Billings Construction Activity Shows Strong Growth

Construction starts in Billings surged by 49 percent last year with further growth expected.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Construction

Billings Construction Activity Shows Strong Growth

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Billings experienced a 49 percent increase in construction starts during 2025. This rise in activity reflects both public and private sector development across the city.

Why it matters

Public-sector projects often face constraints from funding challenges, budget uncertainty, and election cycles. Meanwhile, private developers continue to prioritize multifamily housing projects to meet market demand.

Construction starts in Billings jumped by 49 percent in 2025, with industry analysts forecasting a further 24 percent increase. Private commercial development remains heavily concentrated in the multifamily housing sector.

The players

Montana State University

This educational institution recently opened its College of Nursing campus in Billings.

Babcock Theatre

This historic local venue is currently undergoing a renovation project that is nearing completion.

ZooMontana

This organization has commenced building an Animal Health Center on its premises.

The details

Recent activity includes the enrollment of the first students at the Montana State University College of Nursing Billings campus and the near-completion of the Babcock Theatre renovation. Additionally, ZooMontana has initiated construction on a new Animal Health Center.

Construction starts increased by 49 percent in 2025.

Market Landscape

The surge in development activity aligns with the broader industry trend of prioritizing multifamily housing construction. This positioning reflects how local developers are adjusting to current market concentrations and housing demand.

Residents may notice changes in the local landscape as public projects like the ZooMontana health center and university expansions reach completion. Increased construction activity often signals a shift in the local housing market and potential changes to infrastructure priorities.

The takeaway

Understanding the balance between public funding constraints and private investment is key to tracking the citys growth. Residents should monitor local budget discussions for updates on future community construction priorities.