Is Montana the Least Populated State? The Real Answer

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Standing alone on a gravel pullout somewhere between Lewistown and Grass Range last October, I counted exactly zero other vehicles for nearly forty minutes—just me, the wind, and roughly a million acres of golden prairie stretching toward the Snowy Mountains.

That profound emptiness got me thinking about a question I hear constantly from fellow travelers: is Montana actually the least populated state in America?

If you’re exploring Montana Living or planning your first trip to Big Sky Country, understanding the state’s population dynamics completely changes how you’ll experience it.

The answer isn’t as straightforward as you’d expect, and the nuances matter whether you’re road-tripping, relocating, or simply curious about one of America’s last truly wild places.

TL;DR

Montana is NOT the least populated state—it ranks around 44th with approximately 1.1 million residents
Wyoming holds the title for least populated with under 600,000 people
However, Montana has the 4th lowest population DENSITY at just 7.5 people per square mile
The state’s 147,040 square miles makes it feel emptier than population numbers suggest
Eastern Montana has counties with fewer than 1 person per square mile
Low population creates unique travel experiences: no crowds, pristine wilderness, authentic small towns

Vast empty Montana prairie landscape with distant mountains and single dirt road stretching to horizon

The Short Answer: No, But It’s Complicated

Let me clear up the confusion right away. Montana is not the least populated state in the United States. That distinction belongs to Wyoming, which has roughly 580,000 residents compared to Montana’s approximately 1.1 million.

But here’s what makes this question so interesting—and why so many people assume Montana takes the bottom spot. When you’re actually here, driving through counties larger than some eastern states with populations smaller than a single New York City block, population statistics feel almost meaningless.

I’ve spent considerable time exploring both states, and I can tell you that Montana often *feels* emptier than Wyoming in many regions. The numbers tell one story, but the experience tells another entirely.

Breaking Down Montana’s Population Numbers

As of 2024, Montana’s population hovers around 1.13 million people. That might sound like a decent number until you realize we’re talking about a state that spans 147,040 square miles—the fourth largest state by land area in the entire country.

To put that in perspective, Montana is larger than Germany. It’s bigger than Japan. You could fit the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland inside Montana and still have room for a decent-sized national park.

The Population Density Reality

Here’s where things get truly interesting for travelers. Montana’s population density sits at approximately 7.5 people per square mile. Only Alaska, Wyoming, and sometimes North Dakota (depending on the year) rank lower.

During my drives across the Hi-Line—that lonely stretch of Highway 2 running along Montana’s northern border—I’ve gone hours without seeing another soul. Last summer, I pulled into the tiny town of Saco (population 197) and the gas station attendant told me I was the third customer that day. It was 4 PM.

Empty Highway 2 (Hi-Line) in northeastern Montana with endless grassland and dramatic cloud formations

Where Montana’s “Empty” Reputation Comes From

The perception that Montana might be America’s least populated state comes from several very real factors that I’ve experienced firsthand over years of traveling here.

Eastern Montana: The True Empty Quarter

If you want to understand why Montana is so unpopulated, spend a week exploring the eastern two-thirds of the state. This is where the vacancy becomes almost surreal.

Garfield County, for instance, covers 4,668 square miles but holds fewer than 1,100 residents. That’s roughly 0.2 people per square mile. Petroleum County is even more extreme—I drove through its entire length once and saw more antelope than humans by a ratio I stopped counting.

These aren’t exaggerations for dramatic effect. The emptiness is genuinely disorienting for first-time visitors. On a recent trip through Phillips County, my cell phone showed “No Service” for nearly six consecutive hours.

The Geographic Isolation Factor

Map comparison showing Montana's size overlaid on northeastern US states

Montana sits far from major population centers. The closest cities of significant size—Seattle, Denver, Salt Lake City, Minneapolis—are all 500+ miles from most Montana destinations.

This isolation shapes everything about the state. It influences the cost of living, affects which colleges draw students, and creates communities with distinctly independent characters.

The States That Are Actually Less Populated Than Montana

For accuracy, let’s look at which states actually have fewer residents than Montana. As of recent census data, these states rank below Montana in total population:

Rank	State	Approximate Population	Land Area (sq mi)
50th	Wyoming	580,000	97,813
49th	Vermont	647,000	9,616
48th	Alaska	733,000	665,384
47th	North Dakota	780,000	70,698
46th	South Dakota	910,000	77,116
45th	Delaware	1,000,000	2,489
44th	Montana	1,130,000	147,040

Notice something crucial in that table? Montana’s land area dwarfs most states below it in population. Vermont has more people packed into an area smaller than some Montana counties.

What Low Population Means for Travelers

This is what really matters if you’re planning a Montana trip. The sparse population creates experiences you simply cannot replicate in more densely inhabited states.

Solitude That’s Actually Achievable

I’ve hiked trails in Glacier National Park during shoulder season and encountered perhaps three other groups all day. Compare that to hiking in Zion or Yellowstone’s most popular areas, where you’re essentially in a conga line.

Even during peak summer months, Montana’s backcountry offers genuine wilderness solitude. The Bob Marshall Wilderness—over a million acres with zero roads—sees maybe a few thousand visitors annually. You can disappear into landscapes where no other human will cross your path for days.

This isn’t hyperbole. During a five-day backpacking trip in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness last August, my group saw exactly two other people. Two. In five days.

Solo hiker on empty trail in Bob Marshall Wilderness with mountain backdrop

Authentic Small-Town Experiences

Montana’s small towns haven’t been gentrified beyond recognition the way many “charming” Western towns have. Places like Ekalaka, Jordan, and Circle still feel genuinely lived-in rather than staged for tourists.

When I stopped at the Jersey Lilly bar in Ingomar (population approximately 8), the bartender—who was also the owner, cook, and apparently the mayor—served me one of the famous bean and ham suppers and spent an hour telling stories about ranching life.

No tour group. No Instagram influencers. Just real conversation in a building that’s been serving travelers since 1914.

If you’re wondering whether Montana is boring, these experiences prove exactly the opposite for travelers who appreciate authenticity over manufactured attractions.

Wildlife Viewing Without Competition

Lower human population means wildlife populations thrive. Montana holds one of the largest elk herds in North America, along with healthy populations of grizzly bears, wolves, mountain lions, and countless other species.

More importantly for visitors, you’re not competing with hundreds of other people for viewing opportunities. I’ve watched grizzlies fishing in creeks north of Yellowstone with maybe two other cars present. Try doing that in the park proper.

Montana’s Growing Population: A Changing Landscape

While Montana remains sparsely populated, it’s worth noting that this is changing. The state has experienced significant growth over the past decade, particularly since 2020.

Montana’s fastest growing cities and counties are concentrated in the western third of the state. Gallatin County (Bozeman), Flathead County (Kalispell), and Missoula County have seen population booms that are reshaping local communities.

This growth has driven Montana prices to boom in certain areas. Housing costs have skyrocketed in popular destinations, though cheaper places to live still exist in eastern and central Montana.

Downtown Bozeman street scene showing mix of historic buildings and modern development

The Pandemic Migration Effect

I’ve watched this transformation firsthand. Towns I visited in 2018 that felt sleepy and overlooked now have waiting lists at restaurants and housing shortages. The remote work revolution sent people seeking space, affordability, and outdoor access—everything Montana offers.

Celebrities have chosen Montana living for decades, but the recent influx of regular remote workers has had far greater impact on local communities. Some longtime residents have mixed feelings about this growth, which I’ve heard expressed candidly in conversations across the state.

Comparing Montana’s Population to Its Character

Understanding Montana’s population in detail reveals fascinating patterns about where people cluster and where they don’t.

The Urban/Rural Divide

Roughly 60% of Montana’s population lives in just seven counties. Yellowstone County (Billings), Missoula County, Gallatin County (Bozeman), Flathead County (Kalispell), Cascade County (Great Falls), Lewis and Clark County (Helena), and Ravalli County hold the vast majority of residents.

That leaves 49 other counties sharing the remaining 40% of people across an enormous land area. Many of these counties are actually losing population as younger residents leave for urban areas or out of state.

This concentration means that while Montana isn’t heavily populated overall, certain areas feel surprisingly busy. Bozeman during ski season or Whitefish in summer can feel almost crowded by Montana standards.

What Montana Residents Think About Population

Montanans—as residents are called—have complicated relationships with population growth. Many moved here specifically for the space and solitude, only to watch increasing numbers of newcomers arrive seeking the same thing.

During my visits, I’ve learned to approach this topic carefully in conversation. Longtime residents often welcome visitors genuinely interested in Montana’s character while expressing concern about rapid development changing their communities.

How Population Affects Montana Infrastructure

Low population density creates real practical considerations for travelers that you won’t encounter in more populated states.

Gas Stations and Services

I cannot stress this enough: plan your fuel stops. In eastern Montana especially, you might drive 80 miles between gas stations. I once white-knuckled it into Circle with my fuel light on, having underestimated distances on the map.

Cell phone coverage disappears regularly. Major highways usually have service, but secondary roads? Prepare for dead zones lasting hours. Download offline maps before you go.

If you’re curious about shopping, note that Montana grocery stores do sell liquor—a quirk that surprises visitors from states with stricter alcohol laws. But those grocery stores might be few and far between in rural areas.

Remote Montana gas station with vintage pumps and expansive landscape

Healthcare Considerations

This matters for trip planning. Montana has one of the lowest ratios of physicians per capita in the country. Rural hospitals have closed in recent years, leaving some communities hours from emergency care.

I always carry a comprehensive first aid kit when exploring Montana’s backcountry and make sure someone knows my itinerary. This isn’t paranoia—it’s practical acknowledgment of the realities here.

Weather and Safety

Low population means fewer people to help if you get stranded. Montana receives significant snowfall in many areas, and winter storms can strand travelers quickly on remote roads.

Montana also faces natural disasters including wildfires that can affect travel plans. The sparse population means emergency response times can be longer than visitors from urban areas might expect.

The Best Places to Experience Montana’s Emptiness

If you’re specifically drawn to Montana’s low population and wide-open spaces, certain regions deliver this experience most dramatically.

The Hi-Line (Highway 2)

This stretch from Glacier National Park to North Dakota defines Montana emptiness. Towns like Malta, Glasgow, and Wolf Point serve as oases in a sea of prairie.

I drove the entire Hi-Line last fall, and the experience was meditative. Hours of nothing but grass, grain elevators on distant horizons, and occasional antelope herds. It’s not for everyone, but for those seeking true American emptiness, nothing compares.

The Missouri River Breaks

North-central Montana holds some of the most remote country in the Lower 48. The Missouri Breaks National Monument sees few visitors despite stunning badlands scenery and rich Lewis and Clark history.

Getting there requires planning. Many roads are unpaved and become impassable when wet. But the solitude is unmatched—I camped for three nights without seeing another person.

The Big Open

This informal name describes the prairie region centered around Jordan and Garfield County. It’s exactly what it sounds like: big and open.

The Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge here covers over a million acres of grassland, breaks, and river bottom. You can find genuine wilderness experience without the mountain terrain that makes similar acreage in western Montana more challenging to traverse.

Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge landscape showing Missouri River breaks and prairie

Should Montana’s Population Affect Your Travel Plans?

Absolutely—but in planning rather than deterring you. Montana’s low population creates unique opportunities and challenges worth understanding before you arrive.

Timing Your Visit

The pros and cons of Montana living translate directly to visiting. Summer months concentrate tourists in western Montana and around Glacier and Yellowstone. But even then, eastern Montana remains nearly empty.

Shoulder seasons—May/June and September/October—offer my favorite balance. Reasonable weather, fewer crowds in popular areas, and the quiet regions stay quiet.

Setting Realistic Expectations

Don’t expect amenities you’d find in more populated states. That rustic charm comes with legitimate inconveniences. Restaurants close early. Hotels are limited in small towns. Specialized services might not exist at all.

I’ve learned to embrace this rather than fight it. Pack what you need, plan conservatively, and treat unexpected closures as part of the adventure rather than failures of infrastructure.

The Question Beyond Population: Is Montana Right for You?

Whether you’re visiting or considering relocation, Montana’s population—or lack thereof—fundamentally shapes the experience.

For those wondering if Montana is the worst state, I’d argue the opposite is true for the right type of person. But “right type” matters. If you need constant entertainment, diverse dining options, and robust public services, Montana’s sparse population will frustrate you.

Montana captures hearts of those who value space, self-reliance, and genuine wilderness. The reasons to move to Montana align closely with the reasons to visit—natural beauty, outdoor access, and community character that low population enables.

Considering Montana More Seriously?

If this article has you thinking beyond a single trip, Montana offers various living options worth exploring. The best places to live vary dramatically depending on your priorities.

Families often focus on the best school districts, while retirees explore retirement communities and reasons for retiring in Montana.

Those interested in self-sufficiency should know that homesteading in Montana remains viable, particularly in lower-cost rural counties. And the state’s lack of sales tax appeals to many newcomers.

Community and Belonging

Montana’s communities are generally welcoming, though like anywhere, acceptance varies. Montana’s LGBTQ friendliness depends heavily on specific communities, with LGBTQ organizations primarily concentrated in larger towns.

The African American community in Montana is small but has a rich history worth learning about, particularly in communities like Helena and Billings.

Practical Concerns

Safety-conscious travelers should know that Montana’s safest towns tend to be smaller communities, while larger cities face more typical urban challenges. The most dangerous cities still have crime rates well below national averages for similarly sized areas.

The state’s recycling programs vary by community—another infrastructure challenge that sparse population creates.

If you’re curious about investment, Montana’s most expensive properties have attracted wealthy buyers for decades, while even less desirable areas have seen price increases recently.

And for sports fans, Montana’s sports teams center around college athletics, with passionate followings despite—or perhaps because of—the state’s small population.

Final Thoughts: Population Is Just One Number

So, is Montana the least populated state? No. That’s Wyoming’s distinction.

But does Montana *feel* like the least populated state in many places? Absolutely. And for the right traveler, that’s not a warning—it’s an invitation.

Sunset over Montana prairie with silhouette of lone ranch buildings

I’ve traveled to all 50 states, and Montana remains the place I return to most often specifically because of its emptiness. There’s something about standing in a landscape where the nearest human might be thirty miles away that resets something fundamental in me.

Whether you’re seeking solitude, authentic community, or simply want to understand what “wide open spaces” truly means, Montana delivers in ways that population statistics alone cannot capture.

Just remember to fill your gas tank. And download those offline maps. And tell someone your itinerary.

The emptiness is the point—but it demands respect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Montana the least populated state in the US?

No, Montana is not the least populated state—Wyoming holds that title with roughly 580,000 residents. However, Montana ranks 44th in population with about 1.1 million people spread across 147,000 square miles, making it one of the most sparsely populated states at just 7 people per square mile.

What does Montana’s low population density mean for travelers?

Montana’s sparse population means you’ll experience uncrowded hiking trails, empty scenic byways, and authentic small-town hospitality that’s hard to find elsewhere. I’ve driven for hours on Montana’s back roads without seeing another car, which is perfect for travelers seeking solitude and genuine wilderness experiences.

How far apart are towns in rural Montana and should I plan for gas stops?

Towns in Montana can be 50-100+ miles apart, especially in eastern Montana along Highway 2 or Highway 200. I always fill up my tank when it hits half-empty and carry snacks and water, since gas stations and services can be scarce between communities.

What’s the best time to visit Montana if I want to avoid crowds?

Visit Montana in September through early October or late May through mid-June for fewer tourists, lower lodging costs, and pleasant weather. Even during peak summer months (July-August), Montana’s low population means you’ll find far fewer crowds than national parks in more populated states.

Does Montana’s small population affect cell phone service for travelers?

Yes, Montana’s vast wilderness and low population density create significant cell coverage gaps, especially in mountainous areas and rural eastern plains. I recommend downloading offline maps, telling someone your itinerary, and not relying solely on GPS—many locals still give directions using landmarks and mile markers.

How much does it cost to travel in Montana’s less populated areas?

Budget $80-150 per night for lodging in small Montana towns, with gas averaging around $3.50-4.00 per gallon. Dining is affordable at $12-25 per meal, and many of Montana’s best attractions—like hiking in national forests or driving scenic routes—are completely free.

What should I pack for traveling through Montana’s remote, sparsely populated regions?

Pack layers for unpredictable weather, a physical road atlas, emergency supplies including a first-aid kit, extra water, and non-perishable snacks. I also bring a portable phone charger, bear spray if hiking, and cash since many small-town businesses in Montana don’t accept credit cards.

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