Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Columbia Falls, MT
Considering Columbia Falls, MT for your next move? This friendly town of 5,570 offers affordable living, with a median home price of $409,000 and average rents around $1,250. Residents enjoy a quick 20-minute average commute, low crime rates, and easy access to excellent outdoor recreation and respected schools. With a relaxed pace, four-season climate, and scenic beauty near Glacier National Park, Columbia Falls is ideal for those seeking community and natural surroundings.
Demographics - Columbia Falls, MT
Demographics - Columbia Falls, MT
Columbia Falls is home to 5,570 residents, with a median age of 38.2 and a nearly even gender balance. The community is predominantly White, and it maintains a moderate population density. Non-English speakers make up a small portion of the population, contributing to the town’s close-knit and accessible feel.
Population:
5,570
Density:
1,850 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
94.2%
Black:
0.2%
Asian:
0.4%
Others:
4.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Columbia Falls, MT?
Living in Columbia Falls is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $409,000 and average rents at $1,250. The cost of living index sits just above the national average, while state taxes range from 1.0% to 6.75%. Utilities and transportation costs are slightly below average, making daily expenses manageable for most residents.
Median House Value:
$409,000
Gross Rent:
$1,250
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$95
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,750
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$525
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
6.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
102.7
Grocery:
104.3
Housing:
106.5
Utilities:
91.8
Transportation:
98.1
Health Care:
97.2
Miscellaneous:
100.7
Crime
Is Columbia Falls, MT a safe place to live?
Columbia Falls boasts a low violent crime rate of 182 incidents per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 1,471 per 100,000. Residents enjoy a safe environment, with a 1 in 549 chance of experiencing violent crime. The overall crime index suggests the town is a secure choice for families and individuals alike.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
182
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,471
Crime Index:
1,653
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 549
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 68
Weather
What is the weather like in Columbia Falls, MT year-round?
The city experiences all four seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 81°F and chilly winters with lows around 15°F. Annual rainfall averages nearly 23 inches, and about 47% of days are sunny, offering a pleasant mix for outdoor enthusiasts. Residents can enjoy a variety of seasonal activities throughout the year.
Winter
Min:
15°F
Max:
31°F
Spring
Min:
30°F
Max:
61°F
Summer
Min:
48°F
Max:
81°F
Fall
Min:
34°F
Max:
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
22.9 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
47%
Neighbors
Households in Columbia Falls earn a median income of $57,300, with a 10.8% poverty rate and a low unemployment rate of 3.7%. Most adults have at least a high school education, and the average commute is just over 20 minutes. The community is family-friendly and primarily English-speaking, fostering a welcoming small-town atmosphere.
Median Income:
$33,400
Household Income:
$57,300
Family Income:
$66,100
Per Capita Income:
$27,900
Income Male:
$38,500
Income Female:
$32,000
Poverty Rate:
10.8%
Non English Speakers:
3.5%
Rent:
$1,250
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
20.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
93.2%
Bachelors or More:
22.5%
Education
How are the schools in Columbia Falls, MT?
Columbia Falls offers reputable public schools, such as Columbia Falls High School and Glacier Gateway Elementary, both with favorable student-teacher ratios. Higher education is accessible with Flathead Valley Community College just 14 miles away in Kalispell. Families benefit from strong local education options and proximity to further learning opportunities.
Public Schools
Name:
Columbia Falls High School
Street:
610 13th St W
Phone:
406-892-6500
Students:
630
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2
Name:
Glacier Gateway Elementary
Street:
440 4th Ave W
Phone:
406-892-6540
Students:
430
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.8
Colleges
Name:
Flathead Valley Community College
City:
Kalispell
State:
MT
Distance:
14 miles
Students:
2,500
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals nearby in Whitefish and Kalispell and 2.0 physicians per 1,000 people. Health insurance coverage is high at 89.4%, and emergency services are readily available. The area’s healthcare index reflects reliable services for families and individuals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
North Valley Hospital
Address:
1600 Hospital Way, Whitefish, MT 59937
Phone:
(406) 863-3500
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Kalispell Regional Medical Center
Address:
310 Sunnyview Ln, Kalispell, MT 59901
Phone:
(406) 752-5111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.0
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.4%
Health Care Index:
77.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Columbia Falls, MT?
The housing market in Columbia Falls features a median home price of $409,000 and an average two-bedroom rent of $1,250. Home ownership is common, with nearly 69% of residents owning their homes, and the market has seen a healthy appreciation rate of 6.2% over the past year. Rental vacancies remain moderate, providing options for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$409,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,250
Owner Occupied Rate:
68.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Motor vehicle services for Columbia Falls are managed by the Montana Motor Vehicle Division, located in Helena. Residents can access services online or by phone for licensing and registration needs. The DMV offers user-friendly resources to streamline vehicle-related tasks.
State:
Montana
Department:
Montana Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
302 N Roberts, Helena, MT 59620
Phone:
406-444-3933
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.