Columbia Falls, MT
Population 5,531 · Montana
About Columbia Falls, MT
Columbia Falls is a small town located in Montana with a population of 5,531 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $65,313 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Columbia Falls features a median home value of $346,700, which is 42% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Columbia Falls in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,003, 14% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,364 total housing units, 64% are owner-occupied (1,379 units) and 36% are renter-occupied (761 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Columbia Falls shows an unemployment rate of 6.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 16.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Columbia Falls have an average one-way commute time of 20.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
31.6% of Columbia Falls residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 3.2% White, 2.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.4% Asian residents, with 2.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Columbia Falls Ranks in Montana
Cost of Living in Columbia Falls, MT
Compared to national averages, Columbia Falls has a median household income of $65,313 (13% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $346,700, which is 42% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,003 is 14% below the US average of $1,163. Within Montana, Columbia Falls's income is 1% below the state average of $65,821, and home values are 20% above the state median of $288,703.
Why Live in Columbia Falls, MT?
Columbia Falls offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,003/month, and short commute times averaging just 20.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($65,313) that falls below the national average. However, Columbia Falls’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Columbia Falls has a population of 5,531 with a median age of 38.3 years. Compare Columbia Falls with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Montana.
Similar Cities Near Columbia Falls
Cities in Montana with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Four Corners | 5,562 | $111,474 | $620,200 | Compare |
| Polson | 5,334 | $51,463 | $321,000 | Compare |
| Orchard Homes | 5,280 | $68,649 | $473,100 | Compare |
| Bigfork | 5,249 | $82,648 | $614,300 | Compare |
| Helena Valley Northwest | 5,070 | $101,278 | $358,600 | Compare |
| Lewistown | 6,028 | $44,195 | $159,500 | Compare |
| Hamilton | 4,949 | $52,917 | $299,800 | Compare |
| Glendive | 4,831 | $71,063 | $176,900 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Montana
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Columbia Falls With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Columbia Falls
What is the population of Columbia Falls, MT?
The population of Columbia Falls, MT is 5,531 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Montana.
What is the median household income in Columbia Falls?
The median household income in Columbia Falls, MT is $65,313 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Columbia Falls?
The median home value in Columbia Falls, MT is $346,700, which is 42% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Columbia Falls?
The median monthly rent in Columbia Falls, MT is $1,003, which is 14% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Columbia Falls?
The unemployment rate in Columbia Falls, MT is 6.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Columbia Falls, MT a good place to live?
Columbia Falls offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 5,531 and a median age of 38.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Columbia Falls, MT?
31.6% of residents in Columbia Falls aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Columbia Falls?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Columbia Falls, MT: median home value is $346,700 (42% above national), median rent is $1,003/month, and median household income is $65,313. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.3x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Columbia Falls?
The poverty rate in Columbia Falls, MT is 16.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Columbia Falls, MT?
Columbia Falls's population is 3.2% White, 2.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.4% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 2.4% of residents are foreign-born.