Whitefish, MT
Population 8,422 · Montana
About Whitefish, MT
Whitefish is a small town located in Montana with a population of 8,422 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $71,110 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.4 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Whitefish features a median home value of $648,200, which is 165% above the national median of $244,900. This places Whitefish in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,313, 13% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,079 total housing units, 60% are owner-occupied (2,459 units) and 40% are renter-occupied (1,642 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Whitefish shows an unemployment rate of 2.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 8.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Whitefish have an average one-way commute time of 16.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
56.5% of Whitefish residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 0.3% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.6% Asian residents, with 2.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Whitefish Ranks in Montana
Cost of Living in Whitefish, MT
Compared to national averages, Whitefish has a median household income of $71,110 (5% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $648,200, which is 165% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,313 is 13% above the US average of $1,163. Within Montana, Whitefish's income is 8% above the state average of $65,821, and home values are 125% above the state median of $288,703.
Why Live in Whitefish, MT?
Whitefish offers a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.0%, and a well-educated community where 56.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 8.9%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 16.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($71,110) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $648,200. However, Whitefish’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Whitefish has a population of 8,422 with a median age of 43.4 years. Compare Whitefish with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Montana.
Similar Cities Near Whitefish
Cities in Montana with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miles City | 8,412 | $60,732 | $182,700 | Compare |
| Helena Valley West Central | 8,224 | $89,040 | $352,800 | Compare |
| Livingston | 8,635 | $65,187 | $348,700 | Compare |
| Evergreen | 8,908 | $73,015 | $271,700 | Compare |
| Havre | 9,333 | $58,000 | $197,600 | Compare |
| Lockwood | 7,474 | $74,451 | $250,900 | Compare |
| Anaconda-Deer Lodge County, Montana | 9,512 | $49,533 | $209,700 | Compare |
| Helena Valley Southeast | 9,533 | $63,824 | $308,000 | 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 Whitefish With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Whitefish
What is the population of Whitefish, MT?
The population of Whitefish, MT is 8,422 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Montana.
What is the median household income in Whitefish?
The median household income in Whitefish, MT is $71,110 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Whitefish?
The median home value in Whitefish, MT is $648,200, which is 165% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Whitefish?
The median monthly rent in Whitefish, MT is $1,313, which is 13% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Whitefish?
The unemployment rate in Whitefish, MT is 2.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Whitefish, MT a good place to live?
Whitefish offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 8,422 and a median age of 43.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Whitefish, MT?
56.5% of residents in Whitefish aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Whitefish?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Whitefish, MT: median home value is $648,200 (165% above national), median rent is $1,313/month, and median household income is $71,110. The home-value-to-income ratio is 9.1x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Whitefish?
The poverty rate in Whitefish, MT is 8.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Whitefish, MT?
Whitefish's population is 0.3% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.6% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 2.6% of residents are foreign-born.