Is Great Falls Safe, Pros and cons of living in Great Falls

Great Falls, Montana, situated in the central part of the state, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and a growing community. Bisected by the Missouri River and located east of the Rocky Mountains, the city provides access to outdoor adventures and a distinct cultural heritage. Its nickname, “The Electric City,” hints at its historical ties to hydroelectric power, while its designation as “The Western Art Capital of The World” speaks to its rich artistic contributions.

This city serves as a significant commercial, financial, and cultural hub for central Montana. Its strategic location makes it a gateway to popular destinations like Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park, attracting visitors and residents alike. The community is known for its welcoming atmosphere, bolstered by the presence of Malmstrom Air Force Base and several higher-education institutions that contribute to a steady influx of new residents.

Is it Safe to Live in Great Falls?

Great Falls presents a complex picture regarding safety, with overall crime rates significantly higher than the national average. The city’s crime rate is approximately 40 per 1,000 residents, which is considerably higher than many other communities across the United States (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). This means that individuals have a notable chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime while living in Great Falls.

Further analysis indicates that property crimes, including burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, and arson, are a significant concern. The chance of becoming a victim of a property crime in Great Falls is approximately one in 29, with a rate of 34 per one thousand population (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). While the city’s crime rate is higher than the national average, residents generally consider the southwest part of the city to be the safest area (as reported by AreaVibes).

Violent Crime Statistics

Violent crime rates in Great Falls are also a point of concern, exceeding national averages. The city’s violent crime rate is reported to be 60% higher than the national average, with 347 reported violent crimes, equating to 574 per 100,000 individuals (as reported by AreaVibes). This statistical overview suggests that while Great Falls has its safe havens, the overall prevalence of crime warrants attention from both residents and local authorities.

Property Crime Statistics

Property crime statistics in Great Falls indicate a rate of 4,675 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 94.7% (as reported by AreaVibes). This elevated rate places Great Falls among cities with a high incidence of property-related offenses. The sheer volume of property crimes, with 2,070 incidents recorded, contributes significantly to the city’s overall crime rate.

Cost of Living in Great Falls

The cost of living in Great Falls, Montana, is generally considered to be lower than both the state and national averages. This affordability makes it an attractive option for individuals and families looking to stretch their budgets. Housing costs, in particular, are notably less expensive compared to the U.S. average, contributing significantly to the overall lower cost of living.

For single adults aiming to maintain a comfortable lifestyle without dependents, an annual salary of approximately $77,000 before taxes is recommended (as reported by Apartments.com). This figure accounts for essential expenses such as housing, groceries, and other goods and services, painting a picture of the financial landscape for potential new residents.

Housing Costs

Housing expenses in Great Falls are a significant factor in its affordability. The median home price in Great Falls is around $428,419 (as reported by RentCafe), with the median listing price for a home being approximately $380,000 (as reported by Great Falls, MT Housing Market & Rental trends). This median home price has seen an increase of 9.04% from the previous year (as reported by Data USA).

Rental prices also reflect this affordability. The average monthly rent in Great Falls is approximately $1,586 (as reported by RentCafe), with slight variations depending on the source, such as $1,600 reported by Zillow and $1,107 by Apartments.com. These figures indicate that Great Falls offers a relatively accessible housing market for both buyers and renters.

Everyday Expenses

Beyond housing, everyday expenses in Great Falls are also competitive. Utilities are notably cheaper, with costs being around 18% less than the U.S. average (as reported by RentCafe). Groceries, however, are slightly more expensive, with a 0.2% increase compared to the national average (as reported by Apartments.com).

Transportation costs are also lower in Great Falls, being 6.5% less than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). These various cost factors combine to create a living environment that is generally more budget-friendly than many other parts of the country.

Job Market and Economy

Great Falls boasts a diverse economy with key sectors contributing to its employment landscape. The most prominent employment sectors include Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Educational Services (as reported by Data USA). These industries provide a substantial number of job opportunities for residents.

The job market in Great Falls is characterized by a growing economy, though recent employment data shows a slight decline. From 2023 to 2024, employment in Great Falls, MT declined at a rate of -1.38%, from 28.9k employees to 28.5k employees (as reported by Data USA). Despite this slight decrease, the city remains a place with opportunities for career advancement.

Major Employers

Several key employers drive the economic engine of Great Falls, offering diverse employment opportunities across various sectors. Malmstrom Air Force Base is a significant employer, contributing to the local economy and community (as reported by Live in Great Falls). Other major companies include national brands like Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cargill, and Centene, as well as D.A. Davidson Companies, which has been a prominent financial services firm since its founding in 1935 (as reported by Live in Great Falls and Lensa).

The healthcare and education sectors are also substantial contributors to employment. Benefis Health System and Great Falls Clinic are major healthcare providers, while Great Falls College MSU and the University of Providence are key educational institutions (as reported by Live in Great Falls). These anchor institutions provide stable employment and contribute to the city’s overall economic vitality.

Salaries and Wages

The average annual salary in Great Falls is approximately $62,306, which translates to about $29.95 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). This figure represents a median household income of $63,373 (as reported by Great Falls, MT Population 2026) and $67,690 (as reported by Data USA), indicating a range in earning potential within the city.

While the average salary is competitive within the region, it is lower than the nationwide average. Workers in the Great Falls, MT Metropolitan Statistical Area had an average hourly wage of $25.94 in May 2024, compared to the national average of $32.66 (as reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics). Higher-paying occupational groups in Great Falls include management, healthcare practitioners, and those in architecture and engineering.

Unemployment Rate

The unemployment rate in Great Falls, MT (MSA) has shown some fluctuations. As of January 2026, the unemployment rate was reported at 3.7%, a slight increase from previous months (as reported by FRED and Bureau of Labor Statistics). Historically, the unemployment rate has varied, with periods of lower rates, such as 3.0% in September 2025 (as reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics).

The civilian labor force in Great Falls is substantial, with employment figures fluctuating. In recent data, the civilian labor force was around 39.3 thousand individuals in September 2025, with employment at 38.1 thousand (as reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics). These figures indicate a dynamic labor market with ongoing adjustments in employment levels.

Climate in Great Falls

Great Falls experiences a cold semi-arid climate, characterized by distinct seasons. Winters are very cold, long, and often snowy, though occasional chinook winds can bring temporary warm spells. Summers are typically hot and dry, with significant temperature variations between day and night.

The city sees a notable amount of precipitation during the spring, often in the form of thunderstorms. The average annual precipitation is around 14.69 inches (as reported by Western Regional Climate Center). Snowfall is also a significant factor, with an average of 43.6 inches annually (as reported by Western Regional Climate Center).

Temperature Averages

Average maximum temperatures in Great Falls range from 34.0°F in January to 84.4°F in July (as reported by Western Regional Climate Center). The average minimum temperatures follow a similar pattern, with lows in the teens during winter months and reaching the mid-50s in summer. Summers can see highs reaching 90°F on nineteen days per year.

Extreme temperatures have been recorded, from a low of -49°F in February 1936 to a high of 107°F in July 1933 (as reported by Wikipedia). The diurnal temperature variation is large, often exceeding 30°F, meaning days can be quite warm while nights become significantly cooler.

Precipitation and Snowfall

The wettest part of the year in Great Falls is spring, with average precipitation around 2.43 inches in May (as reported by Western Regional Climate Center). Summers are generally dry, though thunderstorms can contribute to rainfall. The average total precipitation across the year is approximately 14.69 inches (as reported by Western Regional Climate Center).

Snowfall is a significant aspect of Great Falls’ climate, with an average of 43.6 inches annually (as reported by Western Regional Climate Center). Winter months see the most snow, with average snowfall in January and February around 7.7 and 6.7 inches, respectively. Snow depth typically averages around 1-3 inches during the winter months.

Education in Great Falls

Great Falls offers a range of public and private educational institutions for its residents. The city’s public schools are part of the Great Falls Public Schools district, which serves a significant number of students. Overall, public schools in Great Falls have an average ranking of 5 out of 10, placing them in the bottom 50% of Montana public schools (as reported by Niche).

While the district faces challenges, there are pockets of excellence. Meadow Lark School, Sacajawea School, and Chief Joseph School are noted as high-performing elementary schools, with Meadow Lark School ranking highly among Montana elementary schools (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). At the high school level, C.M. Russell High School generally outperforms Great Falls High School in academic areas (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

School Performance

Public schools in Great Falls show varied performance in academic proficiency. Math proficiency scores average 34%, and reading proficiency scores average 47%, which are slightly below the Montana public school averages (as reported by Niche). This indicates an area for potential improvement within the school district.

The student-teacher ratio in Great Falls public schools varies by institution, with figures like 17:1 at C.M. Russell High School and 14:1 at North Middle School (as reported by Niche). Minority enrollment in Great Falls public schools is 29% of the student body, which is higher than the Montana public school average (as reported by Niche).

Higher Education

Great Falls is also home to several higher-education institutions that contribute to its educational landscape and attract a diverse student population. The University of Providence and Great Falls College Montana State University are significant institutions in the city (as reported by Data USA). These institutions offer a variety of degree programs and play a role in the community’s intellectual and cultural life.

The University of Providence awarded 530 degrees, making it the largest university in Great Falls by number of degrees awarded in 2023 (as reported by Data USA). Great Falls College Montana State University followed with 243 degrees awarded the same year. These institutions are vital for the continued development and education of the region’s workforce.

Demographics of Great Falls

Great Falls is a city with a population of approximately 60,442 residents as of the 2020 census (as reported by Wikipedia). The city’s population has seen a slight decline, with a projected population of 59,793 for 2026 (as reported by Great Falls, Montana Population 2026). This demographic trend indicates a modest decrease in population over recent years.

The racial composition of Great Falls is predominantly White, accounting for approximately 83.99% of the population (as reported by Great Falls, Montana Population 2026). Other racial groups include Native American, with 3.8% of the population, and smaller percentages for Asian, Black or African American, and multiracial populations. The median age in Great Falls is 39 years (as reported by Great Falls, Montana Population 2026).

Population Trends

Great Falls’ population has experienced a slight decrease since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 60,453 in 2020 (as reported by Great Falls, Montana Population 2026). The city is currently declining at a rate of -0.18% annually. This trend suggests a gradual shift in population size within the community.

Despite the overall decline, the presence of Malmstrom Air Force Base and higher-education institutions means a steady stream of new residents arrives from across the nation and globe (as reported by Live in Great Falls). This continuous influx helps to maintain a dynamic and diverse community, even with a slight overall population decrease.

Diversity and Citizenship

As of 2024, 99.1% of Great Falls residents were U.S. citizens, a figure higher than the national average of 93.2% (as reported by Data USA). This high rate of citizenship reflects the long-standing community and the nature of its population.

The foreign-born population in Great Falls is relatively small, with 2.16% of residents born outside the United States (as reported by Data USA). This percentage is comparable to the national average and indicates a largely native-born population within the city.