RANK #782 / 996 · POP 105,950 · MT
PROJECTED GROWTH: -0.4%
Flathead County, Montana, is defined by its proximity to Glacier National Park, often called the "Crown Jewel of the Continent." Located in northwest Montana, the county is about two hours north of Missoula. Major towns include Kalispell, the county seat, along with Whitefish and Columbia Falls. The community feel is influenced by its natural surroundings, with over 80% of the county's land protected as national parks, forests, and timber reserves. This provides extensive outdoor recreation, including hiking, skiing at Whitefish Mountain Resort and Blacktail Mountain Ski Area, and water activities on Flathead Lake and the Flathead River. Commutes within the county are relatively short, with an average of 19.6 minutes.
Life in Flathead County attracts a mix of families, retirees, and remote workers drawn to the natural amenities and a slower pace. The economy, while historically tied to logging and agriculture, has diversified, with healthcare, retail trade, and construction now being major employers. Flathead County has experienced sustained economic growth, with job growth leading the state in recent years. Healthcare, in particular, has seen significant expansion, driven by an aging population. The Kalispell Public School District is one of Montana's largest, offering a range of academic and activity programs, and Flathead Valley Community College provides various two-year and four-year opportunities.
Overvalued relative to economy
Well below national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks overvalued at 8.0x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Flathead County has a Boom Town Index score of 22/100, ranking #782 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +2.1% and a median household income of $68,025, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Flathead County is $414,200 with median rent at $1,029/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.1642, which is less affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +2.5% year-over-year. Job growth: +2.1%.