“Welcome to Montana. Now leave.”
That should be the state motto.
Montana is truly one of the nation’s gems. One of the most beautiful states in all the land, you could get lost there for months and not even care. At least, the truly adventurous could.
A bunch of tough, hard-working, meat-eating, and all-around friendly bunch of folks, they’ll welcome you with open arms as long as you act respectfully and keep their state awesome.
You could do a lot worse when you pick a place to live, that’s for sure.
But is it all good in Big Sky Country? Of course not. Just like every other state, Montana has its least desirable spots. The purpose of this post is to use science and data to determine which cities are the worst you could possibly live in if you make Montana your home.
After analyzing 32 of the state’s most populous cities (over 2,000 people), we came up with this list as the 10 worst places to live in the state of Montana:
The 10 Worst Places To Live In Montana For 2023
Where are these places, you wonder? And before you get all riled up and say we’re picking on small towns in Montana, that’s not the case.
We understand there’s a lot of good in every place. For example, the best place to live in Montana is Bozeman.
However, according to data (which doesn’t measure things like beauty and ‘friendly people’), the state has far better options for making a place home. And the worst place to live in Montana? The worst place to live in Montana is Polson.
Read below to see how we crunched the numbers and how your city fared in 2023.
If you’re looking for something more national, check out the worst cities in America or the worst states in America.
For more Montana reading, check out:
Table Of Contents: Top Ten | Methodology | Summary | Table
The 10 Worst Places To Live In Montana For 2023
/10
Squint and the name “Polson” looks a lot like “poison.” That could adequately describe the town’s economy, which supports a median income of just $45,565 and an unemployment rate of 4.6%. This leaves nearly 1 in 5 residents to struggle below the poverty line.
These financial troubles spill over into other aspects of community life. For instance, crime tops the national average by more than 75%. Meanwhile, life in Polson is relatively expensive, with a median home price of $217,700.’
Still, there are benefits to life in Polson. The town, located on the Flathead Indian Reservation, sits along the banks of Flathead Lake, making it a great base for outdoor recreation.
/10
About three or four beers east of Billings is the small town of Hardin. Here, the unemployment rate is sky high at 9.4%, which is the 3rd highest in Montana. As you might guess, the families here are bringing in less than it takes to be comfortable, at least for what most people would consider a decent living.
And, like we’re seeing in other towns with economic issues, the crime is far above the norm for Montana.
/10
/10
/10
/10
Cut Bank gets its name from a local creek. The town itself stands in the northwest part of the state, about a 40-minute drive south of the Canadian border.
For a small town (population: 3,049 people), Cut Bank has a big crime problem. In fact, the crime rate runs about double the national average. You don’t need a sociologist to tell you that poverty plays a role in this. Despite an unemployment rate of 4.4%, the community suffers a poverty rate of more than 25%.
/10
There’s an enchanting island in the Mediterranean Sea called Malta, an ancient, mysterious outpost that sits within a shimmering sea and inspires legends like that of the Maltese Falcon. Then there’s Malta, Montana. Different vibe entirely.
This Malta stands in the north-central part of Big Sky Country, situated at the intersection of Highway 2 and Highway 191. What’s so bad about life in Malta? Well, beside not being a mysterious outpost in the Mediterranean Sea, it sports an unemployment rate of 4.5% and has schools that can’t score better than a 6/10 on Great Schools.
Still, the Montana version of Malta isn’t without its beguiling elements as well. Head over to the Great Plains Dinosaur Museum to see what we mean.
/10
Wolf Point has significant historical significance. Lewis and Clark passed by in 1805 as part of their exploration of the area. And, even now, the town has a lot to offer. This includes the annual Wild Horse Stampede, considered the “Grandaddy of Montana Rodeos.”
Day-to-day life has its challenges though. When the rodeo isn’t in town, the economy tanks. The unemployment rate sits at 18.5% and the poverty rate hovers at 30.9%.
At the same time, safety represents a significant issue. You’d expect the home of the oldest rodeo in Montana to get a little rowdy. But a crime rate nearly 20% above the U.S. norm goes a little too far.
/10
Methodology: How we determined the worst places to live in Montana for 2023
To figure out the worst places to live in Montana, we only needed to know what kinds of things people like and then decide what cities have the least amount of those things.
We don’t think it’s a stretch to assume that people like the following things:
- Good education
- Lots of jobs
- Low crime
- Low poverty
- Nice homes
- High incomes
- High population density (Lots of things to do)
- Short work commutes
- Health insurance
The data comes from the Census’s most recent American Community Survey and the FBI Uniform Crime Report.
We broke crime down into violent crime and property crime to give violent crime a more significant weight. If you did a simple calculation of all crimes per capita, property crimes are typically 7x more common and bias that ranking.
Furthermore, only cities with at least 2,000 people were considered — leaving 32 cities.
We then ranked each city from 1 to 32 for all the criteria, with a #1 ranking being the worst for the particular criteria.
Next, we averaged the rankings into one “Worst Place To Live Score.”
Finally, we ranked every city on the “Worst Place To Live Score,” with the lowest score being the worst city in Montana — Polson. Read on for a detailed look at the ten worst cities in Montana.
Summary: Wrapping Up The Worst In Montana
If you’re looking at areas in Montana with the worst economic situations, where there’s higher than average crime and little to do, this is an accurate list.
And in the end, Polson ranks as the worst city to live in Montana for 2023.
If you’re curious enough, here are the best cities to live in Montana:
- Dillon (Pop. 3,930)
- Glasgow (Pop. 3,192)
- Bozeman (Pop. 51,574)
For more Montana reading, check out:
Worst Places To Live In Montana?
| Rank | City | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Polson | 5,161 |
| 2 | Hardin | 3,754 |
| 3 | Townsend | 2,224 |
| 4 | Shelby | 3,139 |
| 5 | Columbia Falls | 5,304 |
| 6 | Cut Bank | 3,049 |
| 7 | Malta | 2,031 |
| 8 | Wolf Point | 2,638 |
| 9 | Livingston | 8,110 |
| 10 | Glendive | 4,928 |
| 11 | Hamilton | 4,632 |
| 12 | Great Falls | 60,381 |
| 13 | Kalispell | 24,260 |
| 14 | Lewistown | 5,967 |
| 15 | Libby | 2,745 |
| 16 | Sidney | 6,240 |
| 17 | Missoula | 73,300 |
| 18 | Columbus | 2,069 |
| 19 | Billings | 115,689 |
| 20 | Red Lodge | 2,032 |
| 21 | Three Forks | 2,084 |
| 22 | Helena | 32,060 |
| 23 | Laurel | 7,164 |
| 24 | Havre | 9,417 |
| 25 | Conrad | 2,758 |
| 26 | Deer Lodge | 2,938 |
| 27 | Belgrade | 10,555 |
| 28 | Colstrip | 2,094 |
| 29 | Whitefish | 7,783 |
| 30 | Dillon | 3,930 |
| 31 | Glasgow | 3,192 |
| 32 | Bozeman | 51,574 |
You’ve probably never been to any of these towns on this list. You’re opinion is junk science with no basis. Such bullshit.
Not true! Those places can be very insedious. They can be dark and dangerous and a lot of them are in or near the res. I’m surprised Butte isn’t on the list.
It’s not on the list because it’s already in the first four letters of its name.
I hope lots of people read this and believe it. I’m tired of all these people moving to my little corner of the world. Go away
As long as “your” little corner is part of the America that I am a proud and legal citizen of, I will move there whenever I wish. And I will be sure to spend all of my free time harrassing YOU.
I agree. I was born in the USA, my brother served in the army, my nephew has spent thousands of dollars at university of Montana, and I cannot understand the cruelty I’ve been subjected to in a town called Drummond. I am a 66-year-old Senior Lady, an out-of-stater, Slavic last name, and had to endure humiliation at a local store by someone who openly continues to do this. But, I have a solution/tactic (but won’t mention here).
Thanks “f” for your reply, I was pleases to see it.
I am from stevensville Montana and am very proud of that. I think they must have their facts backwards about all these towns I think they are some if the best towns in Montana and are wonderful.
This article doesn’t cover the half of it. Please don’t move to Montana. You will regret it.
I had to read this article, when I saw the title, but the further I read the more I realized the data doesn’t lie. Don’t get all fired up, before reading this, and try to keep an open mind through out . The information stated within paints an accurate picture, of the sad socioeconomic, ecologic, and medical timeline, of what Libby (my hometown), has become, and is today. If the article was based upon the people, activities, captivating beauty, and simplicity of life Libby, and so many other locations throughout Montana, the list and the article would be a positive, and glowing review.
I left Libby 20 years ago, one year after graduating from high school. I decided, in part, to leave because of the bleak economic outlook. I also left because of the growing health effects, linked to the mine. The environmental impact, of the W.R. Grace mines health legacy, deeply effects my life, and the lives of generations of my family.
My friends, who live in Libby, struggle to earn money at their low paying jobs. Many of them are also dealing with negative health effects, from asbestos. They also live among others, whose lives mirror theirs, but they choose to stay. I respect every hard working resident, of Montana. I admire their hope, and perseverance to live on the land they love. Unfortunately, when looking at factual data, opinions do not compare. Don’t be angry with facts. They’re just numbers! They are an indication of the minority of Montana’s people, because the MAJORITY of the people of Montana are strong, proud, law abiding, hard working citizens. God bless Montana!
I moved to Montana for 5 years. And I lived in Thompson Falls. Yes it is isolated, but it is only an hour (give or take for weather) to large cities in either direction. Also, when you are doing your research you should get your facts straight. I worked at “Little Bear” and it is an ice cream shop/ cafe/ gift store that during the summer months thrives on people from out of town and out of state. It has really good schools, and quite a few good dining options too.
The data used by this author is faulty. Don’t know why you would fail to interview the residents of these communities; that may have given some informed insight into WHY the people chose to live there. Montanans will, for the most part, be pleased that you have written such a slanderous article; they don’t want the state to get too crowded. As a former resident and native of Polson, Montana, your BEST PLACES list missed Missoula, Polson, Big Fork and several other gems in the Treasure State. Faulty data leads to false conclusions. Pathetic and negative article.
Bozeman is 68 out of a 92 on this list?! What a dumbass. Four corners, which is a dump, beats it LOL! It’s where people go from Bozeman when they can’t afford the real estate. I agree with Browning on your list, which should be at #1, but like others said, you have no idea what the hell you’re talking about.
Is Three Forks really a bad area as my friend said it is?
the article says it is opinion based…..if you want to spend the time looking at all the rates per town/ cities then go ahead and get the right facts….I love libby, yes it has its small town problems but what town doesn’t, its a good place for families..i moved here a while ago and I have stayed around, jobs are actually every where if you actually look for one…it was a retirement community when we moved here in 97 and pretty much still is….this town got a bad rep with the asbestos thing…we do not glow in the dark and here is a F.W.I we are not the only town with asbestos–we just find it a lot on the web without real info on it….
I have lived in Libby for years. I have just been told I have COPD, go figure. Our founding fathers should have known that W.R. Grace was a bad idea. It is unfortunate that for reasons unknown our current fathers keep getting duped by out of state companies. If it’s to good to be true, then it is. One misstep after another has plagued the City for years. Out of state folks coming into our area with the big bucks has ruined the average newly wed couple who works at Pizza Hut from buying a home. Would any sane person plop down $250.000.00 for a 1/4 of 1/4 acre of land plus you still have to build the house ? The California people do this all the time. The out of State land developers come here, buy up god zillion acres of property, clear cut it the turn round and sell lots. Everyone should stand at the three ways to get into Libby with a jar of Vaseline telling everyone to get it over with prior to going into town.
This is actually true about Kalispell (and Columbia Falls, Hungry Horse, Libby and Eureka -the only ones I’m familiar with). Lived in Kalispell for several years and don’t miss it a bit. The bad schools mean businesses have trouble hiring competent help. Seriously the average high school grad in Flathead is about the same as middle schoolers in other parts of the country (or state). Big meth problem and poverty problem, so much so that about half the kids in school have parents who are on drugs or welfare. Add the high cost of rentals and it means a lot of good families have left for greener pastures, leaving the dregs behind. Big epidemic of alcoholism among adults, probably because there’s nothing to do. If you’re interested in Montana, try Bozeman or Missoula. You’ll find better jobs, the housing is expensive but much nicer, more educated people in general and better teachers, more cultural activities.
I lived in Libby from 1993-1999. Could not be more true. Huge meth problem. The people are proud; of nothing. They cannot imagine what the real world actually is. I found my peace and joy in Texas and never looked back.
Helena the nicest
I’m trying to find out how much it cost to live in either Great Falls, Helena,Billings. Can you tell me witch is better and cost of living in Montana?. Thank you
The things that the author writes about being bad are laughable. Compared to nation wide problems the cites stated wouldn’t even come close to be considered, “the worse”. The truth of what is bad in Montana are these three things.
1. The entire judicial system from the courts, judicial review board and law enforcement are corrupt and out of control.
2. The rent is so extremely high from these greedy bastard conservatives that a person has to triple up on room mates just to afford it.
3. The third being that the wages are so low in this state that if you fart your wallet will float out of your back pocket.
These are the real problems in Montana
You are very mistaken in your conclusions because you have no idea what “science” actually is. Where did you get the idea that if the median house price is low, then there is something wrong with the town?! Falsely and inappropriately elevated real estate valuations are the largest cause of poverty in the United States, yet you complain if the home prices aren’t falsely inflated?!
You are clearly an idiot, and that is a scientific FACT!
“the collapse of marriage and erosion of the work ethic are the principal long-term causes of poverty. The collapse of marriage and erosion of the work ethic are the principal long-term causes of poverty.”
No need to get your panties in a bind.
Yikes … I’m considering buying property in the Hamilton area … have been there & love it, but I’m a little concerned now …. 1 chance out of 24 of a property crime; and, 1 in 267 chance of being the victim of an attack, rape or outright murdered when you’re within Hamilton city limits? OUCH … that sounds more like Chicago. Are you sure of these statistics? My friends that live there disagree; so, I will most likely move forward after doing some more checking.
wyomings better and prettier and we dont have tiny 12,000 foot mountains
Montana re-elected a guy who bodyslammed a reporter for asking a question, so the people there are clearly garbage.
Butte hole Mt should be #1
Great Falls, MT should have made the number one slot of worst places to live in the entire United States. Unless you are into depressing winters, overpriced houses jammed one on top of the other, meth, minimum wage jobs, poverty, and ignorance I would steer clear. I’m out of here as soon as my dad’s health improves. By the way, those friendly folks in Montana that the article mentioned are some of the rudest people that I have ever met. In fact, Washington state is the only place that has them beat. The friendly folks here like to drive around with “Montana is full. Go home stickers” on their dirty trucks. I can’t wait to! I wouldn’t wish this place on Satan!
I am 61 years old and was born in Libby. I have spent the last 50 years living in the north end of Lincoln county in the Eureka area. Yes we have seen better times economically but have had to adjust our life styles when the logging and lumber industry collapsed because of outsiders that don’t even live in Montana, We have had to adjust to it. I miss how it was before the Libby dam was finished and I lived in the old town of Rexford. Now its just a memory of what was once a great place to love. The new town of Rexford just as well be called southern Alberta. But good, bad, or indifferent, northwest Montana is not the great place to live like it used to be because in the last 40 years too many outsiders have moved in and took it away from Montanans. They talk about the violent crime rate. We used to have maybe a murder once in 30 years. With all the people moving in, they brought big city crime with them.
You are right. Maybe we have reason to be rude after so many of you outsiders moved in and took our home away from us. So please go ahead and move out. We never invited you in the beginning.
The so called news reporter needed to be put in his place. If you think we are such garbage, please feel free to NOT BE IN MONTANA.
Well, I moved my family to Montana from Mississippi a year ago. Jackson, Mississippi to be more precise. I have lived in Wyoming before coming up here for several years. I have never been to any of the towns in this list. My experiences in Montana have for the most part been positive. Now, I will say it has not been easy to get established here, and we have ran into some resistance. If you are expecting “The Trump economy” here be prepared to be disappointed. Maybe in the larger towns. Montana is not cheap, but fair most of the time. I have never seen a place that can ” dream up a bill” and send it to someone to pay. I will also state that I have ran into some real uneducated “hillbillies” and some people that are so dumb that words cannot describe what I am saying. Most of the people are very nice, but always a few. I have not been real impressed with the job market. We are in Central Montana near Lewistown. All these people complaining about Montana have apparently never been to ” The dirty south”. I think some of you making these negative comments have never been in other parts of the country. Montana is a great wonderful place, and I am thankful and grateful to be here.
I love Montana. I hope to be moving there soon. My plans are to become a part of the original culture. I understand the natives of Montana not wanting the people from certain parts of the country coming into their state and screwing things up just like the places that they are moving away from.
I have to say, I agree with the commenters that said the out of state people come in and wreak havoc on Montana. They think our prices are less, but that is only because they have not done their research. Our prices are less because our economy is low. At yet, our prices are not really as cheap as they should be because out of staters have come in and artificially inflated our prices. The most current case in point (I say the most current as this has been happening for about 30 years or so in waves) is the recent housing market. I have recently been looking for a house to buy, and because I normally work remotely, I am not limited to a geographical area in Montana. So, I have been looking all over the state. As such, I have been dealing with a great many realtors in different areas. The one common thread among all of them is the concern about so many people calling into their offices making way above market offers on homes, sight unseen. Can you imagine??? What type of nut case buys a home without even looking at it? Pics are never the same as the actual. And I am not talking investors here–these are regular people. Nut case people, with many from California and Washington State, that for some reason think we do not have any COVID in Montana. And now that they are coming and tourist has been opened up, boy is COVID on the rise. Not only can a regular Montanan not compete with that type of thing, the worst thing beyond that is these people will be lucky to make it 2 Montana winters. Then, they will leave, but the damage from them artificially inflating house prices will remain for us to deal with. Housing prices are already artificially inflated from out of staters doing this sort of thing for the last 30 or so years, but the magnitude of this crazy rush to Montana will really push them so much higher. I am hearing the same thing from realtors all over the state. And since artificial has no real foundation, any artificial will eventually come crashing down. And who will be left to deal with the mess–us, the real Montanans. Just as we are and have been with out of staters coming in and pretending to be from Montana just so achieve their political aspirations, and just as we have when we have had to deal with the out of staters coming in and wanting to change everything to how it was in where they just left from (which I also find crazy–if it was so great there, why did they leave in the first place?). If someone wants to come in because they like Montana for itself without wanting to change everything, accept Montana and Montanans for what/who it/we are, and have actually done their research so they really do have a good idea of what they are moving into, can deal with our weather without running away, and don’t want or expect us to change to their ideals whether financial or otherwise, then great. The problem is those people are truly rare.