MontanaPop. 119,434Mid-size cities
Is Billings a Good Place to Live? Billings, Montana: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Billings ranks #825 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #143 of 256 mid-size cities and #11 of 20 in Montana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (16.5 min, #6 of 256) and low unemployment (3.2%, #18 of 241), and trails on high violent crime (763 per 100,000, #206 of 235) and low graduation rates (81%, #160 of 205).
Billings by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Billings's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Billings?
Billings's cost of living index is 93.5, 6% below the US level of 100 and #398 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,138/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $400,819, 15% below the typical Montana home ($471,746).
| Measure | Billings | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 93.5#398 of 1,308 | 94.6 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $400,819#630 of 1,187 | $471,746 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,426/mo#279 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $343,400#637 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,138/mo#372 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 4.7x#782 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 18.5%#288 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Montana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Billings housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Billings is in the Billings, MT metro.
Montana housing market →Is Billings safe?
Billings recorded 763 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.3 times the US rate of 328 and 82% above Montana's 419. That ranks #992 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #206 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Billings Police Department. Property crime runs 2,515 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Billings | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 763#992 of 1,085 | 419 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 2,515#871 of 1,085 | 1,449 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Montana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Billings?
The median household in Billings earns $73,712, 11% below the US figure of $83,163 and 2% below Montana ($75,340). Unemployment is 3.2% (US 4.3%). 9.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Billings | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $73,712#732 of 1,312 | $75,340 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.2%#155 of 1,058 | 3.3% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 9.8%#482 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | -0.2%#794 of 1,132 | +0.6% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Montana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Billings?
The median resident of Billings is 38.8 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 36.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #551 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 64.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Billings | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 38.8 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 36.9%#551 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 64.8% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Billings's schools and health?
Billings's 34 public schools graduate 81% of students in four years (Montana 85.8%), with 16.4 students per teacher and $12,007 spent per pupil. 33.9% of adults are obese and 9.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Billings | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 81%#849 of 1,063 | 85.8% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 16.4#676 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $12,007#960 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 33.9%#694 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 9.5%#297 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 18%#857 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 9.4%#575 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Montana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 17,285 students are enrolled in Billings's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Billings?
The average commute in Billings is 16.5 minutes (Montana 19.5); 1.1% of workers take transit and 8.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Billings scores 8.8 of 20 (below average walkable), #866 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 69.9°F and winters 28°F, with 14.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Billings | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 16.5 min#113 of 1,312 | 19.5 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 2.2%#67 of 1,312 | 5% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 78% | 71.6% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.1% | 0.8% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 2% | 3.8% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.7% | 0.9% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 8.5% | 11.7% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 8.8#866 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Montana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 36 | 17.9 | 0.6 |
| Feb | 39.2 | 19.7 | 0.6 |
| Mar | 49 | 26.9 | 0.9 |
| Apr | 56.9 | 34.7 | 1.7 |
| May | 66.9 | 43.8 | 2.4 |
| Jun | 77 | 52.4 | 2.2 |
| Jul | 87.3 | 59.3 | 1.2 |
| Aug | 85.8 | 57.5 | 0.9 |
| Sep | 74.3 | 48.6 | 1.4 |
| Oct | 58.8 | 37.1 | 1.4 |
| Nov | 45.7 | 26.7 | 0.6 |
| Dec | 36.1 | 19.2 | 0.6 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Billings International Airport.
| Measure | Billings | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 48.2°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 69.9°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 28°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 14.3 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Billings International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Billings?
Yellowstone County's air had a median air quality index of 38, and 86% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Yellowstone County's biggest natural hazard losses in winter weather, wildfire, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 87% of US counties.
| Measure | Billings | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 38#228 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.1%#205 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Yellowstone County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Yellowstone County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Winter weather | 0.0018% | 92% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.007% | 81% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0028% | 50% of counties |
| Hail | 0.002% | 49% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.072% | 38% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0012% | 18% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Billings compare with similar-size cities?
Billings is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #143 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 119,434.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billings, MTPop. 119,434 | #825 | 52.8 | $73,712 | $1,138/mo | 763 | 16.5 min |
| Hartford, CTPop. 121,127 | #1090 | 48.0 | $46,411 | $1,269/mo | 459 | 23.1 min |
| Wilmington, NCPop. 120,805 | #656 | 55.7 | $66,738 | $1,395/mo | 406 | 18.5 min |
| Berkeley, CAPop. 120,257 | #564 | 57.1 | $108,092 | $2,133/mo | 639 | 27.8 min |
| North Charleston, SCPop. 119,913 | #978 | 50.4 | $62,956 | $1,430/mo | 668 | 24.5 min |
| Brandon, FLPop. 119,767 | #1033 | 49.4 | $79,685 | $1,784/mo | no data | 28.4 min |
| Cambridge, MAPop. 118,796 | #57 | 70.4 | $130,748 | $2,787/mo | 436 | 25.8 min |
| Richardson, TXPop. 118,731 | #271 | 62.7 | $98,111 | $1,857/mo | 138 | 23.6 min |
| Broken Arrow, OKPop. 118,180 | #370 | 60.5 | $86,765 | $1,320/mo | 198 | 21.9 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Billings compare with the rest of Montana?
Billings ranks #11 of the 20 Montana cities we track, with a score of 52.8 against Montana's statewide 75. Its households earn 2% below the Montana median. Violent crime is 82% above the statewide rate. Homes are 15% below the typical Montana home.
| City | Rank in MT | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bozeman, MTPop. 56,114 | #1 | 64.2 | $85,747 | $1,717/mo | 397 |
| Belgrade, MTPop. 11,872 | #2 | 60.3 | $97,328 | $1,877/mo | 331 |
| Missoula, MTPop. 76,514 | #3 | 58.6 | $70,392 | $1,189/mo | 591 |
| Whitefish, MTPop. 8,749 | #4 | 58.0 | $73,811 | $1,354/mo | 176 |
| Helena, MTPop. 33,639 | #5 | 57.9 | $71,036 | $1,092/mo | 582 |
| Kalispell, MTPop. 28,504 | #6 | 56.6 | $63,415 | $1,078/mo | 409 |
| Butte, MTPop. 35,052 | #7 | 55.8 | $61,857 | $856/mo | no data |
| Miles City, MTPop. 8,407 | #8 | 54.8 | $67,727 | $926/mo | 356 |
| Helena Valley West Central, MTPop. 8,056 | #9 | 54.8 | $90,082 | $1,327/mo | no data |
| Sidney, MTPop. 6,171 | #10 | 54.6 | $62,538 | $931/mo | 655 |
| Billings, MTPop. 119,434 | #11 | 52.8 | $73,712 | $1,138/mo | 763 |
| Livingston, MTPop. 8,780 | #12 | 52.7 | $65,861 | $1,046/mo | 317 |
| Anaconda, MTPop. 9,597 | #13 | 52.6 | $57,527 | $696/mo | no data |
| Laurel, MTPop. 7,215 | #14 | 52.6 | $68,474 | $974/mo | 303 |
| Helena Valley Southeast, MTPop. 9,108 | #15 | 50.4 | $74,075 | $1,106/mo | no data |
| Evergreen, MTPop. 9,611 | #16 | 50.3 | $76,446 | $1,166/mo | no data |
| Great Falls, MTPop. 60,329 | #17 | 50.1 | $63,373 | $900/mo | 631 |
| Lockwood, MTPop. 7,181 | #18 | 48.7 | $75,700 | $1,138/mo | no data |
| Lewistown, MTPop. 6,087 | #19 | 48.0 | $48,750 | $1,007/mo | 639 |
| Havre, MTPop. 9,258 | #20 | 43.8 | $50,329 | $844/mo | 763 |
All 20 Montana cities we track, by overall score. Montana statewide: median income $75,340, violent crime 419.1 per 100,000.
How is Billings's score calculated?
Billings scores 52.8 out of 100, #825 of 1,312 (grade C+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Montana's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Billings. Similar-size median 52.9.
56.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Billings's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
40.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Billings. Similar-size median 53.8.
56.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Billings's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
45.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Billings's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
73.2 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Billings. Similar-size median 51.2.
54.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Billings. Similar-size median 42.1.
42.0 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Billings. Similar-size median 50.1.
49.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Billings's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
41.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
75.5 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Billings's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Billings has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Billings
Is Billings, MT a good place to live?
Billings ranks #825 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #143 of 256 mid-size cities and #11 of 20 in Montana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (16.5 min, #6 of 256) and low unemployment (3.2%, #18 of 241), and trails on high violent crime (763 per 100,000, #206 of 235) and low graduation rates (81%, #160 of 205).
What is the cost of living in Billings?
Billings's cost of living index is 93.5, 6% below the US level of 100 and #398 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,138/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $400,819, 15% below the typical Montana home ($471,746).
What is the crime rate in Billings?
Billings recorded 763 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.3 times the US rate of 328 and 82% above Montana's 419. That ranks #992 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #206 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Billings Police Department. Property crime runs 2,515 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Billings?
The median household in Billings earns $73,712, 11% below the US figure of $83,163 and 2% below Montana ($75,340). Unemployment is 3.2% (US 4.3%). 9.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Billings?
Median rent in Billings is $1,138/mo (Census), #372 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,426/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 18.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Billings?
The typical home value in Billings is $400,819, up 2.5% in a year, against $471,746 for Montana and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $343,400.
How are the public schools in Billings?
Billings's 34 public schools graduate 81% of students in four years (Montana 85.8%), with 16.4 students per teacher and $12,007 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Billings?
The average commute is 16.5 minutes, #113 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 19.5 minutes across Montana. 2.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Billings?
Billings averages 48.2°F over the year, 69.9°F in summer and 28°F in winter, with 14.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Billings walkable?
Billings scores 8.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #866 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Billings at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Yellowstone County's biggest natural hazard losses in winter weather, wildfire, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 87% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Billings?
Yellowstone County's air had a median air quality index of 38, and 86% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Billings?
Billings has 119,434 residents. The median resident of Billings is 38.8 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 36.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #551 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 64.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Billings compare with the rest of Montana?
Billings ranks #11 of the 20 Montana cities we track, with a score of 52.8 against Montana's statewide 75. Its households earn 2% below the Montana median. Violent crime is 82% above the statewide rate. Homes are 15% below the typical Montana home.
What cities are similar in size to Billings?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Billings's population of 119,434 are Hartford, CT (#1090 overall), Wilmington, NC (#656 overall), Berkeley, CA (#564 overall), North Charleston, SC (#978 overall), and Brandon, FL (#1033 overall). Billings is #825.