Billings, MT demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
119,434
0.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$73,712/yr
2.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
54,346
1.5% year-over-year change

Billings population

How many people live in Billings

Billings is home to 119,434 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.8% of Billings locals are male, and 50.2% are female.

Total population
119,434
0.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.8%
59,469
Female
50.2%
59,965
Value Percent YoY change
Male 59,469 49.8% 1.5%
Female 59,965 50.2% 0.4%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Billings is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 18% are children under 15, then 12.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28.4% of the population, while another 22.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
18%
15 to 24
12.7%
25 to 44
28.4%
45 to 64
22.1%
Over 65
18.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 21,476 18% -2.1%
15 to 24 15,161 12.7% 1.1%
25 to 44 33,880 28.4% 0.3%
45 to 64 26,407 22.1% 2.2%
Over 65 22,510 18.8% 3.5%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Billings, 97.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 84.8% of locals are Caucasian, 0.8% are African American and 0.9% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 7.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.5%
Non-citizens
1.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 116,230 97.3% 0.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,818 1.5% -7.4%
Non-citizens 1,386 1.2% 14.4%
Racial breakdown
White
84.8%
Black or African American
0.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
4.4%
Asian
0.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7.5%
Other
1.7%
Value Percent
White 101,225 84.8%
Black or African American 891 0.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 5,275 4.4%
Asian 1,052 0.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 60 0%
Two or more races 8,925 7.5%
Other 2,006 1.7%

Households in Billings

A peek inside Billings households

Billings has 50,994 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 57.2% are families, while the remaining 42.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
50,994
1.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
21,846
Family households
29,148
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 21,846 42.8% 3.2%
Family households 29,148 57.2% -0.1%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Billings

The housing landscape of Billings

Billings's housing consists of 54,346 units, with 62.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.8% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
54,346
1.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 33,993 62.6%
1 unit, attached 3,705 6.8%
2 units 1,957 3.6%
3 or 4 units 3,550 6.5%
5 to 9 units 2,263 4.2%
10 to 19 units 1,777 3.3%
20 to 49 units 1,182 2.2%
50 or more units 2,602 4.8%
Mobile home 3,284 6%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 33 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
1,677
34.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Billings

In Billings, the median construction year is 1980. About 6.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 10.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 12.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 3.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 3,456 6.4% -12.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 3,231 6% 9.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 7,325 13.5% 4.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 4,698 8.6% -2.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 8,617 15.9% -1.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 6,150 11.3% 1.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 6,682 12.3% 4.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 5,681 10.4% 0.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 6,829 12.6% 0.4%
Built in 2020 or later 1,677 3.1% 34.8%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Billings occupancy rates

Out of the 50,994 occupied housing units in Billings, 64.8% are owner-occupied, while 35.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
50,994
1.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
17,935
Owner occupied
33,059
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 17,935 35.2% 1.2%
Owner occupied 33,059 64.8% 1.4%
Unoccupied housing units
6.2%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Billings housing costs

Housing costs in Billings come to a median of $1,213 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,138.

Median housing costs per month
$1,213/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Billings
$1,138/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Billings

Billings education at a glance

About 33.3% of the population in Billings went to high school, while 22.5% pursued college studies. Another 8.6% earned an associate degree and 23.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 10.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,436 1.5% -4.5%
High school diploma 31,067 33.3% 3.0%
College diploma 20,993 22.5% -2.2%
Associate degree 8,055 8.6% 8.2%
Bachelor's degree 21,959 23.6% 3.6%
Graduate degree 9,680 10.4% -2.0%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Billings

How much people earn in Billings

The average annual household income in Billings was $101,896 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $73,712, reflecting a +2.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Billings
$101,896/year
3.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Billings
$73,712/year
2.6% year-over-year change

Billings income by age

In Billings, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $88,061. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $89,614 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $43,663, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $58,894 in earnings. Overall, 90.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $43,663 3.2%
25 - 44 $88,061 3.4%
45 - 64 $89,614 10.0%
Over 65 $58,894 -2.7%
Above poverty level
103,630
Below poverty level
11,312
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 103,630 90.2% 1.9%
Below poverty level 11,312 9.8% -5.8%

Average renter income in Billings

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Billings, their median household income was $43,396 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 31.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$43,396
Rent-to-income ratio
31.5%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Billings

Workforce and job types in Billings

The job market in Billings is powered by 61,241 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 80.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 19.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11.1% run their own businesses, 62.7% are employed by private companies, and 12.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
61,241
1.4% year-over-year change
White collar
49,326
Blue collar
11,915
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 49,326 80.5% 0.4%
Blue collar 11,915 19.5% 5.6%
Employer type
Self employees
11.1%
Private companies
62.7%
Governmental workers
12.2%
Not for profit companies
14%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 6,779 11.1% 0.7%
Private companies 38,395 62.7% 1.3%
Governmental workers 7,493 12.2% -2.0%
Not for profit companies 8,574 14% 5.4%
Unemployment rate
3.5%
2.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Billings stands at 3.5%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Billings

How people get around in Billings

In Billings, the average commute time is 16 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 86.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
16 min
-1.2% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 52,440 86.7% 0.3%
Bus or trolleybus 666 1.1% 17.2%
Motorcycle 14 0% -51.7%
Bicycle 427 0.7% -1.4%
Walk 1,190 2% -2.2%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Billings by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
59101 42,250 17,655 $58,598 $82,125
59102 47,977 21,491 $76,141 $102,859
59105 35,480 13,816 $78,014 $97,293
59106 21,417 8,164 $125,833 $170,919

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FAQs about Billings demographics 

What is the total population of Billings?

Billings has a total population of 119,434 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Billings?

The gender ratio in Billings is as follows:
  • 49.8% males (59,469 residents)
  • 50.2% females (59,965 residents)

What is the median age in Billings?

The median age in Billings is 38.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Billings?

The age distribution in Billings is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18% (21,476 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.7% (15,161 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28.4% (33,880 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.1% (26,407 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.8% (22,510 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Billings?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Billings is as follows:
  • White: 84.8% (101,225 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.8% (891 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 4.4% (5,275 residents)
  • Asian: 0.9% (1,052 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (60 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.5% (8,925 residents)
  • Other: 1.7% (2,006 residents)

What percentage of the population in Billings are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.3% of the population in Billings.

How many housing units are there in Billings?

There are 54,346 housing units in Billings, reflecting a +1.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Billings and what is the average household size?

Billings has a total of 50,994 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Billings?

Billings has a median household income of $73,712, representing a +2.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Billings?

The employment rate is 96.5% in Billings, with a workforce of 61,241 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 80.5% (49,326 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 19.5% (11,915 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11.1% (6,779 residents)
  • Private companies: 62.7% (38,395 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.2% (7,493 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 14% (8,574 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025