West Billings plans for 6800 new households to accommodate population growth by 2045

The Billings City Council Work Session on December 2, 2024, focused on addressing the growing housing needs in the West Billings area as the city anticipates significant population growth. City planners presented projections indicating that the population in the planning area is expected to nearly double from approximately 16,000 in 2021 to around 30,000 by 2045. This growth will necessitate the accommodation of about 6,800 new households.

To understand the housing requirements, city officials analyzed data from the Governor's Task Force, which emphasized the importance of affordable housing for the well-being of families and the local economy. Currently, 29% of households in Yellowstone County are considered cost-burdened, meaning they spend more than 30% of their income on housing. This figure includes 22% of homeowners and a striking 43% of renters.

The discussion highlighted the concept of "missing middle housing," which refers to affordable housing options such as duplexes, triplexes, and small-scale multifamily units. These types of housing are seen as essential to meet the diverse needs of the community and provide attainable living options for residents.

City planners are now tasked with developing a comprehensive strategy to incorporate these housing types into future developments, ensuring that the growing population can find suitable and affordable homes in Billings. The meeting underscored the urgency of addressing housing challenges as the city prepares for its projected growth.