Locations in Montana

Regional Analysis for Montana

With 98 mapped destinations in 6 categories, Montana presents a diverse landscape of regional service coverage. These destinations collectively reach approximately 2,593,403 residents spread across 276 incorporated communities, each within a 30-minute drive of at least one mapped location. The average location serves a catchment population of about 26,463, though this number masks considerable variation between densely populated metropolitan corridors and more remote rural areas. This analysis synthesizes the geographic data to identify the dominant service hubs in Montana, assess the balance between urban and rural coverage, and evaluate access patterns for specific categories like retail and air transportation.

Top service hubs

The distribution of service coverage across Montana follows a pattern typical of geographically diverse states, with a few dominant hubs and a longer tail of smaller service areas. Billings Clinic in Billings leads as the top Hospital destination, serving 134,428 residents in 9 incorporated communities. Following closely, Saint Vincent Healthcare (Hospital) in Billings serves 134,428 people, reinforcing the region's coverage depth. Collectively, the 10 largest catchment areas cover 1,159,502 people, which represents 45% of the state's total mapped population coverage. This concentration effect means that improvements or changes at the top hubs can have outsized impacts on regional access. Conversely, the smaller locations ensure baseline coverage for communities that would otherwise fall outside the practical reach of major destinations.

Urban and rural coverage

The balance between urban and rural coverage in Montana reflects the state's underlying population distribution. Of the 98 mapped destinations, 26 are situated in areas with predominantly urban or suburban catchment profiles, while 72 serve primarily rural communities. Montana presents a mixed landscape of urban, suburban, and rural service areas, with coverage distributed across varying population densities. The mixed nature of Montana's overall coverage means that residents in the population centers have good access while those in outlying areas face longer drives. The median catchment population across all locations is 5,789, compared to an average of 26,463, indicating that a small number of high-population locations significantly skew the average upward, while most locations serve considerably smaller catchment areas. Communities in rural areas of Montana often depend on one or two key destinations for services that urban residents can access from multiple nearby locations, creating a pattern of regional dependence that shapes travel behavior across the state.

Largest Service Areas in Montana

The table below presents all 98 mapped locations in Montana, ranked by the total population within a 30-minute drive. The largest service area belongs to Billings Clinic, a Hospital in Billings, reaching 134,428 residents across 9 communities. At the other end of the spectrum, Waterton Lakes National Park serves the smallest catchment with 0 residents. This range illustrates the geographic diversity of Montana, from densely populated metropolitan corridors to more isolated rural destinations.

Retail Access in Montana

Retail coverage across Montana encompasses 6 Target, Walmart, and Costco locations with a total catchment population of roughly 534,427. The largest retail catchment belongs to Walmart Garden Center in Billings, serving 134,262 residents. The retail network reflects a balance between market demand and population geography, with stores concentrated in areas where customer density supports commercial operations. An average catchment of 89,071 residents per retail location in Montana suggests moderate retail coverage typical of a state with diverse population density. This retail infrastructure is an important component of Montana's regional service network, providing everyday goods and services that anchor community activity. The table below details each retail location's reach, enabling comparison of service coverage across different parts of the state.

Airport Access in Montana

Air transportation coverage across Montana is anchored by 3 mapped airports, which together serve approximately 21,418 residents in 18 incorporated communities within a 30-minute drive. The largest airport catchment in Montana belongs to Havre City/County Airport in Unknown, serving 11,128 residents. The role of airports extends beyond simple transportation, contributing to regional economic activity and providing critical connectivity for residents and businesses. With an average catchment of 7,139, airport coverage in Montana demonstrates selectively reach. The analysis below details each airport's service area, offering insight into which communities benefit from proximity to air transportation and where potential access gaps exist in Montana's transportation network.