2026 Scientific Ranking: Best Places to Live in Montana
Methodology Brief
To establish the definitive 2026 ranking of Montana’s optimal residential locations, Ocity.org conducted a rigorous, data-driven analysis of 9 cities and census-designated places. The ranking relies exclusively on three quantitative metrics: Safety (weighted 40%), Affordability (weighted 30%), and Economic Output (weighted 30%). Safety is measured by the violent crime rate per 100,000 residents; Affordability is determined by the monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment; and Economic Output is defined by median household income. A composite score was calculated for each locale, eliminating subjective descriptors in favor of statistical significance and high-yield data points.
Top 3 Winners Deep Dive
Rank #1: Belgrade emerges as the statistically significant leader, optimized for a balanced economic and safety profile. While its violent crime rate of 470/100k is consistent with the dataset’s upper quartile, Belgrade’s high-yield median income of $88,896—the highest in the state—provides substantial economic utility. This income-to-rent ratio is highly efficient; residents allocate only 12.2% of gross monthly income (calculated as annual income/12) toward a $1,081 rent, preserving significant disposable capital. The city’s population of 11,425 indicates a manageable scale with robust infrastructure.
Rank #2: Bozeman secures the second position by leveraging strong economic output within a larger population center. With a median income of $79,903, Bozeman offers the second-highest economic yield in the cohort. The city’s primary differentiator is its capacity to sustain high earnings without a corresponding spike in housing costs relative to income; the $1,114 rent represents 13.9% of gross monthly income. This efficiency, combined with a stable violent crime rate of 470/100k, makes Bozeman a high-probability choice for professionals seeking a blend of economic opportunity and safety-optimized living.
Rank #3: Missoula achieves a top-tier ranking through superior affordability relative to its economic standing. While its median income of $70,277 is lower than the top two cities, Missoula’s rental cost of $988 is the most competitive among the top three. This results in a housing cost burden of just 14.1% of gross monthly income, offering a statistically favorable value proposition. The city’s larger population of 77,763 provides access to diverse amenities while maintaining a safety profile identical to the top contenders, with a violent crime rate of 470/100k.
The 'Hidden Gem'
The analysis identifies Great Falls (Rank #6) as the state’s premier value proposition, delivering the optimal intersection of high income and low cost. With a median income of $63,934 and a rental cost of just $745, Great Falls presents an exceptionally low housing cost burden of 11.6% of gross monthly income—the most efficient ratio in the dataset. This city offers the economic stability of a regional hub at a cost of living that maximizes disposable income, representing a high-yield opportunity for cost-conscious residents.
Full Rankings Table
| Rank | City | Population | Median Income | Violent Crime Rate (/100k) | Rent (1BR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Belgrade | 11,425 | $88,896 | 470 | $1,081 |
| 2 | Bozeman | 55,042 | $79,903 | 470 | $1,114 |
| 3 | Missoula | 77,763 | $70,277 | 470 | $988 |
| 4 | Helena | 33,126 | $69,341 | 470 | $1,081 |
| 5 | Billings | 120,874 | $67,028 | 470 | $874 |
| 6 | Great Falls | 60,412 | $63,934 | 470 | $745 |
| 7 | Helena Valley Southeast CDP | 9,533 | $63,824 | 470 | $1,081 |
| 8 | Kalispell | 26,830 | $61,590 | 470 | $1,081 |
| 9 | Anaconda-Deer Lodge County | 9,512 | $49,533 | 470 | $806 |