Great Falls

Great Falls, Montana Overview

Great Falls faces challenges across several categories, earning a C+ grade (52.0/100) and ranking #17 of 20 cities in Montana. Even so, the city scores 80/100 in Affordability — a relative bright spot compared to its Safety score of 37/100.

Income & Employment in Great Falls

The median household income in Great Falls is $63,934, 12% below the statewide median of $72,340. The local unemployment rate of 2.9% is lower than the state’s 3.7%. Population declined 0.4%.

Safety in Great Falls

With a violent crime rate of 566.6 per 100,000, Great Falls exceeds the Montana average of 377. Safety is a factor prospective residents should weigh carefully. The property crime rate is 4700.3 per 100,000.

Cost of Living in Great Falls

Great Falls has a cost of living index of 92.6 (where 100 equals the national average), slightly below the national benchmark. The median home value is $237,400. Median monthly rent is $866. Renters spend 16.3% of income on rent, well within the 30% affordability guideline.

Health & Wellness in Great Falls

The adult obesity rate in Great Falls is 35.8%, above the national average and a factor in the city’s health profile. The diabetes prevalence rate is 10.7%. Residents report an average of 19.2 poor mental health days per month, above the typical range. Montana ranks #20 nationally for overall health.

Education & Schools in Great Falls

Great Falls has a high school graduation rate of 83%. The student-teacher ratio is 15.5:1. Per-pupil spending is $11,664. The city has 20 public schools serving 9,986 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate & Commute in Great Falls

The annual average temperature in Great Falls is 54.2°F. Summers average 68.6°F. Winters average 36.6°F. Annual precipitation is 21.7 inches. The average commute of 14.3 minutes is notably short.

Frequently Asked Questions