Population & Demographics: Understanding Our Diverse Community
A Welcoming Community of 84,000
The Great Falls Metropolitan Area (Cascade County) has 84,414 residents, with the city itself home to 60,412—Montana’s third-largest city and a regional hub for north-central Montana. The population is stable, with modest growth and a median household income of $63,934, up nearly 10% from 2022.
The community offers cultural amenities and professional networks while remaining small enough for physicians to be known personally. Patients come from Great Falls and surrounding towns and ranches, creating a diverse, meaningful practice.
Demographics include a nearly even gender split (49.6% male, 50.4% female), median age of 39.3 years, 17.5% under 15, 20% over 65, and 28.6% of households with children under 18.
Community Snapshot
- MSA population: 84,414; city: 60,412
- Median household income: $63,934 (+9.7% YoY)
- Median age: 39.3 years
- Gender: 49.6% male / 50.4% female
- 28.6% of households with children under 18
- 56.9% family households; 43.1% non-family
- Mean commute: 14.7 minutes
Community Character and Values
Great Falls combines military influence, agricultural heritage, and regional leadership to create a strong community identity. The population is 82.9% White and 3.9% Native American, with the Little Shell Tribe headquartered locally and 30 Hutterite communities nearby, adding cultural diversity.
Malmstrom Air Force Base brings residents from across the country, with 12.9% veterans, fostering a culture of service and adaptability. Residents are friendly, practical, and welcoming, with a manageable pace of life and strong neighborhood connections.
- 82.9% White (Non-Hispanic), 3.9% Native American
- 12.9% military veterans
- Little Shell Tribe headquarters in Great Falls
- 30 Hutterite communities nearby
- Rich traditions in outdoor recreation and Western heritage
- Friendly, newcomer-welcoming culture
- Low crime rates, safe for families
- Active volunteerism and civic engagement
Education and Professional Attainment
Great Falls places a high value on education, with 94.2% of adults completing high school and 28.3% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. This supports an informed patient population and opportunities for physician spouses.
The city hosts three higher education institutions—Great Falls College Montana State University, University of Providence, and Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine—adding academic and professional connections.
- 94.2% adults with high school diploma or higher
- 28.3% with bachelor’s degree or higher
- Great Falls College MSU, University of Providence, Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Strong technical and vocational education programs
- McLaughlin Research Institute for neurogenetic research
- Great Falls Public Schools with multiple campuses
- University of Providence Catholic liberal arts education
Major Employers and Economic Foundation
Great Falls has a diversified economy providing stability across sectors. Malmstrom Air Force Base is the largest employer, while healthcare employs 5,287 people, led by Benefis Health System and Great Falls Clinic.
Retail (3,798) and education (2,830) are also significant, with national employers offering career opportunities for physician spouses.
The median per capita income is $35,968, supporting comfortable middle-class living, while about 14% of residents live below the poverty line.
- Malmstrom Air Force Base: largest employer
- Healthcare: 5,287 employees
- Retail: 3,798; Education: 2,830
- Benefis, Great Falls Clinic, Great Falls Public Schools
- Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cargill, Centene, D.A. Davidson
- Strong architecture, engineering, and construction sectors
- Low unemployment
- Median per capita income: $35,968
Professional Opportunities for Physician Spouses
The presence of national companies, healthcare organizations, educational institutions, and the military base creates genuine career opportunities for physician spouses across multiple fields.
The smaller market size can work to your advantage, with credentials standing out and remote work expanding possibilities.
- Healthcare organizations offer administrative and clinical roles
- Educational institutions hire faculty and administrators
- Financial services including D.A. Davidson
- Engineering and technical firms seek professionals
- Remote work viable across sectors
- Smaller candidate pools favor strong credentials
- Military base creates service demand
- Entrepreneurial opportunities in growing economy
Cultural Diversity Within a Small City Context
Great Falls maintains more cultural diversity than many expect. Military families, Native American heritage, and Hutterite communities contribute to regional character.
While only 1.7% of residents are foreign-born, the city demonstrates openness and genuine friendliness toward newcomers.
- Military presence from across the U.S.
- Native American heritage and tribal connections
- 30 Hutterite communities nearby
- Annual powwows and cultural celebrations
- International festivals and events
- Welcoming atmosphere for newcomers
- Growing Hispanic population (4.9%)
- Great Falls Symphony and arts organizations
Quality of Life Indicators
The 14.7-minute average commute means less stress and more personal time. Housing costs remain manageable, and neighborhoods reflect a healthy mix of families and professionals.
Great Falls offers a place to focus on medicine, family, and life without metropolitan complications.
- 14.7-minute average commute
- Safe neighborhoods
- Active community involvement
- Youth sports and activities
- Abundant recreation for all ages
- Strong sense of belonging
- Lower stress lifestyle
- Community support for healthcare professionals
