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Billings, MT

Frequently asked questions

Billings, MT

Billings is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Montana. Located in the south-central portion of the state, it is the seat of Yellowstone County and the principal city of the Billings Metropolitan Area. With one of the largest trade areas in the United States, Billings is the trade and distribution center for much of Montana east of the Continental Divide. Billings is also the largest retail destination for much of the same area.

Billings was nicknamed the "Magic City" because of its rapid growth from its founding as a railroad town in March 1882. The nearby Crow and Cheyenne peoples called the city Ammalapáshkuua and É'êxováhtóva respectively, meaning 'where they cut wood', named as such because of a sawmill built in the area by early white settlers. The city has experienced rapid growth and maintains a strong economy. From 1969 to 2021, the Billings area population growth was 89%, compared to Montana's overall increase of 59%. Parts of the metro area are seeing hypergrowth. From 2000 to 2010 Lockwood, an eastern suburb, saw growth of 57.8%, the largest growth rate of any community in Montana.

 In 2020, the area experienced its highest growth rate in a decade with a 2.3% increase. Billings avoided the economic downturn that affected most of the nation from 2008 to 2012 as well as the housing bust. With more hotel accommodations than any area within a five-state region, the city hosts a variety of conventions, concerts, sporting events, and other rallies. With the nearby Bakken oil development, the largest oil discovery in U.S. history, as well as the Heath Shale oil discovery north of Billings, the city's growth rate stayed high during the shale oil boom.

Health and wellness are paramount in Billings, MT, with a robust healthcare system catering to the needs of residents. Billings Clinic, a top-tier medical facility, offers comprehensive medical services, including specialized care, research, and education. The city promotes an active lifestyle, thanks to its numerous parks and recreational areas. The Yellowstone River, flowing through the city, provides opportunities for water-based activities, enhancing the overall well-being of the community.

Top sites in Billings, MT are ZooMontana, Western Heritage Center, and Pictograph Cave State Park.

Population: 120,864 (2023). ZIP codes: 59101, 59117. Area code: 406. Elevation: 3,124 ft (952 m). Area: 45.39 sq mi (117.57 km2).

FAQs

What is Billings Montana known for?

Billings became an energy center in the early years of the twentieth century with the discovery of oil fields in Montana and Wyoming. Then the discovery of large natural gas and coal reserves secured the city's rank as first in energy. In the early 20th century, it served as a regional trading center and energy hub for eastern Montana and northern Wyoming, an area then known as the Midland Empire.

What is the crime rate for Billings, MT?

With a crime rate of 52 per one thousand residents, Billings has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes - from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 19. Within Montana, more than 99% of the communities have a lower crime rate than Billings.

Why is Billings, MT called the Magic City?

Billings was nicknamed the "Magic City" because of its rapid growth from its founding as a railroad town in March 1882. The city is named for Frederick H. Billings, a former president of the Northern Pacific Railroad. This nickname reflects the dynamic and bustling nature of Billings during its formative years, as it transformed from a small settlement into a thriving urban center in a remarkably short period.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Billings

ZooMontana

Western Heritage Center

Pictograph Cave State Park

Billings Parks

Health US News

Yellowstone River

Neighborhood Scout

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