What to know when moving to Great Falls, MT
Great Falls at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community with 41.5% of residents as renters and a median household income of $53,750.
- The Major Draw:
- Median gross rent is $767, making it relatively affordable compared to other regions.
- The Reality Check:
- With a poverty rate of 19.8%, some residents face economic challenges.
- Commute:
- Only 1.2% use public transit, indicating a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $767/month in rent to find a suitable place.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Great Falls presents a mix of homeownership and renting, with 41.5% of residents renting their homes. The community has a fairly modest median household income of $53,750, and 26.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, indicating a reasonably educated population. However, a poverty rate of 19.8% suggests that some residents may struggle financially. With a low public transit usage of 1.2%, newcomers should plan on car travel.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for strong public transit options or are sensitive to high poverty rates.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $767, while the median owner-occupied home value is $206,100.
- 26.7% of residents have a bachelor's degree or higher, contributing to the community's educational character.
- The poverty rate stands at 19.8%, which may impact local economic conditions.
- 41.5% of households are renters, providing a significant rental market.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Montana has a higher violent crime rate compared to the national average, with 407.2 incidents per 100,000 residents, which is 25.2% higher than the national rate. The state has seen a 6% decrease in violent crime from 2022 to 2025. Property crime rates stand at 1,445 incidents per 100,000 residents, which is 6.6% lower than the national average.
- Violent crime: 407.2 per 100k vs. national 325.3, with a 6% decrease since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,445 per 100k vs. national 1,546.9, also down 27.2% since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate decreased by 31% since 2022, with a current rate of 3.1 per 100k.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Montana).
Schools & Higher Ed
Great Falls has access to three postsecondary institutions, providing educational opportunities in the area.
- Great Falls College Montana State University
- Montana Academy of Salons
- University of Providence
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Great Falls experiences an average annual precipitation of about 9.1 inches, with around 70 rainy days each year. Winters are relatively mild, with only 5 snow days annually. The climate allows for enjoyable outdoor activities, especially during the warmer months.
- Giant Springs State Park - 4.8 stars (2,610 reviews)
- Gibson Park - 4.6 stars (1,659 reviews)
- C. M. Russell Museum - 4.7 stars (816 reviews)
- Montana ExpoPark - 4.3 stars (979 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.