Small Town Living In Montana – Top 10 Locations With Less Than 50 People!
It may seem hard to imagine, but yes, there are some less populated areas of Montana. I mean, a lot less populated. We normally think big around our state. Big lakes, big streams, wildlife, ranches and farms, really, we do think big. But there are also the quiet, less hustle and bustle areas of Big Sky Country also. You may be thinking these are the "off the beaten path" places, and you would be right! If you want to be left alone from the paparazzi, we have found your locations!
What Constitutes A Small Town Then? How Many Is That?
For the purpose of our article, we headed to World Population Review for our list using data from the recently released 2023 Census Bureau and limited it to towns across the state with fewer than 50 people according to the list. There are 20! Hard to believe that of the 360 towns or cities used that we had that many. Some of these towns even lost population in the new census!
Living In Small Town Montana, Or America: Pro Vs. Cons
Having grown up in a relatively small, rural town, I see the up sides and the downsides of being in one. Common things ring true in both. Whether that be in crime statistics on the good side, or, not having the ability to simply run to the store to grab any type of item. From milk to tires and more, it can be difficult getting certain things in a timely manner without having to drive miles for it. Overall though, you just can't beat small town growing up or life! Check out our top 10 towns with hardly any population below!
- Google Maps
Google Maps 10Craig, MT
The population number of this small town nestled along the Missouri River between Great Falls and Helena is a bit deceiving. While yes, the actual number of people living in this town may be 39, that actual number of people in the amazing fishing mecca is definitely a lot more at any given time of the year, but especially in the summer!
- Google Maps
Google Maps 9Martinsdale, MT
With a population of 37, this town just beat out our last entry by one! Settled near Missoula, this is another of the beautiful small towns that are present everywhere across the state.
- Google Maps
Google Maps 8Reserve, MT
According to Wikipedia, Reserve was originally platted in 1911, but with the name Wakea, coming the nearby Fort Peck Indian Reservation. It was changed in 1912 with the establishment of the post office. It currently has 36 people living in the town.
- Google Maps
Google Maps 7Niarada, MT
Located in the beautiful area of the Flathead Indian Reservation, this town has a current residency of 28 people.
- Google Maps
Google Maps 6Stryker, MT
If you are a fan of the northwestern part of Montana, then this town of 25 is just waiting for you to stop by and visit! It's also just a short hop from Glacier National Park!
- Google Maps
Google Maps 5Silver Gate, MT
Silver Gate may sound familiar, especially if you have traveled through Yellowstone National Park. This town sits near the Montana/Wyoming entrance to the park. The town has a population currently of 19.
- Google Maps
Google Maps 4Ismay, MT
Ismay has been listed several times at the bottom in past years, however, it moves up in this data, reaching a whopping 17 at this time!
- Google Maps
Google Maps 3Roscoe, MT
While picturesque, wintertime in Roscoe can be a little harsh as it sits at the base of the Beartooth Mountains. It currently has a population of 16.
- Google Maps
Google Maps 2Kicking Horse, MT
Located in Lake County, this town saw a drastic decline in population from 286 in 2010, to just 13 in the latest data.
- Google Maps
Google Maps 1Elkhorn, MT
Located in Jefferson County, this is the smallest town in Montana with a population of just 12!
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