A side-by-side comparison to help you decide which Montana community is right for you.
| Overview | Columbia Falls | Chester |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 5,308 | 829 |
| Elevation | 3,077 ft | 3,133 ft |
| County | Flathead County | Liberty County |
| Region | Western Montana | Central Montana |
| Climate | ||
| January Avg High | 34°F | 33°F |
| January Avg Low | 20°F | 17°F |
| July Avg High | 81°F | 84°F |
| July Avg Low | 53°F | 59°F |
| Annual Precipitation | 19.3" | 11.8" |
| Annual Snowfall | 14.3" | 13.1" |
| Housing & Cost of Living (ACS 2019–2023) | ||
| Typical Home Value | $581,522 | $199,376 |
| Median Rent | $1,003/mo | $662/mo |
| Median Household Income | $65,313 | $53,583 |
| Access & Education | ||
| Nearest Airport | Kalispell (6 mi) | Havre (66 mi) |
| Zip Code | 59912 | 59522 |
| School District | Columbia Falls Public Schools | Chester-Joplin-Inverness Schools |
| Enrollment | ~1,800 | ~160 |
Outdoor Recreation & Attractions (within 30 mi)
Columbia Falls: 213 sites | Chester: 14 sites
| Category | Columbia Falls | Chester |
|---|---|---|
| 🚣 Boat Launch | 4 | — |
| ⛺ Campground | 48 | 9 |
| 📍 Disc Golf | 4 | — |
| 🐟 Fishing Access | 27 | — |
| ⛳ Golf | 7 | — |
| 📜 Historic Site | 4 | — |
| 🏞️ Lake | 26 | 3 |
| 🏛️ Museum | 8 | 2 |
| 🌲 National Forest | 1 | — |
| 🏔️ National Park | 1 | — |
| 📍 Nature Reserve | 6 | — |
| 🎣 River | 1 | — |
| ⛷️ Ski Area | 19 | — |
| 🌳 State Park | 9 | — |
| 🥾 Trailhead | 31 | — |
| 👀 Viewpoint | 6 | — |
| 💧 Waterfall | 11 | — |