Census data shows double-digit growth in Montana cities

Census data shows double-digit growth in MT cities

The Associated Press

HELENA — The U.S. Census Bureau has released data from the 2010 census that shows double-digit population growth in some of Montana's largest cities.

Billings, the state's largest city at 104,170 people, grew nearly 16 percent since the 2000 census. Missoula, the second-largest city at 66,788 people, grew more than 17 percent. But Bozeman grew at the fastest rate, expanding 35.5 percent over 10 years to 37,280 people.

Great Falls with a population of 58,505 and Butte-Silver Bow at 34,200 rounded out the state's five largest cities.

Among counties, Gallatin and Flathead recorded the fastest rate of growth, at 32 percent and 22 percent, respectively.

The data released Tuesday will be used by a redistricting commission selected by legislators in 2009 to realign legislative districts.

HELENA — The U.S. Census Bureau has released data from the 2010 census that shows double-digit population growth in some of Montana's largest cities.

Billings, the state's largest city at 104,170 people, grew nearly 16 percent since the 2000 census. Missoula, the second-largest city at 66,788 people, grew more than 17 percent. But Bozeman grew at the fastest rate, expanding 35.5 percent over 10 years to 37,280 people.

Great Falls with a population of 58,505 and Butte-Silver Bow at 34,200 rounded out the state's five largest cities.

Among counties, Gallatin and Flathead recorded the fastest rate of growth, at 32 percent and 22 percent, respectively.

The data released Tuesday will be used by a redistricting commission selected by legislators in 2009 to realign legislative districts.