Billings

Billings, Montana Overview

Billings faces challenges across several categories, earning a C+ grade (52.9/100) and ranking #15 of 20 cities in Montana. Even so, the city scores 77/100 in Affordability — a relative bright spot compared to its Safety score of 24/100.

Income & Employment in Billings

The median household income in Billings is $67,028, 7% below the statewide median of $72,340. The local unemployment rate of 2.8% is lower than the state’s 3.7%. Population grew 0.6% recently.

Safety in Billings

With a violent crime rate of 898.9 per 100,000, Billings exceeds the Montana average of 377. Safety is a factor prospective residents should weigh carefully. The property crime rate is 3646 per 100,000.

Cost of Living in Billings

With a cost of living index of 89.6, Billings is well below the national average of 100, offering meaningful savings on everyday expenses. The median home value is $311,800. Median monthly rent is $1,097. Renters spend 19.6% of income on rent, well within the 30% affordability guideline.

Health & Wellness in Billings

The adult obesity rate in Billings is 33.9% (CDC PLACES). The diabetes prevalence rate is 9.5%. Residents report an average of 18 poor mental health days per month, above the typical range. Montana ranks #20 nationally for overall health.

Education & Schools in Billings

Billings has a high school graduation rate of 81%. The student-teacher ratio is 16.2:1. Per-pupil spending is $12,179. The city has 43 public schools serving 18,538 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate & Commute in Billings

The annual average temperature in Billings is 53.7°F. Summers average 69°F. Winters average 35.9°F. Annual precipitation is 18.1 inches. The average commute of 16.1 minutes is notably short.

Frequently Asked Questions