Cost Of Living
The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.
Housing
This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Ratings
Local residents have positive things to say about the proximity of restaurants, grocery stores, parks, public transit, friendliness of neighbors, sense of community and overall safety of the area.
Amenities
A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance, which may lead residents to rely on a vehicle or public transportation.
Commute
Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.
Health & Safety
Poor air quality and the inaccessibility of certain health related facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors and pharmacies could have all contributed to the low score in this category.
Columbia Falls, Montana is a small city with a population of 5,651 people. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (97% White). Given that fact, Columbia Falls could be considered less diverse than other cities. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Columbia Falls will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 20 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, moving to any new area can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Columbia Falls, Montana could be a fulfilling experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. Finding the best places to live in Columbia Falls and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, commute, housing and other important metrics.
The livability score in Columbia Falls is 67 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 70th percentile of all cities across America. If we dig a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Columbia Falls has higher than average scores for the following: crime (B-), cost of living (A+), education (B-) and housing (B+). On a less positive note, Columbia Falls does not have favorable grades for the following: amenities (F) and employment (D-). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Columbia Falls has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.
Assuming that Columbia Falls meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Columbia Falls. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Columbia Falls are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Columbia Falls come in at $218,100, which is 9.2% higher than the Montana average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Columbia Falls, the home price to income ratio is 4.5, which is 9.8% higher than the Montana average.
| Statistic | Columbia Falls | Montana | National |
| Average one way commute | 20min | 18min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 86.0% | 75.1% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 4.1% | 10.2% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 0.8% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 2.2% | 1.4% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.7% | 5.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 5.9% | 6.3% | 4.6% |
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