Why Move to Kalispell?
Kalispell is a city of 29,886 people in Flathead County County, sitting at 2,959 feet in elevation. Known as "The Gateway to Glacier Country," it combines the best of Montana living — stunning natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and a strong community — with the amenities of a mid-size city.
Montana has no state sales tax and no tax on retirement income, making it financially attractive for both working professionals and retirees. Kalispell specifically offers 400 recreation and attraction sites nearby, a housing affordability ratio of 8.7x, and four distinct seasons.
Cost of Living in Kalispell
The typical home value in Kalispell is $538,312, with homes currently listing at a median of $630,667. Renters can expect to pay around $1,950 per month. The median household income is $61,590.
The affordability ratio (home price ÷ income) is 8.7x, which is on the expensive side, reflecting strong demand.
Montana has no state sales tax, which saves residents money on everyday purchases. The state also has no tax on Social Security or other retirement income. Property taxes are moderate, based on assessed value.
Kalispell Housing Market
There are currently 371 homes for sale in Kalispell — up 6% from last year, indicating a loosening market. The community has 11,650 total housing units with a 4.7% vacancy rate — a tight market where buyers should be prepared to act quickly.
Inventory data from Zillow Research (Jan 2026). Vacancy & housing units from U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year 2019–2023. Market conditions change — verify current listings before making decisions.
See detailed housing data and percentile rankings on the full Kalispell profile.
Kalispell Weather & Climate
Kalispell experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are warm with July highs averaging 81°F. Winters are relatively mild with January lows around 21°F. Expect about 17" of snow annually.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Precip | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 34°F | 21°F | 1.6" | 3" |
| Feb | 32°F | 15°F | 1.7" | 3.6" |
| Mar | 44°F | 23°F | 1.3" | 1.6" |
| Apr | 52°F | 30°F | 1.9" | 1.6" |
| May | 63°F | 41°F | 2.7" | 0.2" |
| Jun | 71°F | 49°F | 2.5" | 0" |
| Jul | 81°F | 55°F | 0.5" | 0" |
| Aug | 79°F | 55°F | 1.3" | 0" |
| Sep | 69°F | 48°F | 1.8" | 0.1" |
| Oct | 53°F | 35°F | 2" | 1" |
| Nov | 40°F | 27°F | 2.2" | 2.1" |
| Dec | 34°F | 23°F | 1.9" | 3.4" |
Outdoor Recreation Near Kalispell
Kalispell has access to 400 recreation and attraction sites spanning 19 categories. Glacier National Park (West Glacier) is just 25 miles away. For skiing, Blacktail Mountain is 11 miles from town.
Top Nearby Attractions
- Blacktail Mountain (Ski Area) — 11 miles
- Flathead National Forest (National Forest) — 14 miles
- Whitefish Mountain Resort (Ski Area) — 19 miles
- Chair 6 Base Lodge (Ski Area) — 19 miles
- Snow Making Ponds (Ski Area) — 20 miles
- Knox Landing (Ski Area) — 20 miles
- Powder Bowl (Ski Area) — 20 miles
- Little Bavaria (Ski Area) — 20 miles
Rivers
Flathead River, Swan River, Kootenai River are all within reach for fishing, floating, and kayaking.
Lakes
Nearby lakes include Spring Creek Reservoir, Grand View Lake, Lamoose Lake, Whitefish Lake, Strawberry Lake.
Hot Springs
Symes Hot Springs (45 mi), Wild Horse Hot Springs (45 mi), Alameda Hot Springs (46 mi) — perfect for soaking after a day on the trails.
Explore all 400 recreation sites on the full Kalispell profile.
Jobs & Economy in Kalispell
Kalispell has an unemployment rate of 3.6%, which is moderate. The labor force participation rate is 65.6%.
The top industries by employment are Education & Healthcare (29.5%), Retail (15.1%), Tourism & Hospitality (11.3%). Approximately 13,391 residents are employed locally.
Employment by Industry
| Industry | Share of Employment |
|---|---|
| Education & Healthcare | 29.5% |
| Retail | 15.1% |
| Tourism & Hospitality | 11.3% |
Montana has no state sales tax and no tax on retirement income, making it attractive for both workers and retirees.
Employment and industry data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year 2019–2023. Current conditions may differ.
Schools & Education
Kalispell is served by the Kalispell Public Schools school district with approximately 4,200 students enrolled. The high school graduation rate is 86%, which is near the Montana state average of ~87%. Per-pupil spending is approximately $10,900.
Visit Kalispell Public Schools for enrollment information and school performance data.
Kalispell also has access to higher education institutions and continuing education programs.
Graduation rates from OPI/NCES 2022–23. Per-pupil spending from Montana OPI fiscal data.
Healthcare in Kalispell
Kalispell has its own hospital — Logan Health Medical Center (174 beds). For advanced or emergency care, Logan Health Medical Center in Kalispell (Level 3 Trauma Center) is 0.2 miles away.
Hospital data from MT DPHHS 2024. Verify services directly with facilities.
Getting to Kalispell
Kalispell is accessible via the following airports:
- Bozeman Yellowstone Intl — 269 miles (284 min drive)
- Billings Logan Intl — 382 miles (397 min drive)
- Missoula Intl — 107 miles (122 min drive)
- Glacier Park Intl (Kalispell) — 10 miles (25 min drive)
- Great Falls Intl — 174 miles (189 min drive)
Pros & Cons of Living in Kalispell
Pros
- No state sales tax
- 400+ recreation sites nearby
- Milder winters than eastern Montana
- Skiing at Blacktail Mountain (11 mi)
- Near Glacier National Park (West Glacier)
- Has a local hospital
- Strong healthcare access
- Good amenities and services
- No state income tax on retirement
Cons
- Cold winters
- Housing costs above national average
- Distance from major metro areas
- Airport is a significant drive
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Kalispell, Montana?
The typical home value is $538,312 and rent averages $1,950/month. The median household income is $61,590. Montana has no state sales tax, which helps offset costs.
What are winters like in Kalispell?
January lows average 21°F with about 17" of annual snowfall. Compared to eastern Montana, winters here are relatively mild.
Is Kalispell a good place to live?
Kalispell offers 400 nearby recreation sites, a higher affordability ratio of 8.7x, and four distinct seasons. It's 25 miles from Glacier National Park (West Glacier). Montana's lack of sales tax and retirement income tax are significant benefits.
How many homes are for sale in Kalispell?
As of early 2026, there were 371 homes for sale in Kalispell, up 6% from the prior year. The community has 11,650 total housing units with a 4.7% vacancy rate (Census ACS 2019–2023). Check Zillow or local MLS for the most current listings.
What is the job market like in Kalispell?
Kalispell has a 3.6% unemployment rate. Labor force participation is 65.6%. About 13,391 residents are employed locally. The leading industry is education & healthcare. Montana has no state sales tax, which benefits both businesses and consumers.
How are the schools in Kalispell?
The Kalispell Public Schools school district has a graduation rate of 86%, near the state average. Approximately 4,200 students are enrolled. Per-pupil spending is approximately $10,900.
What healthcare is available in Kalispell?
Kalispell has a local hospital, Logan Health Medical Center. The nearest major trauma center is Logan Health Medical Center in Kalispell, 0.2 miles away. There are 6 hospitals within 60 miles.
Where is the nearest skiing to Kalispell?
Blacktail Mountain is 11 miles from Kalispell. The area receives about 17" of snow annually.