Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Whitefish, MT
Considering a move to Whitefish, MT? With a cozy population of about 8,900, this scenic mountain town features a median home price of $689,000 and typical rents near $1,550. Whitefish boasts a low violent crime rate (164 per 100K), top-rated schools, and short 15-minute commutes. Residents enjoy 52% sunny days, crisp winters, and a vibrant community with high educational attainment—perfect for outdoor lovers seeking a safe, welcoming place to call home.
Demographics - Whitefish, MT
Demographics - Whitefish, MT
Whitefish, Montana is a close-knit community of around 8,900 residents, with a median age in the early 40s and a largely White population. The town's moderate population density fosters a small-town feel, and about 5.6% of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
8,915
Density:
1,175 per sq mi
Median Age:
42.7
Gender Ratio:
101 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.6%

Ethnic Composition
White:
95.0%
Black:
0.2%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
4.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Whitefish, MT?
Whitefish has a cost of living index above the national average, with home values around $689,000 and average rents at $1,550 per month. While housing costs are notably higher, utilities and healthcare remain relatively affordable, and Montana’s state income taxes are moderate.
Median House Value:
$689,000
Gross Rent:
$1,550
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,210
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,450
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$720
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
6.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
128.6
Grocery:
106.4
Housing:
171.2
Utilities:
90.8
Transportation:
98.5
Health Care:
98.0
Miscellaneous:
104.0
Crime
Is Whitefish, MT a safe place to live?
Whitefish is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 164 incidents per 100,000 people and property crime odds of about 1 in 81. Residents benefit from a secure, peaceful environment ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
164
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,240
Crime Index:
1,404
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 610
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 81
Weather
What is the weather like in Whitefish, MT year-round?
Residents in Whitefish enjoy four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 80°F and crisp winters that dip to the high teens. The area receives about 22 inches of annual rainfall and experiences sunshine more than half the year, making it attractive for outdoor activities year-round.

Winter
Min:
17°F
Max:
33°F

Spring
Min:
31°F
Max:
61°F

Summer
Min:
47°F
Max:
80°F

Fall
Min:
29°F
Max:
61°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
21.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
52%
Neighbors
Whitefish households have a median income of $74,200, with a low poverty rate under 8% and a high educational attainment rate—over half of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The community enjoys short 15-minute commutes and a strong job market, reflected in a 2.6% unemployment rate.
Median Income:
$39,200
Household Income:
$74,200
Family Income:
$97,400
Per Capita Income:
$46,100
Income Male:
$52,000
Income Female:
$39,800
Poverty Rate:
7.9%
Non English Speakers:
5.6%
Rent:
$1,550
Unemployment Rate:
2.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.9%
Commute Time:
15.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
97.0%
Bachelors or More:
54.3%
Education
How are the schools in Whitefish, MT?
Whitefish features top-rated public schools with favorable student-teacher ratios, including Whitefish High School and Middle School. Additionally, families have access to private schools and higher education options like Flathead Valley Community College just 16 miles away.

Public Schools
Name:
Whitefish High School
Street:
1143 E 4th St
Phone:
406-862-8600
Students:
555
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.1
Name:
Whitefish Middle School
Street:
600 E 2nd St
Phone:
406-862-8650
Students:
450
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.0

Private Schools
Name:
Stumptown Christian School
Street:
350 2nd St
Phone:
406-862-5852
Students:
60

Colleges
Name:
Flathead Valley Community College
City:
Kalispell
State:
MT
Distance:
16 miles
Students:
2,400
Healthcare
Whitefish offers convenient access to quality healthcare, including the local North Valley Hospital and nearby Kalispell Regional Medical Center. The town has an above-average number of physicians per capita and nearly 90% of residents have health insurance coverage.

Major Hospitals
Name:
North Valley Hospital
Address:
1600 Hospital Way, Whitefish, MT 59937
Phone:
(406) 863-3500
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Kalispell Regional Medical Center
Address:
310 Sunnyview Ln, Kalispell, MT 59901
Phone:
(406) 752-5111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.4%
Health Care Index:
81.7
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Whitefish, MT?
The Whitefish housing market is robust, with a median home price of $689,000 and steady appreciation rates. About 62% of residents own their homes, while rental options remain available, and new construction continues to add to housing choices.
Median Home Price:
$689,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,550
Owner Occupied Rate:
61.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.2%
New Construction Rate:
2.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Whitefish residents are served by the Montana Motor Vehicle Division, with comprehensive services available online and at the main office in Helena. The DMV provides resources for driver licensing, vehicle registration, and related needs for Montana drivers.
State:
Montana
Department:
Montana Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
302 N Roberts, Helena, MT 59620
Phone:
1-406-444-3933
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.