Gallatin County Becomes Fastest Growing in Montana

By Lucia Stewart, 4-07-08

Gallatin County has surpassed Flathead County as the third most populous in Montana — and is leading in the state for growth.

The recent U.S. Census reports over 87,359 current residents in Gallatin County, gaining 19,528 new residents since Census 2000, a 28.8 percent population increase in eight years.

Gallatin County is also ranked No. 92 on the “100 fastest growing counties” in the United States, where 22 of the 100 are in the West.

Flathead County currently is home to 86,844 residents, now fourth in the state after Yellowstone County (139,936) and Missoula County (105,650).

Montana’s overall population increased 6.2 percent since 2000. But this growth was concentrated in 22 of the 56 counties, while 34 counties, mainly in Eastern and North Central Montana, faced declining population.

For more detailed information on Montana’s 2007 County Population Estimates, click here.