What to know when moving to Kalispell, MT
Kalispell at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A population of 61,710 with a median household income of $70,391, where 28% of residents are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- Median gross rent is $1,052, making it a more affordable option than many urban areas.
- The Reality Check:
- With only 0.1% of residents using public transit, this is a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Prepare for 149 rainy days a year, so invest in good rain gear.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Kalispell features a community with 32.6% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher, reflecting a moderately educated populace. The median home value of $417,200 indicates a strong ownership presence among residents, though the 28% renter percentage shows opportunities for those looking to rent. The area's rainy climate, with nearly 25 inches of precipitation annually, suggests that newcomers should be prepared for wet weather.
Probably not your spot if: you rely on public transit, as only 0.1% of commutes are via public transportation.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,052, while the median owner-occupied home value is $417,200.
- The community has a 10% poverty rate, indicating a mix of economic backgrounds.
- Only 0.1% of residents use public transit, highlighting a car-dependent lifestyle.
- 28% of residents are renters, showing a significant portion of the population opts for rental housing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Montana, the state reported a property crime rate of 1,445 per 100,000 residents, which is 6.6% lower than the national average. The violent crime rate stands at 407.2 per 100,000, 25.2% higher than the national average. Notably, the state has seen a 27.2% decrease in property crime rates since 2022.
- Violent crime: 407.2 per 100,000 vs. national 325.3, with a 6% decrease since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,445 per 100,000 vs. national 1,546.9, with a 27.2% decrease since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicides have decreased by 31% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Montana).
Schools & Higher Ed
Kalispell has access to 2 postsecondary institutions, enhancing educational opportunities in the area.
- Crevier's Academy of Cosmetology Arts
- Flathead Valley Community College
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations (NCES) + College Scorecard (ED).
Weather & Getting Outside
Kalispell experiences approximately 24.9 inches of rainfall annually, with 149 rainy days each year. Snowfall totals about 4.9 inches over 36 snowy days, making for a wet climate overall.
- Woodland Park - 4.4 stars (1,102 reviews)
- Lone Pine State Park - 4.8 stars (761 reviews)
- Glacier Park International Airport - 4.5 stars (1,071 reviews)
- Conrad Mansion Museum - 4.7 stars (606 reviews)
Source: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.