Great Falls delivers a cost of living 10%–12% below the national average, creating genuine financial breathing room that metropolitan physicians rarely experience. These savings translate into real purchasing power—not abstract marketing claims. Everyday expenses remain manageable, housing does not consume disproportionate income, and discretionary spending feels comfortable rather than constrained.
Cost-of-living indices consistently range from 87.9 to 94, ranking Great Falls as Montana’s 4th most affordable city and placing it in the top quartile of affordable metro areas nationally among more than 6,400 locations measured. Importantly, this affordability exists without sacrificing amenities, services, or professional opportunities.
Housing—the largest expense for most families—is where Great Falls offers its most substantial financial advantage. Home prices run 22%–30% below national averages, with a median home value of approximately $291,871 compared to the national median of $370,489.
Rental costs are equally favorable. Median rent is about $881 per month, far below the national median exceeding $1,500. Two-bedroom apartments in desirable neighborhoods typically rent for $1,200–$1,400, allowing housing to consume just 15%–20% of income rather than the 30%–40% common in metropolitan areas.
Montana’s effective property tax rates—averaging 0.60%–0.79%—rank among the lowest in the U.S., compared to national averages exceeding 1.4%. A $400,000 home in Great Falls typically results in annual property taxes between $2,400 and $3,160, versus $6,000–$8,000 in many metro areas.
Recent legislative changes introduced a homestead exemption for primary residences, with most homeowners expected to see $700 annual reductions beginning in 2026.
Montana uses a two-bracket income tax system with rates of 4.7% and 5.9%, with scheduled reductions to 5.65% in 2026 and 5.4% in 2027. Uniquely, Montana allows taxpayers to deduct up to $5,000 (single) or $10,000 (married) of federal income tax from state taxable income.
The absence of state sales tax further enhances overall tax efficiency, saving physician households an estimated $3,000–$4,000 annually on typical spending.
Groceries and daily necessities align closely with national averages, while utilities run 11%–16% below average thanks to hydroelectric power and efficient municipal services. Healthcare services cost 3%–10% less than national benchmarks.
While fuel costs are slightly above national averages, transportation expenses are offset by 12–14 minute average commutes, free parking, and minimal vehicle wear. The absence of congestion, tolls, and parking fees creates daily time and cost savings rarely captured in cost-of-living statistics.
Dining, entertainment, fitness, and personal services cost 15%–30% less than metropolitan markets. Quality experiences remain accessible without budget strain, supporting an active and culturally engaged lifestyle.
Great Falls offers meaningful affordability that enhances physician quality of life and long-term financial security. With overall costs 10–12% below national averages, housing 22–30% lower, minimal property taxes, and no sales tax, physicians experience purchasing power that exceeds income differences between markets—without sacrificing professional opportunity, convenience, or lifestyle quality.
Great Falls offers a housing market defined by affordability, variety, and accessibility—a sharp contrast to metropolitan markets where many physicians practice. Median home values range from $291,871 to $340,300 depending on data source, representing prices 21% to 39% below national medians. This price differential allows physicians to purchase substantially larger homes with better features and locations than the same budget would allow in major metro areas.
The city includes approximately 25,720 housing units serving a population of just over 60,000, with single-family detached homes comprising 64.74% of the housing stock. Three- and four-bedroom homes dominate the market, aligning well with the needs of physician families. Active inventory typically ranges from 100 to 375 listings, spanning starter homes around $170,000 to luxury properties exceeding $1.2 million.
Housing affordability in Great Falls allows physicians to own substantial homes while dedicating a modest portion of income to housing. Average monthly homeowner costs hover around $2,000, compared to $2,500–$3,000 in metropolitan markets. A $400,000 home—often a 3,000–4,000 sq ft residence with modern amenities—typically carries a monthly payment of $2,500–$2,800 including taxes and insurance.
Cascade County’s low effective property tax rate (0.60%–0.92%) further enhances affordability. Annual property taxes on a $400,000 home usually range from $2,400 to $3,680, compared to $6,000–$12,000 in many metropolitan counties.
Great Falls’ rental market supports physicians who prefer to rent initially. Median rent is approximately $881, well below the national median. Two-bedroom apartments in desirable neighborhoods typically rent for $1,200–$1,400, while single-family rentals range from $1,500–$2,500 per month.
Residential options range from newer south-side developments near Benefis Health System to established neighborhoods with mature trees and historic character. Foothill areas east of the city offer acreage properties with mountain views, while remaining within 15–25 minutes of major medical facilities.
Homes in Great Falls emphasize durability and practicality for Montana’s climate. Full basements, two- to three-car garages, mudrooms, and energy-efficient construction are common. Homes priced between $300,000 and $500,000 often include 2,500–4,000 sq ft, finished basements, and generous lot sizes.
New construction continues in south and east Great Falls, with homes typically priced between $350,000 and $600,000. Foothills subdivisions offer 1–3+ acre lots with custom build options, while infill renovation projects provide modern interiors in established neighborhoods.
A 3,500 sq ft, 4-bedroom home priced at $400,000–$475,000 in Great Falls would cost $700,000 to $1.2M+ in many metropolitan areas. Monthly ownership costs are roughly $3,000–$3,200 versus $6,000–$7,500 for comparable metro properties—creating massive long-term wealth advantages.
Great Falls’ compact layout eliminates traffic congestion. Average commutes range from 12 to 15 minutes, translating into 300–600 hours saved annually compared to metropolitan commutes. That time is reclaimed for family, rest, and recreation.
Great Falls offers rare housing value: substantial homes, low taxes, short commutes, and financial freedom. Physicians can own homes that support family life and long-term wealth without sacrificing comfort or stability. This is homeownership that enhances—not constrains—quality of life.
Great Falls presents a complex safety profile that requires honest assessment and proper context to understand accurately. The city's crime statistics measure higher than national averages, with overall crime rates between 52 and 65 incidents per 1,000 residents compared to the national average of 33 per 1,000 residents. These numbers warrant acknowledgment rather than dismissal, while also understanding the factors that influence crime statistics and the practical experience of safety that residents report.
Property crime drives much of Great Falls' elevated crime rates, with property crime measuring approximately 47 to 65 per 1,000 residents compared to the national average of 35 per 1,000 residents. Property crimes include theft, burglary, motor vehicle theft, and vandalism. Violent crime rates measure closer to national averages at 21.8 per 1,000 residents compared to the national average of 22.7, though certain categories including aggravated assaults have increased over recent years, rising 21% since 2015 according to Great Falls Police Department data.
The practical implications of these statistics require perspective. First, crime concentrates in specific areas of Great Falls rather than distributing evenly across the community. Central commercial areas and specific neighborhoods account for disproportionate shares of reported crime, while many residential neighborhoods experience substantially lower crime rates. Second, Great Falls Police Department Chief Jeff Newton attributes much of the crime increase to substance abuse issues that affect communities nationwide rather than factors unique to Great Falls. Third, resident surveys and community feedback indicate that many people living in Great Falls feel safe in their neighborhoods and daily activities despite the statistical crime rates.
Safety in Great Falls varies significantly by neighborhood and area, with west and south residential areas generally experiencing lower crime rates than central and downtown areas. The west side of Great Falls reports approximately 161 crimes annually compared to central areas reporting around 666 crimes annually, demonstrating the concentration of crime in specific locations rather than uniform distribution across the city. Residential neighborhoods, particularly those in south Great Falls near Benefis Health System and newer developments in foothills areas, provide environments where residents report feeling secure and where property crime remains lower than city-wide averages.
The practical experience of safety for physicians and families living in Great Falls often differs substantially from what crime statistics suggest. Physicians typically live in neighborhoods with lower crime rates, park in secured hospital parking facilities, and move through the community during daytime hours when most violent crime does not occur. The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime measures 1 in 177 for the overall population, but this risk concentrates among specific demographic groups and circumstances rather than distributing evenly across all residents.
Home security remains important regardless of neighborhood, with standard precautions including quality locks, exterior lighting, alarm systems where desired, and basic awareness providing effective protection. Many Great Falls neighborhoods maintain active community watch programs and resident networks that enhance security through collective attention to suspicious activity. The residential character of most neighborhoods means neighbors know each other and notice unusual occurrences, creating informal security systems that supplement formal law enforcement.
The Great Falls Police Department operates with 91 sworn officer positions supported by 44 civilian positions when fully staffed, serving the city's approximately 60,000 residents. The department responds to more than 45,000 calls for service annually, averaging approximately 123 calls daily. This call volume creates workload pressures that Chief Jeff Newton acknowledges, noting that officers often move from call to call without extensive time for proactive policing or community engagement beyond emergency response.
Great Falls benefits from a collaborative 911 Emergency Center operated jointly by the City of Great Falls and Cascade County, providing dispatch services for police, fire, medical, sheriff, rural fire, search and rescue, and quick response teams. The enhanced 911 system includes caller identification technology revealing caller names, addresses, and phone numbers, expediting emergency response when callers cannot provide location information.
Emergency response times benefit from Great Falls' compact geography and lack of traffic congestion, with police able to reach most locations within the city in under 10 minutes for priority calls. Fire and medical services similarly benefit from central locations and efficient travel throughout the community. The presence of Benefis Health System provides immediate trauma care capabilities, while Malmstrom Air Force Base contributes additional emergency response resources and security presence within the broader community.
Property crime represents the primary safety concern in Great Falls, with vehicle theft, burglary, and theft accounting for most reported incidents. Vehicle theft prevention requires consistent habits including locking vehicles, removing valuables from sight, parking in well-lit areas, and using anti-theft devices where appropriate. The majority of vehicle thefts and break-ins involve unlocked vehicles or vehicles with valuables visible.
Home security measures follow similar principles of deterrence and prevention. Quality deadbolt locks, secured windows, exterior lighting, maintained landscaping, and creating the appearance of occupancy during absences provide effective protection. Alarm systems offer additional security layers for residents who prefer them.
The Great Falls Police Department offers crime prevention resources including the Security Camera Registry and Mapping (SCRAM) program and crime mapping tools available at crimemapping.com, allowing residents to view recent crime reports by location and type.
While Great Falls' crime statistics measure higher than national averages, the nature of crime differs from metropolitan areas. Property crime represents the primary concern rather than organized criminal activity or widespread violent crime. Random violent crime affecting uninvolved residents remains rare.
Physicians practicing in metropolitan areas often navigate high-crime commutes, unsecured parking, and hospitals located in dangerous neighborhoods. Great Falls' compact geography, lower population density, and secured hospital facilities reduce these daily risks.
Schools in Great Falls implement controlled access, visitor sign-in procedures, emergency response plans, and coordination with law enforcement. School Resource Officers work in Great Falls high schools, providing both security presence and relationship-building with students.
The community's smaller size supports informal safety through familiarity among staff, students, families, and neighbors. Parents report feeling comfortable with their children's safety, outdoor play, and age-appropriate independence.
Great Falls faces minimal natural disaster risks, with rare tornadoes, minimal earthquake activity, limited flood exposure for most neighborhoods, and wildfire risk concentrated outside city limits. Winter weather represents the primary natural hazard, requiring preparation and seasonal adjustments.
The region uses the CodeRED emergency notification system to alert residents about severe weather and public safety issues, supporting timely and informed responses.
Traffic safety benefits from low congestion, predictable patterns, and short commute times averaging 12-14 minutes. Dedicated trails reduce conflicts between vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists, while residential streets support safe walking and biking.
Great Falls' safety profile requires honest acknowledgment that crime rates exceed national averages while recognizing that statistics do not fully reflect daily life for most residents. Property crime represents the primary concern, and basic preventive measures provide effective protection. Many residents, particularly in south and west residential areas, report feeling safe in their neighborhoods and daily activities.
