Billings is a city located in the south-central portion of the U.S. state of Montana. Billings is rapidly growing; As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 89,847, and a 2006 city estimate indicates the city's population has grown to 101,182 (up 10.9% or 11,281 since 2000). Billings is the county seat of Yellowstone CountyGR6 and is the principal city of the Billings Metropolitan Statistical Area which encompasses all of both Carbon and Yellowstone counties and Billings. In terms of population, it is the largest metropolitan area in Montana. It is nicknamed the Magic City because of its rapid growth from its founding as a railroad town in 1882.

It was said that Billings "grew like magic." Billings is named for Frederick H. Billings, president of the Northern Pacific Railroad. Due to Billings' status as the largest city in a 500 mile radius (south-central and eastern Montana and northern Wyoming), it serves as a shopping and accommodation center for area residents and highway travelers. The city's proximity to Yellowstone National Park, Pompey's Pillar, and the area where the Battle of the Little Bighorn was fought also draws a large number of tourists, especially during the summer months. Such traffic in recent years is largely due to Billings being on the most significant highway in Montana, Interstate 90.