Kalispell, MT
Population 26,830 · Montana
About Kalispell, MT
Kalispell is a mid-sized city located in Montana with a population of 26,830 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $61,590 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.6 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Kalispell features a median home value of $381,400, which is 56% above the national median of $244,900. This places Kalispell in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,019, 12% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 11,650 total housing units, 60% are owner-occupied (6,656 units) and 40% are renter-occupied (4,452 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Kalispell shows an unemployment rate of 3.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 10.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Kalispell have an average one-way commute time of 14.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
32.9% of Kalispell residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 2.2% White, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, and 1.9% Asian residents, with 3.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Kalispell Ranks in Montana
Cost of Living in Kalispell, MT
Compared to national averages, Kalispell has a median household income of $61,590 (18% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $381,400, which is 56% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,019 is 12% below the US average of $1,163. Within Montana, Kalispell's income is 6% below the state average of $65,821, and home values are 32% above the state median of $288,703.
Why Live in Kalispell, MT?
Kalispell offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,019/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.6%, and a low poverty rate of 10.3%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 14.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($61,590) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $381,400. However, Kalispell’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Kalispell has a population of 26,830 with a median age of 35.6 years. Compare Kalispell with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Montana.
Similar Cities Near Kalispell
Cities in Montana with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Helena | 33,126 | $69,341 | $355,100 | Compare |
| Butte-Silver Bow (balance), Montana | 34,929 | $57,633 | $225,100 | Compare |
| Belgrade | 11,425 | $88,896 | $469,600 | Compare |
| Helena Valley Southeast | 9,533 | $63,824 | $308,000 | Compare |
| Anaconda-Deer Lodge County, Montana | 9,512 | $49,533 | $209,700 | Compare |
| Havre | 9,333 | $58,000 | $197,600 | Compare |
| Evergreen | 8,908 | $73,015 | $271,700 | Compare |
| Livingston | 8,635 | $65,187 | $348,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Montana
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Kalispell With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Kalispell
What is the population of Kalispell, MT?
The population of Kalispell, MT is 26,830 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Montana.
What is the median household income in Kalispell?
The median household income in Kalispell, MT is $61,590 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Kalispell?
The median home value in Kalispell, MT is $381,400, which is 56% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Kalispell?
The median monthly rent in Kalispell, MT is $1,019, which is 12% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Kalispell?
The unemployment rate in Kalispell, MT is 3.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Kalispell, MT a good place to live?
Kalispell offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 26,830 and a median age of 35.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Kalispell, MT?
32.9% of residents in Kalispell aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Kalispell?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Kalispell, MT: median home value is $381,400 (56% above national), median rent is $1,019/month, and median household income is $61,590. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.2x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Kalispell?
The poverty rate in Kalispell, MT is 10.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Kalispell, MT?
Kalispell's population is 2.2% White, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, 1.9% Asian, and 0.3% two or more races. 3.5% of residents are foreign-born.