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title: What is the Montana Municipal Classification System?
description: "\"Learn how Montana classifies municipalities into four categories based on population size, guiding governance and service requirements across the state.\""
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January 21, 2026

# What is the Montana Municipal Classification System?

## Montana’s Four-Tier Municipal Classification System

The Montana system of municipal classification is set forth in law at 7-1-4111, MCA, which provides four different categories or classes of municipalities based solely upon population, as detailed in the following table.

Table 1. 2 Municipal Classification   
(July 2010)  
Classification Population Number  
First Class 10,000 or more 7  
Second Class 5,000 to 9,999 3  
Third Class 1,000 to 4, 999 40  
Town Less than 1,000 75  
TOTAL 125

Note: Does not include the two consolidated governments of Anaconda‐Deer Lodge and Butte‐Silver Bow

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Resources prepared by the MSU Extension Local Government Center are intended for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. For interpretation or application of the law, please consult qualified legal counsel. The Montana State University Extension Service is an ADA/EO/AA/Veteran’s Preference Employer and Provider of Educational Outreach.

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