MontanaPop. 60,329Smaller cities
Is Great Falls a Good Place to Live? Great Falls, Montana: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Great Falls ranks #997 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #419 of 524 smaller cities and #17 of 20 in Montana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (14.9 min, #3 of 524) and low rents ($900/mo, #10 of 524), and trails on high violent crime (631 per 100,000, #405 of 444) and low household income ($63,373, #412 of 524).
Great Falls by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Great Falls's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Great Falls?
Great Falls's cost of living index is 96.8, 3% below the US level of 100 and #535 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $900/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $340,160, 28% below the typical Montana home ($471,746).
| Measure | Great Falls | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 96.8#535 of 1,308 | 94.6 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $340,160#497 of 1,187 | $471,746 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,374/mo#233 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $257,000#407 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $900/mo#88 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 4.1x#604 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 17%#155 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Montana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Great Falls housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Great Falls is in the Great Falls, MT metro.
Montana housing market →Is Great Falls safe?
Great Falls recorded 631 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 92% above the US rate of 328 and 51% above Montana's 419. That ranks #928 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #405 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Great Falls Police Department. Property crime runs 3,669 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Great Falls | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 631#928 of 1,085 | 419 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 3,669#1028 of 1,085 | 1,449 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Montana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Great Falls?
The median household in Great Falls earns $63,373, 24% below the US figure of $83,163 and 16% below Montana ($75,340). Unemployment is 3.3% (US 4.3%). 14.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Great Falls | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $63,373#968 of 1,312 | $75,340 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.3%#186 of 1,058 | 3.3% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 14.5%#830 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.2%#538 of 1,132 | +0.6% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Montana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Great Falls?
The median resident of Great Falls is 39 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 27.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #880 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 66.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Great Falls | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 39 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 27.8%#880 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 66.1% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Great Falls's schools and health?
Great Falls's 19 public schools graduate 83% of students in four years (Montana 85.8%), with 15.5 students per teacher and $11,665 spent per pupil. 35.8% of adults are obese and 10.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Great Falls | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 83%#778 of 1,063 | 85.8% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 15.5#546 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $11,665#998 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 35.8%#840 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 10.7%#555 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 19.2%#1076 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 10%#656 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Montana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 9,963 students are enrolled in Great Falls's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Great Falls?
The average commute in Great Falls is 14.9 minutes (Montana 19.5); 0.8% of workers take transit and 6.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Great Falls scores 9.4 of 20 (below average walkable), #763 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 64.7°F and winters 25.8°F, with 14.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Great Falls | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 14.9 min#59 of 1,312 | 19.5 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 3%#191 of 1,312 | 5% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 79.3% | 71.6% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.8% | 0.8% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 2% | 3.8% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.7% | 0.9% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 6.8% | 11.7% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 9.4#763 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Montana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 35.3 | 15 | 0.6 |
| Feb | 37.1 | 15.4 | 0.6 |
| Mar | 46.1 | 22.1 | 0.7 |
| Apr | 54.9 | 29.9 | 1.7 |
| May | 64.6 | 38.4 | 2.4 |
| Jun | 72.8 | 45.9 | 2.7 |
| Jul | 84.3 | 51.4 | 1.2 |
| Aug | 83.2 | 50.3 | 1.2 |
| Sep | 71.7 | 42.8 | 1.3 |
| Oct | 57 | 32.6 | 1.1 |
| Nov | 43.7 | 23.6 | 0.7 |
| Dec | 35.6 | 16.3 | 0.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Great Falls Airport.
| Measure | Great Falls | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 44.6°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 64.7°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 25.8°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 14.8 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Great Falls Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Great Falls?
Cascade County's air had a median air quality index of 46, and 60% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Cascade County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, wildfire, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, lower than 51% of US counties.
| Measure | Great Falls | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 46#700 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.15%#661 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Cascade County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Cascade County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | 0.12% | 82% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0033% | 73% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0038% | 58% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0014% | 41% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0011% | 18% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Great Falls compare with similar-size cities?
Great Falls is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #419 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 60,329.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Great Falls, MTPop. 60,329 | #997 | 50.1 | $63,373 | $900/mo | 631 | 14.9 min |
| Meriden, CTPop. 60,545 | #599 | 56.7 | $71,253 | $1,294/mo | 153 | 23 min |
| Stonecrest, GAPop. 60,501 | #1155 | 46.5 | $64,591 | $1,601/mo | no data | 36 min |
| Taunton, MAPop. 60,433 | #611 | 56.5 | $79,283 | $1,324/mo | 386 | 29.3 min |
| North Miami, FLPop. 60,344 | #1156 | 46.5 | $57,188 | $1,702/mo | part year | 31.8 min |
| Wylie, TXPop. 60,334 | #278 | 62.6 | $119,522 | $2,189/mo | 81 | 31.4 min |
| Owensboro, KYPop. 60,302 | #908 | 51.6 | $56,357 | $905/mo | 413 | 17.1 min |
| Pico Rivera, CAPop. 60,272 | #1100 | 47.9 | $88,201 | $1,786/mo | 480 | 30.3 min |
| Madison, ALPop. 60,106 | #28 | 72.1 | $134,655 | $1,453/mo | 152 | 20.2 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Great Falls compare with the rest of Montana?
Great Falls ranks #17 of the 20 Montana cities we track, with a score of 50.1 against Montana's statewide 75. Its households earn 16% below the Montana median. Violent crime is 51% above the statewide rate. Homes are 28% below the typical Montana home.
| City | Rank in MT | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bozeman, MTPop. 56,114 | #1 | 64.2 | $85,747 | $1,717/mo | 397 |
| Belgrade, MTPop. 11,872 | #2 | 60.3 | $97,328 | $1,877/mo | 331 |
| Missoula, MTPop. 76,514 | #3 | 58.6 | $70,392 | $1,189/mo | 591 |
| Whitefish, MTPop. 8,749 | #4 | 58.0 | $73,811 | $1,354/mo | 176 |
| Helena, MTPop. 33,639 | #5 | 57.9 | $71,036 | $1,092/mo | 582 |
| Kalispell, MTPop. 28,504 | #6 | 56.6 | $63,415 | $1,078/mo | 409 |
| Butte, MTPop. 35,052 | #7 | 55.8 | $61,857 | $856/mo | no data |
| Miles City, MTPop. 8,407 | #8 | 54.8 | $67,727 | $926/mo | 356 |
| Helena Valley West Central, MTPop. 8,056 | #9 | 54.8 | $90,082 | $1,327/mo | no data |
| Sidney, MTPop. 6,171 | #10 | 54.6 | $62,538 | $931/mo | 655 |
| Billings, MTPop. 119,434 | #11 | 52.8 | $73,712 | $1,138/mo | 763 |
| Livingston, MTPop. 8,780 | #12 | 52.7 | $65,861 | $1,046/mo | 317 |
| Anaconda, MTPop. 9,597 | #13 | 52.6 | $57,527 | $696/mo | no data |
| Laurel, MTPop. 7,215 | #14 | 52.6 | $68,474 | $974/mo | 303 |
| Helena Valley Southeast, MTPop. 9,108 | #15 | 50.4 | $74,075 | $1,106/mo | no data |
| Evergreen, MTPop. 9,611 | #16 | 50.3 | $76,446 | $1,166/mo | no data |
| Great Falls, MTPop. 60,329 | #17 | 50.1 | $63,373 | $900/mo | 631 |
| Lockwood, MTPop. 7,181 | #18 | 48.7 | $75,700 | $1,138/mo | no data |
| Lewistown, MTPop. 6,087 | #19 | 48.0 | $48,750 | $1,007/mo | 639 |
| Havre, MTPop. 9,258 | #20 | 43.8 | $50,329 | $844/mo | 763 |
All 20 Montana cities we track, by overall score. Montana statewide: median income $75,340, violent crime 419.1 per 100,000.
How is Great Falls's score calculated?
Great Falls scores 50.1 out of 100, #997 of 1,312 (grade C, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Montana's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Great Falls. Similar-size median 55.5.
51.7 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Great Falls's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
40.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Great Falls. Similar-size median 58.9.
49.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Great Falls's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
49.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Great Falls's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
77.8 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Great Falls. Similar-size median 56.1.
41.0 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Great Falls. Similar-size median 42.4.
45.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Great Falls. Similar-size median 50.0.
48.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Great Falls's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
44.2 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
49.7 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Great Falls's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Great Falls has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Great Falls
Is Great Falls, MT a good place to live?
Great Falls ranks #997 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #419 of 524 smaller cities and #17 of 20 in Montana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (14.9 min, #3 of 524) and low rents ($900/mo, #10 of 524), and trails on high violent crime (631 per 100,000, #405 of 444) and low household income ($63,373, #412 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Great Falls?
Great Falls's cost of living index is 96.8, 3% below the US level of 100 and #535 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $900/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $340,160, 28% below the typical Montana home ($471,746).
What is the crime rate in Great Falls?
Great Falls recorded 631 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 92% above the US rate of 328 and 51% above Montana's 419. That ranks #928 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #405 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Great Falls Police Department. Property crime runs 3,669 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Great Falls?
The median household in Great Falls earns $63,373, 24% below the US figure of $83,163 and 16% below Montana ($75,340). Unemployment is 3.3% (US 4.3%). 14.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Great Falls?
Median rent in Great Falls is $900/mo (Census), #88 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,374/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 17% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Great Falls?
The typical home value in Great Falls is $340,160, up 3% in a year, against $471,746 for Montana and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $257,000.
How are the public schools in Great Falls?
Great Falls's 19 public schools graduate 83% of students in four years (Montana 85.8%), with 15.5 students per teacher and $11,665 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Great Falls?
The average commute is 14.9 minutes, #59 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 19.5 minutes across Montana. 3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Great Falls?
Great Falls averages 44.6°F over the year, 64.7°F in summer and 25.8°F in winter, with 14.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Great Falls walkable?
Great Falls scores 9.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #763 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Great Falls at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Cascade County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, wildfire, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, lower than 51% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Great Falls?
Cascade County's air had a median air quality index of 46, and 60% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Great Falls?
Great Falls has 60,329 residents. The median resident of Great Falls is 39 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 27.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #880 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 66.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Great Falls compare with the rest of Montana?
Great Falls ranks #17 of the 20 Montana cities we track, with a score of 50.1 against Montana's statewide 75. Its households earn 16% below the Montana median. Violent crime is 51% above the statewide rate. Homes are 28% below the typical Montana home.
What cities are similar in size to Great Falls?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Great Falls's population of 60,329 are Meriden, CT (#599 overall), Stonecrest, GA (#1155 overall), Taunton, MA (#611 overall), North Miami, FL (#1156 overall), and Wylie, TX (#278 overall). Great Falls is #997.