Why Move to Columbia Falls?
Columbia Falls is a town of 5,308 people in Flathead County County, sitting at 3,077 feet in elevation. Known as "The Gateway to Glacier," it combines the best of Montana living — stunning natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and a strong community — with small-city conveniences.
Montana has no state sales tax and no tax on retirement income, making it financially attractive for both working professionals and retirees. Columbia Falls specifically offers 439 recreation and attraction sites nearby, a housing affordability ratio of 8.9x, and four distinct seasons.
Cost of Living in Columbia Falls
The typical home value in Columbia Falls is $581,522, with homes currently listing at a median of $809,833. Renters can expect to pay around $1,003 per month. The median household income is $65,313.
The affordability ratio (home price ÷ income) is 8.9x, which is on the expensive side, reflecting strong demand.
Montana has no state sales tax, which saves residents money on everyday purchases. The state also has no tax on Social Security or other retirement income. Property taxes are moderate, based on assessed value.
Columbia Falls Housing Market
There are currently 84 homes for sale in Columbia Falls — down 18.4% from last year, indicating tightening supply. The community has 2,364 total housing units with a 9.5% vacancy rate.
Inventory data from Zillow Research (Jan 2026). Vacancy & housing units from U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year 2019–2023. Market conditions change — verify current listings before making decisions.
See detailed housing data and percentile rankings on the full Columbia Falls profile.
Columbia Falls Weather & Climate
Columbia Falls experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are warm with July highs averaging 81°F. Winters are relatively mild with January lows around 20°F. Expect about 14" of snow annually.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Precip | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 34°F | 20°F | 1.5" | 2.6" |
| Feb | 32°F | 14°F | 1.5" | 3.2" |
| Mar | 44°F | 23°F | 1.2" | 1.4" |
| Apr | 52°F | 29°F | 1.7" | 1.4" |
| May | 63°F | 40°F | 2.5" | 0.1" |
| Jun | 71°F | 48°F | 2.3" | 0" |
| Jul | 81°F | 53°F | 0.5" | 0" |
| Aug | 80°F | 53°F | 1.1" | 0" |
| Sep | 69°F | 46°F | 1.6" | 0.1" |
| Oct | 53°F | 34°F | 1.7" | 0.8" |
| Nov | 40°F | 26°F | 2" | 1.8" |
| Dec | 33°F | 21°F | 1.7" | 2.9" |
Outdoor Recreation Near Columbia Falls
Columbia Falls has access to 439 recreation and attraction sites spanning 19 categories. Glacier National Park (West Glacier) is just 13 miles away. For skiing, Whitefish Mountain Resort is 11 miles from town.
Top Nearby Attractions
- Whitefish Mountain Resort (Ski Area) — 11 miles
- Lee's Way (Ski Area) — 11 miles
- Snow Making Ponds (Ski Area) — 11 miles
- Knox Landing (Ski Area) — 11 miles
- Powder Bowl (Ski Area) — 11 miles
- Little Bavaria (Ski Area) — 11 miles
- Fault 2 (Ski Area) — 11 miles
- Whitey's (Ski Area) — 11 miles
Rivers
Flathead River, Swan River are all within reach for fishing, floating, and kayaking.
Lakes
Nearby lakes include Cedar Lake, Bailey Lake, Spoon Lake, Whitefish Lake, Grand View Lake.
Hot Springs
Symes Hot Springs (58 mi), Wild Horse Hot Springs (58 mi), Alameda Hot Springs (59 mi) — perfect for soaking after a day on the trails.
Explore all 439 recreation sites on the full Columbia Falls profile.
Jobs & Economy in Columbia Falls
Columbia Falls has an unemployment rate of 6.8%, which is above the state average and may present challenges for job seekers. The labor force participation rate is 69.4%.
The top industries by employment are Tourism & Hospitality (22.5%), Education & Healthcare (14.5%), Construction (13.5%). Approximately 2,856 residents are employed locally.
Employment by Industry
| Industry | Share of Employment |
|---|---|
| Tourism & Hospitality | 22.5% |
| Education & Healthcare | 14.5% |
| Construction | 13.5% |
Montana has no state sales tax and no tax on retirement income, making it attractive for both workers and retirees.
Employment and industry data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year 2019–2023. Current conditions may differ.
Schools & Education
Columbia Falls is served by the Columbia Falls Public Schools school district with approximately 1,800 students enrolled. The high school graduation rate is 87%, which is near the Montana state average of ~87%. Per-pupil spending is approximately $10,700.
Visit Columbia Falls Public Schools for enrollment information and school performance data.
Graduation rates from OPI/NCES 2022–23. Per-pupil spending from Montana OPI fiscal data.
Healthcare in Columbia Falls
The nearest hospital is North Valley Hospital in Whitefish, 7.9 miles away. For advanced or emergency care, Logan Health Medical Center in Kalispell (Level 3 Trauma Center) is 12.7 miles away.
Hospital data from MT DPHHS 2024. Verify services directly with facilities.
Getting to Columbia Falls
Columbia Falls is accessible via the following airports:
- Bozeman Yellowstone Intl — 275 miles (290 min drive)
- Billings Logan Intl — 383 miles (398 min drive)
- Missoula Intl — 121 miles (136 min drive)
- Glacier Park Intl (Kalispell) — 6 miles (21 min drive)
- Great Falls Intl — 173 miles (188 min drive)
Pros & Cons of Living in Columbia Falls
Pros
- No state sales tax
- 439+ recreation sites nearby
- Milder winters than eastern Montana
- Skiing at Whitefish Mountain Resort (11 mi)
- Near Glacier National Park (West Glacier)
- Strong healthcare access
- Authentic small-town community
- No state income tax on retirement
Cons
- Cold winters
- Housing costs above national average
- Higher unemployment (6.8%)
- Distance from major metro areas
- Airport is a significant drive
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Columbia Falls, Montana?
The typical home value is $581,522 and rent averages $1,003/month. The median household income is $65,313. Montana has no state sales tax, which helps offset costs.
What are winters like in Columbia Falls?
January lows average 20°F with about 14" of annual snowfall. Compared to eastern Montana, winters here are relatively mild.
Is Columbia Falls a good place to live?
Columbia Falls offers 439 nearby recreation sites, a higher affordability ratio of 8.9x, and four distinct seasons. It's 13 miles from Glacier National Park (West Glacier). Montana's lack of sales tax and retirement income tax are significant benefits.
How many homes are for sale in Columbia Falls?
As of early 2026, there were 84 homes for sale in Columbia Falls, down 18.4% from the prior year. The community has 2,364 total housing units with a 9.5% vacancy rate (Census ACS 2019–2023). Check Zillow or local MLS for the most current listings.
What is the job market like in Columbia Falls?
Columbia Falls has a 6.8% unemployment rate, which is above the state average. Labor force participation is 69.4%. About 2,856 residents are employed locally. The leading industry is tourism & hospitality. Montana has no state sales tax, which benefits both businesses and consumers.
How are the schools in Columbia Falls?
The Columbia Falls Public Schools school district has a graduation rate of 87%, near the state average. Approximately 1,800 students are enrolled. Per-pupil spending is approximately $10,700.
What healthcare is available in Columbia Falls?
The nearest hospital is North Valley Hospital in Whitefish (7.9 miles). The nearest major trauma center is Logan Health Medical Center in Kalispell, 12.7 miles away. There are 4 hospitals within 60 miles.
Where is the nearest skiing to Columbia Falls?
Whitefish Mountain Resort is 11 miles from Columbia Falls. The area receives about 14" of snow annually.