Why Move to Whitefish?
Whitefish is a town of 8,915 people in Flathead County County, sitting at 3,038 feet in elevation. Known as "Stumptown," it combines the best of Montana living — stunning natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and a strong community — with small-city conveniences.
Montana has no state sales tax and no tax on retirement income, making it financially attractive for both working professionals and retirees. Whitefish specifically offers 435 recreation and attraction sites nearby, a housing affordability ratio of 11.7x, and four distinct seasons.
Cost of Living in Whitefish
The typical home value in Whitefish is $834,744, with homes currently listing at a median of $1,291,667. Renters can expect to pay around $2,436 per month. The median household income is $71,110.
The affordability ratio (home price ÷ income) is 11.7x, 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.
Whitefish Housing Market
There are currently 237 homes for sale in Whitefish — down 2.5% from last year, indicating tightening supply. The community has 5,079 total housing units with a 19.3% vacancy rate, suggesting more options and negotiating room for buyers.
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 Whitefish profile.
Whitefish Weather & Climate
Whitefish experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are mild with July highs averaging 80°F. Winters are cool with January lows around 18°F. Expect about 20" of snow annually.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Precip | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 33°F | 18°F | 1.7" | 3.5" |
| Feb | 30°F | 13°F | 1.8" | 3.9" |
| Mar | 43°F | 22°F | 1.3" | 1.9" |
| Apr | 51°F | 29°F | 2" | 1.8" |
| May | 62°F | 40°F | 3" | 0.3" |
| Jun | 70°F | 48°F | 2.7" | 0" |
| Jul | 80°F | 54°F | 0.5" | 0" |
| Aug | 78°F | 54°F | 1.3" | 0" |
| Sep | 68°F | 46°F | 1.7" | 0.1" |
| Oct | 52°F | 34°F | 2.1" | 1.3" |
| Nov | 38°F | 25°F | 2.3" | 2.8" |
| Dec | 32°F | 21°F | 2" | 4" |
Outdoor Recreation Near Whitefish
Whitefish has access to 435 recreation and attraction sites spanning 19 categories. Glacier National Park (West Glacier) is just 17 miles away. For skiing, Whitefish Mountain Resort is 5 miles from town.
Top Nearby Attractions
- Whitefish Mountain Resort (Ski Area) — 5 miles
- Knox Landing (Ski Area) — 5 miles
- Chair 3 Tenderfoot (Ski Area) — 5 miles
- Chair 6 Base Lodge (Ski Area) — 5 miles
- Heratage T-Bar (Intermittent) (Ski Area) — 5 miles
- Lee's Way (Ski Area) — 6 miles
- Snow Making Ponds (Ski Area) — 6 miles
- Powder Bowl (Ski Area) — 6 miles
Rivers
Flathead River, Kootenai River, Swan River are all within reach for fishing, floating, and kayaking.
Lakes
Nearby lakes include Whitefish Lake, Cedar Lake, Smith Lake, Bailey Lake, Spoon Lake.
Hot Springs
Symes Hot Springs (58 mi), Wild Horse Hot Springs (58 mi), Alameda Hot Springs (59 mi) — perfect for soaking after a day on the trails.
Explore all 435 recreation sites on the full Whitefish profile.
Jobs & Economy in Whitefish
Whitefish has an unemployment rate of 2%, which is at or below the state average — indicating a healthy local job market. The labor force participation rate is 67.3%.
The top industries by employment are Education & Healthcare (21.1%), Retail (15.5%), Professional Services (11.5%). Approximately 4,693 residents are employed locally.
Employment by Industry
| Industry | Share of Employment |
|---|---|
| Education & Healthcare | 21.1% |
| Retail | 15.5% |
| Professional Services | 11.5% |
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
Whitefish is served by the Whitefish School District school district with approximately 1,800 students enrolled. The high school graduation rate is 95%, which is above the Montana state average of ~87%. Per-pupil spending is approximately $12,500.
Visit Whitefish School District for enrollment information and school performance data.
Graduation rates from OPI/NCES 2022–23. Per-pupil spending from Montana OPI fiscal data.
Healthcare in Whitefish
Whitefish has its own hospital — North Valley Hospital (25 beds). For advanced or emergency care, Logan Health Medical Center in Kalispell (Level 3 Trauma Center) is 14.2 miles away.
Hospital data from MT DPHHS 2024. Verify services directly with facilities.
Getting to Whitefish
Whitefish is accessible via the following airports:
- Bozeman Yellowstone Intl — 283 miles (298 min drive)
- Billings Logan Intl — 391 miles (407 min drive)
- Missoula Intl — 125 miles (140 min drive)
- Glacier Park Intl (Kalispell) — 9 miles (24 min drive)
- Great Falls Intl — 182 miles (197 min drive)
Pros & Cons of Living in Whitefish
Pros
- No state sales tax
- 435+ recreation sites nearby
- Low unemployment (2%)
- Strong schools (95% grad rate)
- Milder winters than eastern Montana
- Skiing at Whitefish Mountain Resort (5 mi)
- Near Glacier National Park (West Glacier)
- Has a local hospital
- Strong healthcare access
- Authentic small-town community
- 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 Whitefish, Montana?
The typical home value is $834,744 and rent averages $2,436/month. The median household income is $71,110. Montana has no state sales tax, which helps offset costs.
What are winters like in Whitefish?
January lows average 18°F with about 20" of annual snowfall. Compared to eastern Montana, winters here are relatively mild.
Is Whitefish a good place to live?
Whitefish offers 435 nearby recreation sites, a higher affordability ratio of 11.7x, and four distinct seasons. It's 17 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 Whitefish?
As of early 2026, there were 237 homes for sale in Whitefish, down 2.5% from the prior year. The community has 5,079 total housing units with a 19.3% vacancy rate (Census ACS 2019–2023). Check Zillow or local MLS for the most current listings.
What is the job market like in Whitefish?
Whitefish has a 2% unemployment rate, which is at or below the state average. Labor force participation is 67.3%. About 4,693 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 Whitefish?
The Whitefish School District school district has a graduation rate of 95%, above the Montana state average of ~87%. Approximately 1,800 students are enrolled. Per-pupil spending is approximately $12,500.
What healthcare is available in Whitefish?
Whitefish has a local hospital, North Valley Hospital. The nearest major trauma center is Logan Health Medical Center in Kalispell, 14.2 miles away. There are 4 hospitals within 60 miles.
Where is the nearest skiing to Whitefish?
Whitefish Mountain Resort is 5 miles from Whitefish. The area receives about 20" of snow annually.