New Study Says These Montana Cities Are The Best Run In America

Montana Cities Ranked Among America’s Best-Run Cities

Whenever Montana shows up in a national ranking, it's usually for something like scenery, outdoor recreation, or hunting.

It's not often we find ourselves near the top of a list about city government.

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A New Study Looked At City Government Performance

Let's be honest. These days it seems like just about everyone has something they'd like to complain about when it comes to government. Whether it's potholes, road construction, taxes, new development, or something else entirely, most people can find a reason to be frustrated.

That's why a new study from WalletHub caught my attention. They wanted to see how effectively each city used its budget, stating:

“The best-run cities in America use their budgets most effectively to provide high-quality financial security, education, health, safety and transportation to their residents. Many of the top cities also have a very low amount of outstanding government debt per capita, which can prevent financial troubles in the future.”

Billings Ranked #32 Overall In The National Study

When it came to Montana, Billings was the first city to show up on the list, ranking #32 overall. It earned a quality of city services ranking of #91 and a total budget per capita ranking of #22.

As impressive as that is, another Montana city actually finished even higher.

Missoula Finished Ranked #20

Missoula landed at #20 overall, making it the highest-ranked city in Montana. WalletHub gave Missoula a Quality of City Services ranking of #43 and a Total Budget Per Capita ranking of #26.

For a deeper look at the rankings and methodology, you can check out the full report by clicking here.

LOOK: The 6 Best Things About Growing Up In Montana

Big Sky Country, The Treasure State, The Last Best Place, Home...whatever you call Montana, there is no denying it is a one-of-a-kind place with amazing scenery, outdoor adventure, and small towns throughout the state that embrace tradition and tight-knit communities. We asked you what made growing up in Montana so great, and you answered.

Gallery Credit: Derek Wolf

KEEP READING: The Most Dangerous Towns In Montana For 2026

These are the 10 most dangerous cities in Montana for 2026, according to Area Vibes.

Gallery Credit: Nick Northern

KEEP SCROLLING: Montana's Safest Cities For 2026

When looking for a place to put down roots, several factors go into the decision. Do they have good schools? How friendly are the people? Does the town have the resources you need? Is it a safe place to live? Speaking of safety, we take a look at the safest towns in Montana based on data. Did your town make the list?

Gallery Credit: Derek Wolf