Columbia Falls, Flathead County, Montana Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Columbia Falls, MT is 0.78%, slightly lower than both the national median of 0.99% and the Montana state median of 0.83%. With the median home value in Columbia Falls at $423,650, the typical annual property tax bill reaches $3,574, which still surpasses the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Columbia Falls are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which often falls below the market value due to various exemptions like the primary residence and agricultural exemptions. Understanding Columbia Falls' property tax system, exploring available exemptions, and identifying opportunities for reductions can lead to significant annual savings. Whether you're in the heart of Columbia Falls or another part of the city, understanding the local property tax system will benefit both homeowners and real estate investors.
Last Updated June 14, 2024
Columbia Falls, Flathead County, Montana Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Average Tax Rate
0.78%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$3,304
$3,066
Ownwell’s Columbia Falls Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner estimate their annual property taxes in Columbia Falls with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, the calculator applies the median tax rate in Columbia Falls to estimate your property tax bill. This insightful tool helps you understand potential tax liabilities. If you’re interested in seeing trends on a neighborhood level, scroll down to find more localized information. Your property’s assessed value is the value assigned by the county for property tax calculations, accounting for any exemptions that may apply.
Property Tax Rates Across Columbia Falls, Flathead County, Montana
Property taxes in Columbia Falls, Montana, play a crucial role in funding essential local services such as public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Columbia Falls is 0.78%, which is lower than the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Columbia Falls set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly across different neighborhoods. Each year, Columbia Falls estimates its required budget to maintain services for the upcoming fiscal year, then divides this budget by the total value of all taxable property within the jurisdiction to calculate the property tax rate. While tax rates and budgets are influenced by laws and voter input, this calculation forms the basis of setting property tax rates. The data below compares Columbia Falls' effective property tax rate to other areas in Flathead County and the national median. For comparison, the zip code 59912 has both the highest and lowest median property tax rate of 0.78%. Understanding how these cities compare with Columbia Falls provides valuable insights into the varying tax landscape across Flathead County, helping homeowners gain a clearer picture of their property tax obligations relative to neighboring areas.
Average Columbia Falls Tax Rate
0.78%
Average Flathead County Tax Rate
0.75%
Average Montana Tax Rate
0.83%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Columbia Falls, Flathead County, Montana
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 59912 | 0.64% | 0.78% | 0.78% | 0.97% | 0.97% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Columbia Falls, Flathead County, Montana
In Columbia Falls, Montana, understanding the difference between "market value" and "assessed value" is crucial for comprehending property taxes. The market value is the price a willing buyer would pay a willing seller in an open and competitive market, influenced by factors like location, property condition, and economic trends. This value is estimated by the Flathead County Appraisal District for tax purposes. In contrast, the assessed value is the market value minus any applicable exemptions or limits based on local laws and available programs. The assessed value is then used to calculate your property taxes by multiplying it by the combined tax rates of all relevant taxing entities. In Columbia Falls, assessment notices are typically mailed out in the spring, usually by mid-April. These notices provide homeowners with both the market and assessed values, along with an estimate of the annual property tax bill. By understanding the distinction between these valuation concepts, property owners can better navigate their tax responsibilities and comprehend how their property taxes are determined. Being aware of these valuation processes in Columbia Falls helps identify opportunities for protesting assessments or applying for exemptions to effectively manage the tax burden. The highest and lowest median tax bills in the area are both $3,574, found in the 59912 zip code.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Columbia Falls, Flathead County, Montana
Source: Ownwell
$167,185
$410,154
$653,122
Average Columbia Falls Assessed Value
$423,650
Average Flathead County Assessed Value
$447,500
Average Montana Assessed Value
$317,400
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Columbia Falls, Flathead County, Montana
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 59912 | $48,712 | $297,708 | $423,650 | $588,076 | $779,423 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Columbia Falls, Flathead County, Montana
In Columbia Falls, located in Flathead County, MT, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a property. The assessed value is determined by the local assessor's office and is a percentage of the property's market value. Homeowners in Columbia Falls can expect a median home price of $423,650, which significantly influences the tax bill. Several factors are considered when determining the tax bill, including the property's location, size, and any improvements made. For instance, tax bills in the 25th percentile amount to $2,527, while those in the 75th percentile reach up to $4,677. The highest tax bills, in the 90th percentile, can go as high as $6,147. These tax bills impact homeowners by contributing to local services such as schools, infrastructure, and emergency services. Compared to the national median property tax rate of 0.99%, the tax rates in Columbia Falls can be seen as relatively moderate, providing a balance between necessary public funding and homeowner affordability.
Average Columbia Falls Tax Bill
$3,574
Average Flathead County Tax Bill
$3,622
Average Montana Tax Bill
$2,646
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Columbia Falls, Flathead County, Montana
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 59912 | $517 | $2,527 | $3,574 | $4,677 | $6,147 |
Source: Ownwell