Largest city in Montana (8) - Crossword Clue
Answer: BILLINGS
Understanding Montana's Largest City: Billings
- Billings stands as Montana's most populous city, serving as the economic and cultural hub of the state's eastern region.
- With over 117,000 residents in the city proper and approximately 180,000 in the metropolitan area, Billings significantly outpaces other Montana cities like Missoula, Great Falls, and Bozeman in population size.
Why Billings is Montana's Urban Center
- Located in south-central Montana along the Yellowstone River, Billings earned its status as the largest city through strategic geographic positioning and economic development.
- The city sits at a transportation crossroads, making it a natural commercial center for the northern Great Plains region.
- Its economy thrives on healthcare, energy production, agriculture, and distribution services.
Tips for Solving Montana City Crosswords
- Remember the letter count: When you see "(8)" in a Montana city clue, BILLINGS fits perfectly
- Look for population clues: Terms like "largest," "biggest," or "most populous" in Montana contexts almost always indicate Billings
- Cross-reference patterns: The double "L" in the middle and "ING" ending help confirm the answer
- Geographic context: If the puzzle mentions Yellowstone River or south-central Montana, Billings is likely
- Alternative cluing: Watch for clues about Montana's economic center or "Magic City" (Billings' nickname)
Largest city in Montana (8) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: Why is Billings called the "Magic City"?
The nickname originated from the city's rapid growth after its 1882 founding, seemingly appearing "magically" on the Montana plains as the railroad expanded westward.
Q: Is Billings bigger than Montana's capital?
Yes, significantly. Helena, Montana's capital, has only about 32,000 residents compared to Billings' 117,000+, making it roughly one-fourth the size.
Q: What other Montana cities commonly appear in crosswords?
Missoula, Butte, Bozeman, and Helena appear frequently, typically with different letter counts that distinguish them from Billings in puzzles.
Q: How do you remember the spelling of Billings?
Think "BILL-INGS" - the word "bill" plus the suffix "ings," with double-L in the middle, making it eight letters total.
