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Montana

Billings

Nearest city: Billings
Population: 95,562
Median household income: $56,654

Billings, the state's largest city and near Yellowstone National Park, has low crime and a strong, energy-fed economy thanks in part to three nearby oil refineries. Billings is surrounded by mountain ranges and the Yellowstone River runs through the city, allowing for hiking, fishing, skiing, rafting, bird-watching, and boating opportunities.

Runners-up:
Missoula
Great Falls

Click here to see the 2010 version of the Best Places to Raise Your Kids

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