 70.2/100. Its strongest relevant category is Affordability (69/100) and its weakest is Economy (52/100).
What is the best city for young professionals in Montana?
Bozeman ranks #1 in Montana for young professionals with a score of 64.1/100, followed by Missoula and Helena.
What factors are most important for young professionals in Montana?
Rankings weighted toward job market strength, economic growth, affordable living, transportation, and vibrant community life — the factors that attract ambitious young professionals.