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—physicians quickly become recognized and integrated into the community.
Community Highlights
- 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.
Residents often pursue skilled trades, healthcare, education, and technical careers, fostering a practical, results-focused community that values expertise and functional outcomes.
Education Highlights
- 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 elementary, middle, and high schools
- University of Providence provides 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 like Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cargill, Centene, and D.A. Davidson offering career opportunities for physician spouses. Architecture, engineering, and construction firms add professional diversity.
The median per capita income is $35,968, supporting comfortable middle-class living, while about 14% of residents live below the poverty line, ensuring a mix of patients. Unemployment remains low, and the economy has proven resilient over time.
Economic Highlights
- Malmstrom Air Force Base: largest employer
- Healthcare: 5,287 employees
- Retail: 3,798; Education: 2,830
- Major employers: Benefis, Great Falls Clinic, Great Falls Public Schools
- National brands: 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. Great Falls isn't a one-industry town where relocating spouses struggle to find professional work. Healthcare administration, education, engineering, finance, insurance, and technical fields all offer positions appropriate for professional credentials.
The smaller market size can actually work to your advantage. Rather than competing against hundreds of qualified candidates for every position, physician spouses often find that their credentials make them highly desirable hires. The community values education and expertise, and employers appreciate professionals who choose Great Falls deliberately rather than ending up here by default. Remote work opportunities have expanded dramatically, allowing spouses to maintain careers with companies based anywhere while enjoying Great Falls' quality of life.
- Healthcare organizations offer administrative and clinical positions
- Educational institutions hire teachers, professors, administrators
- Financial services companies including D.A. Davidson
- Engineering and technical firms seek qualified professionals
- Remote work increasingly viable across all sectors
- Smaller candidate pools mean credentials stand out
- Military base creates demand for various professional services
- Growing economy provides entrepreneurial opportunities
Cultural Diversity Within a Small City Context
Great Falls maintains more cultural diversity than outsiders might expect from a Montana city of 60,000. The military presence brings residents from across the United States and occasionally from other countries. The Native American population connects the community to indigenous heritage and ongoing cultural traditions. The Hutterite communities maintain distinct cultural and religious practices while contributing to the agricultural economy. The annual Little Shell Chippewa Powwow in nearby Ulm draws participants from across the region.
While Great Falls isn't as ethnically diverse as major metropolitan areas (only 1.7% of residents are foreign-born compared to the national average of 13.8%), the community demonstrates openness to newcomers and different perspectives. The city has successfully integrated waves of newcomers over the decades, from the railroad workers of the 1880s to the military families of today. Physicians relocating from more diverse urban areas should understand that Great Falls offers a different cultural environment, but one marked by genuine friendliness rather than insularity.
- Military presence brings residents from across United States
- Native American heritage maintained through tribal connections
- 30 Hutterite communities contribute to regional character
- Annual powwows and cultural celebrations
- International festivals and cultural events throughout year
- Community values welcoming atmosphere for newcomers
- Growing Hispanic population (4.9% of total)
- Great Falls Symphony and arts organizations create cultural connection
Quality of Life Indicators
The statistics tell only part of the story. The 14.7-minute average commute time translates to mornings without stress, evenings that start when you leave work rather than an hour later. The low cost of housing relative to income means that financial pressure doesn't dominate every decision. The 26,010 households include a healthy mix of homeowners and renters, young professionals and established families, creating neighborhood diversity without economic segregation.
The veteran population of 5,967 creates a culture that values service and understands sacrifice. These aren't just statistics; they're your neighbors who understand what it means to serve a larger purpose. The 56.9% of households consisting of families means that parks, schools, and family-oriented amenities remain community priorities. The virtually nonexistent language barriers (99.5% of households speak English as the primary language) simplify medical practice compared to urban settings requiring multiple interpreters.
Great Falls offers what many physicians discover they value most: a place where you can focus on practicing medicine, raising a family, and enjoying life without the complications that metropolitan areas impose. The demographics reflect a community that knows who it is, values stability and quality of life, and welcomes physicians ready to become genuine members of the community rather than distant specialists passing through.
- 14.7-minute average commute time allows work-life balance
- Safe neighborhoods throughout city
- Active community involvement and volunteerism
- Strong youth sports and activities programs
- Abundant recreational opportunities for all ages
- Genuine sense of community and belonging
- Lower stress lifestyle compared to metropolitan areas
- Community that values and supports healthcare professionals
