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  • About Whitefish

     

  • Geography

    Whitefish is located in northwestern Montana, at the northern most tip of the Flathead Valley, just 50 miles south of the Canadian border, and 25 miles west of Glacier National Park.  The City was incorporated in 1905, and named for the native fish harvested from Whitefish Lake for centuries.

    Elevation 3,033 ft
    Land Area 11.8 sq. mi
    Water Area 5 sq. mi
    Big Mountain Base Lodge 4,464 ft
    Big Mountain Summit 6,817 ft
    Whitefish Lake Length 7 mi
    Whitefish Lake Width 2.5 mi
    Whitefish Lake Depth 232.6 ft
    Whitefish Lake Shoreline 15.85 mi

  • Population

    City Beach - Photo by Ron Wright

    Year         Whitefish       Flathead County
    2020          7,751                104,000
    2010          6,460                  81,217
    2000          5,032                  74,471
    1990          4,368                  59,218
    Source: census.gov

     

     

  • Demographics

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    • Median age.................................... 40.3
    • Median household income...... $52,037
    • High school graduation rate........... 92%

  • Weather

    • Average annual high (°F) 53.4º
    • Average annual low 31.2º
    • Average January high 29º
    • Average January low 16º
    • Average July high 81º
    • Average July low 49º
    • Average annual rain precipitation  20.5 in
    • Average annual snowfall 65 in

  • Cost of Living Index

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    Percent of national average:

    • Composite index 111.8%
    • Groceries  105%
    • Housing 159%
    • Utilities  81%
    • Transportation 75%
    • Health care 98%
    • Misc. goods/services 101%

    Source: Sperlings

  • Tax Information

    Tax Photo

    • Montana income tax: Rates 1-6.9%
    • Montana sales tax none
    • Whitefish resort tax:  3%

  • Government

    City of Whitefish
    418 E. Second St., Whitefish, MT 59937
    (406) 863-2400

    City Manager - Dana Smith
    Mayor - John Muhlfeld

    City Councilors:
    Giuseppe Caltabiano
    Ben Davis 
    Andy Feury 
    Rebecca Norton 
    Steve Qunell 
    Frank Sweeney

       

    Flathead County 
    800 S. Main St. Kalispell, MT 59901
    (406) 257-4110

    County Commissioners:
         Pam Holmquist
         Randy Brodehl
         Brad W. Abell
         

  • Top Whitefish Employers

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    • Logan Health - Whitefish (650)
    • Winter Sports, Inc. 500* (1100)
    • Burlington Northern 420
    • Averill Hospitality 282
    • Whitefish School District 250
    • Glacier Restaurant Group 182
    • Grouse Mountain Lodge 100* (70)

    * seasonal employees
    ( ) permanent staff

  • Housing

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    • Median house price (2021) $614,100
    • Rent per month:
      • 3BR $1400 to $2500
      • 2BR $650 to $1550
      • 1BR $500 to $950

     

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