Columbia Falls, MT demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
5,615
1.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$75,766/yr
16.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,471
4.5% year-over-year change

Columbia Falls population

How many people live in Columbia Falls

Columbia Falls is home to 5,615 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.4% of Columbia Falls locals are male, and 50.6% are female.

Total population
5,615
1.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.4%
2,775
Female
50.6%
2,840
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,775 49.4% 0.3%
Female 2,840 50.6% 2.7%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Columbia Falls is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.2% are children under 15, then 16.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 29.7% of the population, while another 23.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 11.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.2%
15 to 24
16.8%
25 to 44
29.7%
45 to 64
23.5%
Over 65
11.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,019 18.2% -8.4%
15 to 24 941 16.8% 26.0%
25 to 44 1,669 29.7% 2.1%
45 to 64 1,319 23.5% -5.2%
Over 65 667 11.9% 3.6%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Columbia Falls, 98.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.8% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 4.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.8%
Non-citizens
0.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 5,524 98.4% 2.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 46 0.8% -33.3%
Non-citizens 45 0.8% -43.8%
Racial breakdown
White
93.8%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.2%
Other
1.4%
Value Percent
White 5,268 93.8%
Asian 37 0.7%
Two or more races 233 4.2%
Other 77 1.4%

Households in Columbia Falls

A peek inside Columbia Falls households

Columbia Falls has 2,209 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 68.6% are families, while the remaining 31.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,209
3.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
693
Family households
1,516
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 693 31.4% 11.1%
Family households 1,516 68.6% 0.0%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Columbia Falls

The housing landscape of Columbia Falls

Columbia Falls's housing consists of 2,471 units, with 59.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.5% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 4.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,471
4.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,480 59.9%
1 unit, attached 36 1.5%
2 units 201 8.1%
3 or 4 units 206 8.3%
5 to 9 units 240 9.7%
10 to 19 units 89 3.6%
20 to 49 units 85 3.4%
50 or more units 22 0.9%
Mobile home 112 4.5%
Homes built since 2020
12
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Columbia Falls

In Columbia Falls, the median construction year is 1980. About 6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 9.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 8.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 14% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 147 6% -1.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 232 9.4% 26.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 230 9.3% 27.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 127 5.1% -9.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 508 20.6% -11.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 347 14% 28.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 321 13% 20.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 201 8.1% -17.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 346 14% -2.3%
Built in 2020 or later 12 0.5% N/A
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Columbia Falls occupancy rates

Out of the 2,209 occupied housing units in Columbia Falls, 56% are owner-occupied, while 44% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,209
3.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
971
Owner occupied
1,238
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 971 44% 27.6%
Owner occupied 1,238 56% -10.2%
Unoccupied housing units
10.6%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Columbia Falls housing costs

Housing costs in Columbia Falls come to a median of $1,117 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,016.

Median housing costs per month
$1,117/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Columbia Falls
$1,016/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Columbia Falls

Columbia Falls education at a glance

About 36.6% of the population in Columbia Falls went to high school, while 21.8% pursued college studies. Another 9.3% earned an associate degree and 20.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 138 3.2% 17.9%
High school diploma 1,560 36.6% -4.0%
College diploma 931 21.8% 10.7%
Associate degree 395 9.3% 2.3%
Bachelor's degree 863 20.2% 0.1%
Graduate degree 380 8.9% 5.3%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Columbia Falls

How much people earn in Columbia Falls

The average annual household income in Columbia Falls was $80,777 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $75,766, reflecting a +16% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Columbia Falls
$80,777/year
3.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Columbia Falls
$75,766/year
16.0% year-over-year change

Columbia Falls income by age

In Columbia Falls, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $79,943. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $68,920 overall. Overall, 85.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $79,943 2.8%
45 - 64 $68,920 6.7%
Over 65 $76,974 N/A
Above poverty level
4,601
Below poverty level
803
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,601 85.1% 2.9%
Below poverty level 803 14.9% -7.0%

Average renter income in Columbia Falls

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Columbia Falls, their median household income was $30,907 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 39.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$30,907
Rent-to-income ratio
39.4%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Columbia Falls

Workforce and job types in Columbia Falls

The job market in Columbia Falls is powered by 2,934 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 74.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 25.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 14.7% run their own businesses, 66.4% are employed by private companies, and 11.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,934
2.7% year-over-year change
White collar
2,184
Blue collar
750
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,184 74.4% 0.6%
Blue collar 750 25.6% 9.5%
Employer type
Self employees
14.7%
Private companies
66.4%
Governmental workers
11.3%
Not for profit companies
7.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 430 14.7% 0.0%
Private companies 1,949 66.4% 4.0%
Governmental workers 332 11.3% 8.1%
Not for profit companies 223 7.6% -9.0%
Unemployment rate
5.6%
-17.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Columbia Falls stands at 5.6%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Columbia Falls

How people get around in Columbia Falls

Commuting methods vary: 83% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 2,421 83% 8.4%
Walk 64 2.2% -16.9%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Columbia Falls by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
59912 15,752 5,995 $76,617 $91,604

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FAQs about Columbia Falls demographics 

What is the total population of Columbia Falls?

Columbia Falls has a total population of 5,615 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +1.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Columbia Falls?

The gender ratio in Columbia Falls is as follows:
  • 49.4% males (2,775 residents)
  • 50.6% females (2,840 residents)

What is the median age in Columbia Falls?

The median age in Columbia Falls is 36.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Columbia Falls?

The age distribution in Columbia Falls is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.2% (1,019 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 16.8% (941 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 29.7% (1,669 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.5% (1,319 residents)
  • Over 65: 11.9% (667 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Columbia Falls?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Columbia Falls is as follows:
  • White: 93.8% (5,268 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.7% (37 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.2% (233 residents)
  • Other: 1.4% (77 residents)

What percentage of the population in Columbia Falls are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.4% of the population in Columbia Falls.

How many housing units are there in Columbia Falls?

There are 2,471 housing units in Columbia Falls, reflecting a +4.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Columbia Falls and what is the average household size?

Columbia Falls has a total of 2,209 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Columbia Falls?

Columbia Falls has a median household income of $75,766, representing a +16.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Columbia Falls?

The employment rate is 94.4% in Columbia Falls, with a workforce of 2,934 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 74.4% (2,184 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 25.6% (750 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 14.7% (430 residents)
  • Private companies: 66.4% (1,949 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.3% (332 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.6% (223 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025