Great Falls
cityGreat Falls, Montana, is the third most populous city in the state and the county seat of Cascade County. Situated in the west-central part of Montana, just east of the Rocky Mountains, the city is bisected by the Missouri River and is a cultural, commercial, and financial hub for the surrounding area. As of 2020, the city had a population of 60,442. Great Falls is known as "The Electric City" due to the five hydroelectric dams located on the Missouri River. Great Falls serves as a regional center for commerce, healthcare, education, and culture. Key industries include agriculture, healthcare, education, tourism, and the military, with Malmstrom Air Force Base being a significant employer. The city is home to several educational institutions, including Great Falls College MSU, Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, and the University of Providence. Great Falls offers a blend of historical significance, cultural attractions, and access to outdoor recreation. The city is near several waterfalls on the Missouri River and is known as the "Western Art Capital of the World", largely due to the C.M. Russell Museum. The River's Edge Trail, Giant Springs State Park, and the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center are popular destinations.
Great Falls, Montana
- Classification
- City
- FIPS Code
- 30-32800
- Country
- United States
- County
- Cascade County
- Region
- Northern Great Plains
- Elevation
- 3,333 ft
- Total Area
- 22.26 sq mi
- Land Area
- 21.79 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0.47 sq mi
- Latitude
- 47.49167
- Longitude
- -111.28917
- Climate
- Cold semi-arid climate with a notable amount of summer precipitation occurring in the form of thunderstorms. Hot summers and cold winters.
- Notable Features
- Missouri River · Great Falls of the Missouri River · Giant Springs
- Neighboring Areas
- Black Eagle · Malmstrom Air Force Base
- Population (2020)
- 60,442
- Est. Population (2026)
- 59,793
- Median Age
- 39.3
- Median Income
- $63,934
- Poverty Rate
- 14.53%
- Owner-Occupied
- 68.4%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial composition of Great Falls includes 82.9% White, 4.45% Two or More Races (excluding Other), 3.9% American Indian & Alaska Native, 1.85% White (Hispanic), and 1.31% Other (Hispanic).
- Government Type
- Mayor-Council
- Governing Body
- City Commission
- School District
- Great Falls Public Schools
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Recreation
- Economic Profile
- Regional hub for commerce · Healthcare · Education · Culture
- Employment Sectors
- Health Care & Social Assistance · Retail Trade · Educational Services · Agriculture · Tourism · Military
- Major Employers
- Malmstrom Air Force Base · Benefis Health System · Great Falls Public Schools
- Schools
- 15
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 15:1
- School Districts
- Great Falls Public Schools
- Colleges & Universities
- Great Falls College Montana State University · University of Providence · Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Transportation
- Great Falls International Airport · BNSF Railway · Interstate access
- Utilities
- Municipal water · NorthWestern Energy (Power and Natural Gas) · Broadband/Fiber
- Major Facilities
- Benefis Healthcare · Great Falls International Airport · Great Falls Civic Center
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- River's Edge Trail · Giant Springs State Park · Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge · Showdown Montana (ski area)
- Parks & Trails
- Riverside Railyard Skate Park · 57 neighborhood parks · Pacific Steel & Recycling Trailside Dog Park
- Founded
- 1884
- Incorporated
- 1888
- Named After
- The Great Falls of the Missouri River
- Historical Significance
- Great Falls became a thriving industrial and supply center and was known as "The Electric City".
- Key Events
- Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805 · Founded by Paris Gibson and James J. Hill · Construction of dams and installation of electric street lights