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Columbia Falls, Montana

Coordinates:48°22′13″N114°11′20″W/ 48.37028°N 114.18889°W/48.37028; -114.18889
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Columbia Falls
City
View of the Flathead River from River's Edge Park.
View of the Flathead River from River's Edge Park.
Location of Columbia Falls, Montana
Location of Columbia Falls, Montana
Coordinates:48°22′13″N114°11′20″W/ 48.37028°N 114.18889°W/48.37028; -114.18889
CountryUnited States
StateMontana
CountyFlathead
Government
• MayorDonald Barnhart
• City ManagerSusan Nicosia
Area
[1]
• Total2.25 sq mi (5.82 km2)
• Land2.24 sq mi (5.81 km2)
• Water0.00 sq mi (0.01 km2)
Elevation
[2]
3,081 ft (939 m)
Population
(2020)
• Total5,308
• Density2,366.47/sq mi (913.55/km2)
Time zoneUTC−7(Mountain (MST))
• Summer (DST)UTC−6(MDT)
ZIP code
59912
Area code406
FIPS code30-16600
GNISfeature ID0806934[2]
WebsiteCity website

Columbia Fallsis a city along theFlathead RiverinFlathead County,Montana,United States. The population was 5,308 at the2020 census.[3]Columbia Falls has been ranked as one of the best and safest places to live in Montana.[4][5][6]

History[edit]

The area that would become the city of Columbia Falls was first settled in 1891, in anticipation of the arrival of theGreat Northern Railway.[7]On April 26, 1909, the city of Columbia Falls was officially incorporated.[8]

The first residents requested the name "Columbia" for the U.S. Post Office, but the element "Falls" was ultimately tacked onto the name in order to avoid any confusion with the already-namedColumbus, Montana.[9]

TheMontana Veterans Homein Columbia Falls has servedveteranssince 1896.[10]Its current housing facility was opened by Montana GovernorForrest H. Andersonat an official dedication ceremony in 1970.[11]AnE. M. Viquesneystatue of aWorld War Idoughboywas moved to the front of the Veterans' Home in 1972. The statue "originally stood inKalispellin the Main Street median in front of theFlathead County Courthouse."[12]

Geography[edit]

The City of Columbia Falls is located about a mile from theFlathead National Forestboundary, 15 miles fromKalispelland 17 miles fromGlacier National Park.[13][14]

According to theUnited States Census Bureau,the city has a total area of 2.05 square miles (5.31 km2), all land.[15]

Demographics[edit]

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1910601—
19206111.7%
19306374.3%
19406370.0%
19501,23293.4%
19602,13273.1%
19702,65224.4%
19803,11217.3%
19902,942−5.5%
20003,64523.9%
20104,68828.6%
20205,30813.2%
U.S. Decennial Census[16][3]

2010 census[edit]

At the2010 censusthere were 4,688 people, 1,863 households, and 1,215 families living in the city. The population density was 2,286.8 inhabitants per square mile (882.9/km2). There were 1,994 housing units at an average density of 972.7 per square mile (375.6/km2). Theracial makupof the city was 94.4% White, 0.2% African American, 1.8% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 0.3% from other races, and 2.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.8%.[17]

Of the 1,863 households 35.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.9% were married couples living together, 12.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 34.8% were non-families. 28.8% of households were one person and 11% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 3.02.

The median age was 35.6 years. 26% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.8% were from 25 to 44; 25.3% were from 45 to 64; and 13.2% were 65 or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.1% male and 51.9% female.

2000 census[edit]

At the2000 censusthere were 3,645 people, 1,400 households, and 966 families living in the city. The population density was 2,402.9 inhabitants per square mile (927.8/km2). There were 1,470 housing units at an average density of 969.1 per square mile (374.2/km2). Theracial makeupof the city was 96.27% White, 0.25% African American, 1.23% Native American, 0.49% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 0.41% from other races, and 1.26% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.84%.[18]

Of the 1,400 households 36.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.0% were married couples living together, 12.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.0% were non-families. 25.7% of households were one person and 11.0% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 3.06.

The age distribution was 28.3% under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 28.6% from 25 to 44, 21.5% from 45 to 64, and 13.4% 65 or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 99.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.4 males.

The median household income was $31,128 and the median family income was $40,794. Males had a median income of $32,109 versus $20,023 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,355. About 12.5% of families and 17.1% of the population were below thepoverty line,including 25.8% of those under age 18 and 4.0% of those age 65 or over.

Arts and culture[edit]

St. Richard's Church in Columbia Falls

Heritage Days is an annual celebration of the town's history and heritage. It occurs on the last weekend of July. Activities include Boogie to the Bank, Wildcat Endowment Auction, a parade and carnival, basketball tournament, a barn dance, car show, rodeo, and the running of wild horses through town on Highway 2.[19]

Night of Lights Parade is an annual December holiday parade.[20]

Columbia Falls has apublic library,a branch of the Flathead County Library.[21]

Columbia Falls Community Market is afarmers marketheld weekly every Thursday from 5pm - 8pm from the second Thursday in May until the last Thursday in September.[22][23]The market offers live music, food trucks, local produce, locally brewed beer and a rock-climbing wall.[23][24][25]

Parks and recreation[edit]

River's Edge Park has over 900 ft (270 m) of river frontage on Flathead River and occupies 28 acres (11 ha). The park has paved walking trails, open meadows, bathroom facilities and a family fly fishing pond.[26]

Pinewood Park Aquatic Center is a public swimming facility located on 4th Ave West. The park also has a basketball court, children's play area, picnic tables and swings.[27]

The city maintains several other small neighborhood parks, baseball fields, and a soccer field.[28]

Government[edit]

The government system of Columbia Falls consists of a City Council with six councilmen and a mayor, elected to four-year terms.[29]

In June 2020, Columbia Falls voters elected to implement a 3% resort tax on all luxury items and services within city limits, more than 50% of the tax revenue is slated to go toward public safety funding.[30][31]

Education[edit]

Schools in Columbia Falls School District Six includeColumbia Falls High School,Columbia Falls Junior High School, Glacier Gateway Elementary School, and Ruder Elementary School. School District Six has a approximately 2,400 students.[32]In 2019 voters approved a $37 million school bond which will fund a new Glacier Gateway Elementary School, a 25,000 square foot addition to the Ruder Elementary School, a security upgrade for the Junior High School and new multi-use sports fields.[33][34]

Columbia Falls High School's mascot is the Wildcats.[35]

The area is served by the ImagineIF library, which also has branches in Bigfork, Kalispell, and Marion.[36]

Transportation[edit]

U.S. Highway 2runs through Columbia Falls. The North Fork Road (S-486) begins at the junction to U.S. Highway 2 in Columbia Falls and runs to theCanadian border.[37]

Commercial airline service is offered atGlacier Park International Airportlocated approximately 8 miles south of Columbia Falls.[38][39]

The Columbia Falls area is served byAmtrak'sChicago-Portland/SeattleEmpire Builder,with stops located nearby inWhitefishandWest Glacier.[40]

Media[edit]

Columbia Falls is served byHungry Horse News.[41]The city is also part of the Missoulamedia market,which covers a seven-county area of northwestern Montana.

KHNK95.9 FM, (Outlaw Country) andKRVO103.1 FM are commercial radio stations located in Columbia Falls, broadcasting to the Kalispell-Flathead Valley, Montana, area. KHNK airs a country music format and KRVO airs anadult alternativeformat.[42][43]

Notable people[edit]

Points of interest[edit]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^"ArcGIS REST Services Directory".United States Census Bureau.RetrievedSeptember 5,2022.
  2. ^abU.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Columbia Falls, Montana
  3. ^ab"U.S. Census website".United States Census Bureau.RetrievedNovember 2,2021.
  4. ^Flynn, Liz (October 6, 2019)."The 20 Best Places to Live in Montana".Money Inc.RetrievedNovember 27,2020.
  5. ^"Montana's 10 Safest Cities of 2020".SafeWise.July 1, 2020.RetrievedNovember 27,2020.
  6. ^"The 10 Safest Cities In Montana For 2020".HomeSnacks.RetrievedNovember 27,2020.
  7. ^"Columbia Falls History".Archivedfrom the original on December 14, 2021.
  8. ^"Columbia Falls Heritage Days" Official "Website - History".cfallsheritagedays.com.RetrievedDecember 14,2021.
  9. ^"YESTERDAYS: THE REAL STORY BEHIND THE NAME, 'COLUMBIA FALLS'".Hungry Horse News.RetrievedJuly 4,2019.
  10. ^ "Montana Veterans' Home - Columbia Falls".Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services - Senior & Long Term Care.RetrievedFebruary 6,2014.
  11. ^Montana Veterans Home (1970).History and future of Montana Veterans' Home, Columbia Falls, Montana.Columbia Falls, MT.RetrievedFebruary 6,2014.{{cite book}}:CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  12. ^"Columbia Falls, Montana Viquesney Doughboy Statue".The E. M. Viquesney Doughboy Database.RetrievedFebruary 6,2014.
  13. ^"Community Profile".City of Columbia Falls Montana.RetrievedDecember 6,2020.
  14. ^"Columbia Falls to Flathead NF distance".
  15. ^"US Gazetteer files 2010".United States Census Bureau.Archived fromthe originalon July 2, 2012.RetrievedDecember 18,2012.
  16. ^United States Census Bureau."Census of Population and Housing".RetrievedJuly 14,2016.
  17. ^"U.S. Census website".United States Census Bureau.RetrievedDecember 18,2012.
  18. ^"U.S. Census website".United States Census Bureau.RetrievedJanuary 31,2008.
  19. ^"Heritage Days".
  20. ^"Night of Lights 2018".Columbia Falls Area Chamber of Commerce.RetrievedNovember 26,2020.
  21. ^"Montana Public Libraries".PublicLibraries.com.RetrievedJune 14,2019.
  22. ^"Columbia Falls Community Market".Columbia Falls Area Chamber of Commerce.RetrievedDecember 4,2020.
  23. ^ab"The Market".web1.RetrievedDecember 4,2020.
  24. ^PETERSON, CHRIS (June 17, 2020)."Community Market sees leadership change".Hungry Horse News.RetrievedDecember 4,2020.
  25. ^Perez, Vanessa (May 14, 2020)."Columbia Falls Community Market opens for season".KECI.RetrievedDecember 4,2020.
  26. ^"River's Edge Park".City of Columbia Falls Montana.RetrievedNovember 26,2020.
  27. ^"Pinewood Park Aquatic Center".City of Columbia Falls Montana.RetrievedDecember 4,2020.
  28. ^"Recreation".City of Columbia Falls.RetrievedJuly 1,2024.
  29. ^"Mayor & City Council".City of Columbia Falls Montana.RetrievedNovember 26,2020.
  30. ^"Columbia Falls Resort Tax Takes Effect".Flathead Beacon.October 15, 2021.RetrievedDecember 14,2021.
  31. ^PETERSON, CHRIS (September 30, 2021)."Columbia Falls resort tax goes into effect Oct. 1".Daily Inter Lake.RetrievedDecember 14,2021.
  32. ^"Columbia Falls School District 6 – Home of the Wildcats".RetrievedJanuary 7,2021.
  33. ^"Columbia Falls School Bond Projects Moving Forward".Flathead Beacon.June 9, 2020.RetrievedJanuary 7,2021.
  34. ^"Columbia Falls Voters Approve $37 Million School Bond".Flathead Beacon.October 9, 2019.RetrievedJanuary 7,2021.
  35. ^"Member Schools".Montana High School Association.RetrievedApril 19,2021.
  36. ^"Locations and Hours".ImagineIF Libraries.RetrievedApril 13,2021.
  37. ^"North Fork Road Study".Archivedfrom the original on May 9, 2010.
  38. ^"Driving Distance from FCA to Columbia Falls, MT".www.travelmath.com.RetrievedJanuary 7,2021.
  39. ^"Glacier Park International Airport".Columbia Falls Area Chamber of Commerce.RetrievedJanuary 7,2021.
  40. ^"Airport & Amtrak make Columbia Falls and Glacier Park Accessible".Columbia Falls Area Chamber of Commerce.RetrievedJanuary 7,2021.
  41. ^"Hungry Horse News".hungryhorsenews.com.RetrievedNovember 26,2020.
  42. ^"95.9 Outlaw Country".95.9 Outlaw Country.RetrievedNovember 26,2020.
  43. ^"KRVO The River 103.1 FM Columbia Falls MT USA".StreamingTheNet.RetrievedJanuary 7,2021.
  44. ^Mark Brunson (April 13, 1984)."Reagan's future son-in-law originally from Martin City".Daily Inter Lake(Kalispell, Montana).RetrievedMarch 20,2021.
  45. ^"Anthony M. Kurta > U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE > Biography".www.defense.gov.RetrievedJanuary 21,2021.
  46. ^"Matt Regier - Montana Environmental Information Center - MEIC".meic.org.RetrievedNovember 28,2020.
  47. ^"Glenn Roush Obituary (1934 - 2020) - Great Falls Tribune".www.legacy.com.RetrievedJanuary 21,2021.
  48. ^"Mel Ruder: Montana's first Pulitzer winner, dies at 85".Helena Independent Record.November 20, 2000.RetrievedNovember 27,2020.
  49. ^"Gloria Jean Siebrecht".Golden Triangle News.December 8, 2021.RetrievedJanuary 22,2023.
  50. ^"NPGallery Asset Detail".npgallery.nps.gov.RetrievedJanuary 7,2021.
  51. ^Military.com, 31 Jul 2020 (July 31, 2020)."Montana State Veteran Benefits".Military.com.RetrievedJanuary 7,2021.{{cite web}}:CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)

External links[edit]

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