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Belgrade, Montana
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Belgrade is a city in Gallatin County, Montana, United States. The population was 10,460 at the 2020 census,[4] and was estimated to be 12,509 in 2023.[5] Belgrade is part of the Bozeman, MT Metropolitan statistical area. It is the most populous city in Montana that is not a county seat.
Key Information
Belgrade and the surrounding areas experienced a significant population growth from 2010 to 2020. The 2010 city population from the US Census was 7,389, over 3,000 fewer than in 2020. The 59714 ZIP Code, which is the city and surrounding commercial and residential developments, had populations of 18,182 as of the 2010 census, 22,333 as of the 2020 census, and 23,897 as of 2023 estimate.[6]
History
[edit]The original townsite of Belgrade was established in 1883 when the Northern Pacific Railroad was constructed through the Gallatin Valley. The original town plat was filed in the Gallatin County Clerk and Recorder's Office by Thomas B. Quaw, a businessman from the midwest, in July 1891. According to Quaw, the townsite was an unmanned railroad siding 9.7 miles west of Bozeman, and was named Belgrade after the capital of Serbia, as an expression of appreciation to the Serbian investors who helped finance a portion of the Northern Pacific Railroad. Quaw and William O. Tracy created the Belgrade Grain and Produce Company and marketed Belgrade as the "Princess of the Prairies."[7]
The post office was established in 1887 with Quaw as postmaster.[8] Belgrade was incorporated in 1906.
Geography
[edit]Belgrade is located at 45°46′48.91″N 111°10′30.82″W / 45.7802528°N 111.1752278°W (45.7802541, -111.1752267).[3]
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.865 square miles (12.60 km2), all land.[2]
Demographics
[edit]| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1880 | 30 | — | |
| 1910 | 561 | — | |
| 1920 | 499 | −11.1% | |
| 1930 | 533 | 6.8% | |
| 1940 | 618 | 15.9% | |
| 1950 | 663 | 7.3% | |
| 1960 | 1,057 | 59.4% | |
| 1970 | 1,307 | 23.7% | |
| 1980 | 2,336 | 78.7% | |
| 1990 | 3,411 | 46.0% | |
| 2000 | 5,728 | 67.9% | |
| 2010 | 7,389 | 29.0% | |
| 2020 | 10,460 | 41.6% | |
| 2023 (est.) | 12,509 | [5] | 19.6% |
| U.S. Decennial Census[9] 2020 Census[4] | |||
As of the 2023 American Community Survey, there are 4,727 estimated households in Belgrade with an average of 2.41 persons per household. The city has a median household income of $88,896. Approximately 12.6% of the city's population lives at or below the poverty line. Belgrade has an estimated 77.7% employment rate, with 37.4% of the population holding a bachelor's degree or higher and 96.4% holding a high school diploma.
The top five reported ancestries (people were allowed to report up to two ancestries, thus the figures will generally add to more than 100%) were English (95.2%), Spanish (4.0%), Indo-European (0.8%), Asian and Pacific Islander (0.0%), and Other (0.0%).
The median age in the city was 33.2 years.
2020 census
[edit]| Race / ethnicity (NH = non-Hispanic) | Pop. 2000[10] | Pop. 2010[11] | Pop. 2020[12] | % 2000 | % 2010 | % 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White alone (NH) | 5,473 | 6,824 | 8,873 | 95.55% | 92.35% | 84.83% |
| Black or African American alone (NH) | 5 | 22 | 43 | 0.09% | 0.30% | 0.41% |
| Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) | 58 | 70 | 96 | 1.01% | 0.95% | 0.92% |
| Asian alone (NH) | 17 | 39 | 68 | 0.30% | 0.53% | 0.65% |
| Pacific Islander alone (NH) | 4 | 9 | 9 | 0.07% | 0.12% | 0.09% |
| Other race alone (NH) | 2 | 2 | 55 | 0.03% | 0.03% | 0.53% |
| Mixed race or multiracial (NH) | 58 | 145 | 543 | 1.01% | 1.96% | 5.19% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 111 | 278 | 773 | 1.94% | 3.76% | 7.39% |
| Total | 5,728 | 7,389 | 10,460 | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% |
As of the 2020 census, there were 10,460 people, 4,102 households, and 2,649 families residing in the city.[13] The population density was 2,560.6 inhabitants per square mile (988.7/km2). There were 4,339 housing units at an average density of 1,062.2 per square mile (410.1/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 86.87% White, 0.47% African American, 1.15% Native American, 0.65% Asian, 0.09% Pacific Islander, 2.66% from some other races and 8.12% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 7.39% of the population.[14]
2010 census
[edit]As of the 2010 census, there were 7,389 people, 2,965 households, and 1,877 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,272.1 inhabitants per square mile (877.3/km2). There were 3,174 housing units at an average density of 976.6 per square mile (377.1/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 94.18% White, 0.35% African American, 1.03% Native American, 0.54% Asian, 0.14% Pacific Islander, 1.23% from some other races and 2.53% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 3.76% of the population.
Of the 2,965 households 38.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.4% were married couples living together, 10.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 36.7% were non-families. 26.8% of households were one person and 5% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 3.07.
The median age was 30.8 years. 27.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 9.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 35.9% were from 25 to 44; 21.5% were from 45 to 64; and 5.7% were 65 or older. The gender makeup of the city was 50.5% male and 49.5% female.
2000 census
[edit]As of the 2000 census, there were 5,728 people, 2,132 households, and 1,507 families residing in the city. The population density was 3,429.8 inhabitants per square mile (1,324.3/km2). There were 2,239 housing units at an average density of 1,340.6 per square mile (517.6/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 96.49% White, 0.09% African American, 1.06% Native American, 0.30% Asian, 0.09% Pacific Islander, 0.79% from some other races and 1.19% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 1.94% of the population.
Of the 2,132 households 41.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.9% were married couples living together, 10.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.3% were non-families. 19.8% of households were one person and 5.1% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.68 and the average family size was 3.12.
The age distribution was 29.7% under the age of 18, 11.5% from 18 to 24, 37.3% from 25 to 44, 15.5% from 45 to 64, and 6.1% 65 or older. The median age was 29 years. For every 100 females there were 101.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.1 males.
The median household income was $37,392 and the median family income was $40,378. Males had a median income of $27,154 versus $20,689 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,266. About 8.1% of families and 11.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.7% of those under age 18 and 7.1% of those age 65 or over.
Economy
[edit]As one of the largest high school athletic facilities in the state, the Belgrade Special Events Center hosts numerous district, divisional, and state athletic events. These sporting events bring thousands of people to town who not only attend the games, but shop in area stores, stay in local motels, and eat in local restaurants.
Corporate offices for large companies are in Belgrade. Under Canvas Group provides a glamping experience in 11 locations.[15] Xtant Medical designs, manufactures and distributes medical devices and human tissues for transplant.[16]
CACI International is a major employer. The electronic warfare company purchased Belgrade based Ascent Vision Technology in 2020.[17] They continue to be one of the largest employers in Belgrade.
Given the short distance to Bozeman, many residents commute for employment.
Government
[edit]Belgrade is governed via the mayor council system. The city council consists of six members who are elected from one of three wards.[1] Each ward elects two members. The mayor is elected in a citywide vote.
Russ Nelson served as mayor for 22 years until choosing not to run for re-election in 2025.[18] Michael Meis, the deputy mayor, was unopposed in the 2025 mayoral election.[18]
Education
[edit]It is in Belgrade Elementary School District and the Belgrade High School District.[19] The Belgrade elementary and high school districts are part of Belgrade Public Schools.[20]
Belgrade School District educates students from kindergarten through 12th grade.[21] Belgrade High School's team name is the Panthers.[22]
Arts and culture
[edit]
The Belgrade Special Events Center is a 4,800-seat indoor facility constructed by the Belgrade School District in 1996. The building is used for school and community events. In March 2010 the facility hosted the State B Girls Basketball Tournament.[23]
The Gallatin Speedway is located on the outskirts of Belgrade. The 3⁄8-mile (600 m) dirt oval track hosts stock car racing events from May to September.[24]
The Belgrade Fall Festival is an annual tradition that takes place on Homecoming Weekend, typically the third weekend in September. The day's activities include a parade, community open-pit beef barbecue, car show, arts and crafts fair at Lewis and Clark Park, and the Belgrade High School Panthers varsity football game.[25][26]
Belgrade has a public library, the Belgrade Community Library.[27][28]
Media
[edit]The Belgrade News is a newspaper available either by print or online. It is published twice weekly.[29]
Radio stations licensed in Belgrade are KCMM[30] and KISN.[31] They are also served by the wider Bozeman area.
Infrastructure
[edit]Belgrade is located along Interstate 90. Montana Highway 85 enters town from the south.
Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport is located adjacent to the city boundaries.[32]
Bozeman Health operates a Belgrade clinic. It provides primary care as well as physical therapy and laboratory services.[33] BestMed Urgent Care delivers urgent care services. They also administer vaccinations and immunizations and have some medications on-site.[34]
Notable people
[edit]- Steve Daines, U.S. senator; former U.S. congressman[35]
- Gene Quaw (1891–1968), musician
- Philip Winchester, Actor
References
[edit]- ^ a b "City Council". City of Belgrade, Montana. Retrieved February 22, 2025.
- ^ a b "2024 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved February 22, 2025.
- ^ a b c U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Belgrade, Montana
- ^ a b c "Explore Census Data". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved February 22, 2025.
- ^ a b c "City and Town Population Totals: 2020-2023". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved February 22, 2025.
- ^ "ZIP Code 59714 in Belgrade, MT". Zip-Codes.com. Retrieved February 22, 2025.
- ^ "Montana Place Names Companion". Montana Historical Society. Retrieved July 22, 2017.
- ^ Carkeek Cheney, Roberta (1983). Names on the Face of Montana. Missoula, Montana: Mountain Press Publishing Company. p. 5. ISBN 0-87842-150-5.
- ^ "Decennial Census of Population and Housing". www.census.gov. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
- ^ "P004: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Belgrade city, Montana". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved February 22, 2025.
- ^ "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Belgrade city, Montana". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved February 22, 2025.
- ^ "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Belgrade city, Montana". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved February 22, 2025.
- ^ "US Census Bureau, Table P16: Household Type". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved February 22, 2025.
- ^ "How many people live in Belgrade city, Montana". USA Today. Retrieved February 22, 2025.
- ^ "About". Under Canvas. Retrieved September 14, 2023.
- ^ "About". Xtant Medical. Retrieved September 14, 2023.
- ^ "Montana drone technology company acquired for $350M". Great Falls Tribune. August 28, 2020. Retrieved September 14, 2023.
- ^ a b Holmes, Maya (October 30, 2025). "Uncontested Belgrade races lead to canceled election". The MSU exponent. Retrieved January 8, 2026.
- ^ "2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Gallatin County, MT" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. p. 1 (PDF p. 2/3). Retrieved October 4, 2024. - Text list
- ^ "Directory of Montana Schools". Montana Office of Public Instruction. March 13, 2024. p. 97/317. Retrieved March 13, 2024.
- ^ "Belgrade School District". Belgrade School District. Retrieved April 17, 2021.
- ^ "Member Schools". Montana High School Association. Archived from the original on May 11, 2022. Retrieved April 19, 2021.
- ^ Montana High School Association Archived November 26, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Gallatin Speedway
- ^ "Montana State Travel Information". Archived from the original on August 25, 2009. Retrieved December 1, 2008.
- ^ Travel Montana
- ^ "Montana Public Libraries". PublicLibraries.com. Retrieved June 14, 2019.
- ^ "Belgrade Community Library". Belgrade Community Library. Retrieved April 12, 2021.
- ^ "Belgrade News". Retrieved August 23, 2023.
- ^ "KCMM". FCC. Retrieved August 23, 2023.
- ^ "KISN". FCC. Retrieved August 23, 2023.
- ^ "BZN (KBZN) Bozeman Yellowstone Intl". FAA. Retrieved September 14, 2023.
- ^ "Bozeman Health Belgrade Clinic". Bozeman Health. Retrieved September 14, 2023.
- ^ "Belgrade Clinic". BestMed. Retrieved September 14, 2023.
- ^ "U.S. Senate: States in the Senate | Montana". www.senate.gov. Retrieved May 11, 2025.
External links
[edit]Belgrade, Montana
View on GrokipediaHistory
Founding and Early Settlement
Belgrade originated as a railroad station on the Northern Pacific Railroad line in 1883, marking the initial settlement in the area amid the broader expansion of rail infrastructure across Montana.[9] The completion of the railroad through the Gallatin Valley in 1883 facilitated access to the region, drawing early pioneers to the fertile lands suitable for development.[10] Entrepreneur Thomas B. Quaw, who arrived in the Gallatin Valley from Wisconsin in 1882, played a pivotal role in formalizing the settlement by establishing the townsite in 1882 and surveying it in 1884, with Northern Pacific formalizing the layout that year. Quaw platted the original town layout and named it Belgrade after the capital of Serbia, in gratitude to Serbian investors who had financed portions of the Northern Pacific Railroad project.[10] This naming reflected the international financial ties that supported the railroad's construction and the subsequent growth of communities along its route. Quaw donated land for early schools and churches, fostering community growth.[11][9] The post office opened in 1887, with Quaw serving as the first postmaster, providing essential communication services to the burgeoning community.[9] Early economic activities centered on agriculture and ranching, leveraging the rich soils of the Gallatin Valley for wheat production and livestock raising, which formed the backbone of local livelihoods.[11] Settlement patterns were heavily influenced by the town's proximity to Bozeman, approximately ten miles to the east, allowing residents to benefit from the larger city's markets and resources while maintaining a distinct rural character.[12]Incorporation and Modern Development
Belgrade was formally incorporated as a town on March 27, 1906, marking its transition to political and economic independence from nearby Bozeman. This incorporation facilitated the establishment of local governance and services, including the construction of a city hall and jail in 1912, designed by architect Fred F. Willson to serve as a multifunctional civic center housing police headquarters, fire station, court, library, post office, and community hall.[9][13] Early 20th-century growth was closely linked to the Northern Pacific Railroad, which boosted agricultural development by providing efficient transport for wheat and other crops from the Gallatin Valley. The railroad spurred settlement and commercial activity, with institutions like the Belgrade Bank—built in 1902—becoming central hubs for telegraph services, newspapers, and banking to support the farming community.[11][12] During the mid-20th century, Belgrade's population grew steadily from 618 in 1940 to 2,016 in 1970, remaining relatively small compared to later expansions, as the local economy remained anchored in agriculture amid broader regional shifts. Infrastructure improvements during this period included enhancements to roads and public facilities to accommodate the steady rural-urban balance, though major expansions were limited until later decades. The town's core retained its historic railroad-era layout, with modest investments in utilities and community buildings supporting the agricultural base without significant population surges.[14][15] From the late 20th century into the early 21st, Belgrade underwent rapid suburbanization, driven by its proximity to Bozeman—approximately 8 miles west—and the expansion of Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, located within city limits. The airport's growth, including terminal expansions and increased passenger traffic exceeding 2 million annually by the early 2020s, attracted commuters and businesses seeking affordable alternatives to Bozeman's rising costs, fostering residential and commercial spillover. This period saw Belgrade emerge as Montana's fastest-growing non-county-seat city, with new housing and infrastructure developments enhancing connectivity along key corridors like Jackrabbit Lane.[16][17][18][19] Recent developments have accelerated this trend, with the population booming from 7,389 in the 2010 U.S. Census to an estimated 12,509 as of July 1, 2023, reflecting a nearly 70% increase amid regional migration. New subdivisions, such as Cloverleaf Meadows—a 44-unit duplex project initiated in 2022 and completed by late 2024—have added modern housing options near schools and amenities, further solidifying Belgrade's role as a suburban hub. These initiatives, including ongoing airport-related infrastructure like runway extensions, continue to drive sustainable expansion while preserving the town's agricultural heritage.[20][21][22]Geography and Climate
Physical Geography
Belgrade is situated at coordinates 45°46′49″N 111°10′31″W[23] in Gallatin County, Montana, within the broader Gallatin Valley, an intermontane basin in the Rocky Mountain region of southwestern Montana. The city occupies a total land area of 4.865 square miles, consisting entirely of land with no significant water bodies incorporated within its boundaries.[24] This valley floor terrain features flat alluvial plains formed by sediment deposits from surrounding ranges, providing fertile soils that have historically supported agricultural activities such as grain and forage production.[25] The elevation of Belgrade averages approximately 4,452 feet (1,358 meters) above sea level, placing it on a relatively level expanse amid the rugged topography of the Rockies.[3] Geologically, the area is underlain by Quaternary alluvium—comprising gravel, sand, silt, and clay—overlying Tertiary strata of conglomerate, sandstone, and volcanic ash, with thicknesses exceeding 400 feet in the vicinity, contributing to the permeable subsurface ideal for groundwater recharge and irrigation.[25] The Gallatin Valley, encompassing about 540 square miles, is drained primarily by the Gallatin River and its tributary, the East Gallatin River, which flow through or near the city, shaping the local hydrology and supporting valley ecosystems.[25] The Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport is located within the city limits, serving as a key transportation hub.[6] Surrounding Belgrade are prominent physiographic features, including the Bridger Mountains rising to the north and east, with peaks reaching up to 9,665 feet, the highest being Sacagawea Peak. These mountains, part of the broader Rocky Mountain front, bound the valley and influence sediment deposition, while the river's meandering path through the alluvial plain underscores the area's dynamic geological history as a structural trough formed by faulting.[25] This setting positions Belgrade as a transitional locale between the high plains and mountainous uplands, facilitating its role in regional agriculture and connectivity.[25]Climate
Belgrade, Montana, experiences a semi-arid continental climate characterized by cold, snowy winters and cool, dry summers.[4] This classification reflects the region's location in the Gallatin Valley, where moderate precipitation and significant temperature variations are influenced by surrounding mountain ranges.[26] The annual average high temperature is approximately 57.8°F, with lows around 29.5°F, supporting a range of seasonal activities but requiring preparation for extremes.[26] Precipitation totals about 13.43 inches per year, with roughly 101 days featuring measurable rain or snow, most of which falls as rain in spring and summer and as snow in winter, averaging 50.3 inches of snowfall annually.[26] These patterns contribute to the area's agricultural viability while highlighting its water scarcity compared to more humid regions.[27] Winters from December to February bring highs of 33–36°F and lows of 11–13°F, often accompanied by persistent snow cover that can exceed 50 inches in total accumulation.[28] Summers, spanning June to August, feature highs of 80–88°F and lows of 45–50°F, with low humidity levels that dry out the landscape quickly after any rainfall.[27] This seasonal contrast underscores the continental influence, where short, warm days give way to crisp nights.[26] Extreme weather includes occasional chinook winds, warm downslope gusts from the Rockies that can rapidly elevate winter temperatures by 20–50°F in hours, melting snow and altering local conditions dramatically.[29] In summer, the dry climate heightens wildfire risk, with low humidity and occasional high winds contributing to moderate overall threat levels for the area.[30]Demographics
Population Growth and Trends
Belgrade's population has experienced steady growth over the past two decades, driven primarily by its position as a suburban community adjacent to Bozeman. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, the city recorded 5,728 residents in the 2000 census, increasing to 7,389 by 2010—a rise of approximately 29%. By the 2020 census, the population had reached 10,460, reflecting a 41.5% increase from 2010 and marking Belgrade as one of Montana's fastest-growing municipalities during that period. This expansion underscores the city's appeal as an affordable alternative to urban centers in the Gallatin Valley.[31] The 2024 population estimate stands at 12,741, continuing the upward trajectory with an annual growth rate of about 1.8% from the previous year. Key drivers include in-migration from Bozeman commuters seeking lower housing costs, as median home prices in Belgrade remain notably more accessible than in the larger city nearby. The expansion of Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, located within Belgrade's boundaries, has also bolstered growth by attracting jobs and related development, while the city's role as a bedroom community for Bozeman's workforce further fuels residential influx. Recent trends indicate a slowing in growth rates compared to prior years.[32][33][34] Looking ahead, projections indicate sustained rapid expansion, with Belgrade expected to add between 4,800 and 6,000 residents by 2030, potentially reaching around 16,000-17,000 people. This outlook positions the city as a vital extension of the Bozeman metropolitan area, supported by a highly educated populace; in 2023, approximately 37.4% of residents aged 25 and older held a bachelor's degree or higher, contributing to its attractiveness for professional commuters.[35][36]| Census Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 5,728 |
| 2010 | 7,389 |
| 2020 | 10,460 |
| 2024 (est.) | 12,741 |
