Montana Population 2013
The United States Census Bureau estimates that the population of Montana in 2013 was 1,005,292, which is ranked the 44th largest population in the United States. This estimate shows a 1.6% increase since the last census in 2010, also conducted by the United States Census Bureau. The population density of the state is 6.86 people per square mile, ranked 48th largest density in the United States.
Montana Population Projections
By the year 2030, the population of the state of Montana is expected to reach 1.045 million people, which is an approximate 4% increase from the current population. By the year 2043, the population is expected to reach 1.166 million people, which is an approximate 16% increase from the current population.
Montana Land Mass
The state of Montana is approximately 559 miles from east to west and 321 miles from north to south with a square area of 147,046 square miles, making it the 4th largest state in the Untied States. Of the 147,046 square miles, only 1,490 square miles are covered by water. The highest point in the state of Montana is Granite Peak, which is 12,799 feet above sea level. The lowest point in the state is the Kootenai River, which reaches 1,800 feet above sea level. The geographic center of Montana is located in Fergus County, 11 mile west of Lewistown. Montana is bordered by four states: North Dakota and South Dakota on the east, Wyoming on the south, and Montana on the west. Canada borders the state on the north.
Montana can be broken up into two distinct geographic land areas: the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountain Region. The Great Plains makes up about 60% of the eastern portion of the state. This part includes rolling hills and wide river valleys. Also, the southeast portion of this section is made up of badlands, which adorn the scenery with colorful stone columns. The Rocky Mountain Region is covered with grassy valleys and forested mountains. The mountains tend to be snow-capped the majority of the year and there are sometimes even glaciers in the area. This region contains over 50 mountain ranges, one of which includes the highest point in Montana. The state of Montana is the only state to have rivers that run into the Gulf of Mexico, Pacific Ocean, and the Hudson Bay.
Montana Demographics
Of the approximate 1.005 million people in the state of Montana, about 49.8% of the population is female, while 50.2% is male. Also, approximately 90% of the population identifies as white (including Hispanic or Latino). But, out of that 90%, only about 3% do identify as Hispanic or Latino and the other 87% as Caucasian. Those that identify as Black or African American make up only 0.5% of the entire population of the state of Montana. About 6% of the population identifies as American Indian and Alaskan Natives. The rest of the population is made up of those that identify as Asian, Native Hawaiian, other Pacific Islanders, or those that identify as two or more races. These other races make up only about 3.5% of the Montana population.
Montana Religion
The population of Montana identifies as religious at a much lower rate than the national average. About 38% of the state population identifies as religious, compared to the national average of 49%. Out of the 38%, about 13% identify as members of the Catholic Church, making it the largest denomination in Montana. The next largest denomination in the state is Lutheran at about 6% of the population. All the other Christian denominations make up about 18.75% of the population. Those who identify as Jewish, Islamic, or as an Eastern religion only make up 0.25% of the population.
Generations of Tourism in Montana
Montana Recreation
Montana is home to many different outdoor recreational activities year round. It is a common destination to go fly-fishing in rivers or lakes to catch trout. Along with trout, bass, Northern Pike, salmon, and walleye can also be caught in Montana. Not only do people come to fish, people come as well to hunt animals ranging from elk to antelope. During the winter, Montana is a popular location to participate in cross-country and downhill skiing. Lastly, snowmobiling is also a very popular activity in the winter in the state.
Other Resources
Use the following link to learn more about the population of Montana.