Columbia Falls, MT
Population 5,531 · Montana
About Columbia Falls, MT
Columbia Falls is a small community in Montana with a population of 5,531 residents. The median household income is $65,313 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Columbia Falls is 38.3 years.
Housing in Columbia Falls has a median home value of $346,700 and median monthly rent of $1,003. Of the 2,364 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 1,379 owner-occupied and 761 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Columbia Falls is 6.8% and the poverty rate is 16.1%. 31.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 20.1 minutes.
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.
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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 Census data.
What is the median household income in Columbia Falls?
The median household income in Columbia Falls, MT is $65,313 per year.
What is the median home value in Columbia Falls?
The median home value in Columbia Falls, MT is $346,700.
What is the average rent in Columbia Falls?
The median monthly rent in Columbia Falls, MT is $1,003.
What is the unemployment rate in Columbia Falls?
The unemployment rate in Columbia Falls, MT is 6.8%.