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Is Kalispell a Good Place to Live? Kalispell, Montana: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Kalispell ranks #608 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #112 of 208 small cities and #6 of 20 in Montana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (14.9 min, #14 of 208) and fast population growth (+2%, #22 of 182), and trails on expensive homes ($428,000, #166 of 208) and low graduation rates (83%, #145 of 191).
Kalispell by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Kalispell's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Kalispell?
Kalispell's cost of living index is 91.6, 8% below the US level of 100 and #265 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,078/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $562,374, 19% above the typical Montana home ($471,746).
| Measure | Kalispell | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 91.6#265 of 1,308 | 94.6 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $562,374#903 of 1,187 | $471,746 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,931/mo#671 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $428,000#848 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,078/mo#298 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 6.7x#1124 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 20.4%#500 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Montana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Kalispell housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Kalispell is in the Kalispell, MT metro.
Montana housing market →Is Kalispell safe?
Kalispell recorded 409 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 25% above the US rate of 328 and 2% below Montana's 419. That ranks #733 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #123 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Kalispell Police Department. Property crime runs 1,744 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Kalispell | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 409#733 of 1,085 | 419 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 1,744#598 of 1,085 | 1,449 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Montana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Kalispell?
The median household in Kalispell earns $63,415, 24% below the US figure of $83,163 and 16% below Montana ($75,340). Unemployment is 3.5% (US 4.3%). 10% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Kalispell | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $63,415#967 of 1,312 | $75,340 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 3.5%#249 of 1,058 | 3.3% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 10%#494 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +2%#100 of 1,132 | +0.6% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Montana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Kalispell?
The median resident of Kalispell is 36.2 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 34.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #620 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 55.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Kalispell | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 36.2 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 34.8%#620 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 55.1% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Kalispell's schools and health?
Kalispell's 9 public schools graduate 83% of students in four years (Montana 85.8%), with 15.5 students per teacher and $11,820 spent per pupil. 31.8% of adults are obese and 9.3% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Kalispell | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 83%#778 of 1,063 | 85.8% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 15.5#546 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $11,820#979 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 31.8%#525 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 9.3%#265 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 17.5%#754 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 10.2%#679 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Montana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 6,162 students are enrolled in Kalispell's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Kalispell?
The average commute in Kalispell is 14.9 minutes (Montana 19.5); 0.1% of workers take transit and 12.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Kalispell scores 9.8 of 20 (below average walkable), #713 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 62.1°F and winters 24.9°F, with 16.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Kalispell | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 14.9 min#59 of 1,312 | 19.5 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 0.7%#11 of 1,312 | 5% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 74.2% | 71.6% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.1% | 0.8% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 2% | 3.8% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.7% | 0.9% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 12.5% | 11.7% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 9.8#713 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Montana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 31 | 16.3 | 1.4 |
| Feb | 35.5 | 18.1 | 1 |
| Mar | 45.1 | 24 | 1.1 |
| Apr | 55 | 30.5 | 1.3 |
| May | 65.1 | 38.1 | 1.8 |
| Jun | 71.2 | 44 | 2.8 |
| Jul | 82.2 | 47.6 | 1.1 |
| Aug | 81.7 | 45.7 | 0.8 |
| Sep | 70.4 | 38.3 | 1.2 |
| Oct | 54.1 | 29.1 | 1.4 |
| Nov | 39.4 | 23.5 | 1.4 |
| Dec | 31 | 17.2 | 1.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Kalispell Glacier Airport.
| Measure | Kalispell | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 43.1°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 62.1°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 24.9°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 16.8 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Kalispell Glacier Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Kalispell?
Flathead County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 74% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Flathead County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.21% of building value, higher than 75% of US counties.
| Measure | Kalispell | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 41#404 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.21%#954 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Flathead County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Flathead County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.062% | 93% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.019% | 90% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.1% | 69% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.001% | 60% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Kalispell compare with similar-size cities?
Kalispell is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #112 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 28,504.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kalispell, MTPop. 28,504 | #608 | 56.6 | $63,415 | $1,078/mo | 409 | 14.9 min |
| Russellville, ARPop. 29,162 | #1024 | 49.7 | $50,877 | $842/mo | 460 | 15.7 min |
| Slidell, LAPop. 28,561 | #1005 | 50.0 | $70,497 | $1,375/mo | 275 | 29.1 min |
| Frankfort, KYPop. 28,503 | #774 | 53.8 | $53,073 | $944/mo | 238 | 17 min |
| Kahului, HIPop. 28,288 | #692 | 55.1 | $98,077 | $1,488/mo | no data | 22.8 min |
| Aberdeen, SDPop. 28,189 | #415 | 59.8 | $64,405 | $762/mo | 425 | 11.9 min |
| Greenville, MSPop. 28,166 | #1296 | 37.6 | $40,083 | $872/mo | part year | 18.8 min |
| Williston, NDPop. 28,056 | #380 | 60.4 | $79,381 | $1,122/mo | 432 | 17.6 min |
| Garden City, KSPop. 27,819 | #613 | 56.5 | $72,865 | $1,052/mo | 486 | 14 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Kalispell compare with the rest of Montana?
Kalispell ranks #6 of the 20 Montana cities we track, with a score of 56.6 against Montana's statewide 75. Its households earn 16% below the Montana median. Violent crime is 2% below the statewide rate. Homes are 19% above the typical Montana home.
| City | Rank in MT | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bozeman, MTPop. 56,114 | #1 | 64.2 | $85,747 | $1,717/mo | 397 |
| Belgrade, MTPop. 11,872 | #2 | 60.3 | $97,328 | $1,877/mo | 331 |
| Missoula, MTPop. 76,514 | #3 | 58.6 | $70,392 | $1,189/mo | 591 |
| Whitefish, MTPop. 8,749 | #4 | 58.0 | $73,811 | $1,354/mo | 176 |
| Helena, MTPop. 33,639 | #5 | 57.9 | $71,036 | $1,092/mo | 582 |
| Kalispell, MTPop. 28,504 | #6 | 56.6 | $63,415 | $1,078/mo | 409 |
| Butte, MTPop. 35,052 | #7 | 55.8 | $61,857 | $856/mo | no data |
| Miles City, MTPop. 8,407 | #8 | 54.8 | $67,727 | $926/mo | 356 |
| Helena Valley West Central, MTPop. 8,056 | #9 | 54.8 | $90,082 | $1,327/mo | no data |
| Sidney, MTPop. 6,171 | #10 | 54.6 | $62,538 | $931/mo | 655 |
| Billings, MTPop. 119,434 | #11 | 52.8 | $73,712 | $1,138/mo | 763 |
| Livingston, MTPop. 8,780 | #12 | 52.7 | $65,861 | $1,046/mo | 317 |
| Anaconda, MTPop. 9,597 | #13 | 52.6 | $57,527 | $696/mo | no data |
| Laurel, MTPop. 7,215 | #14 | 52.6 | $68,474 | $974/mo | 303 |
| Helena Valley Southeast, MTPop. 9,108 | #15 | 50.4 | $74,075 | $1,106/mo | no data |
| Evergreen, MTPop. 9,611 | #16 | 50.3 | $76,446 | $1,166/mo | no data |
| Great Falls, MTPop. 60,329 | #17 | 50.1 | $63,373 | $900/mo | 631 |
| Lockwood, MTPop. 7,181 | #18 | 48.7 | $75,700 | $1,138/mo | no data |
| Lewistown, MTPop. 6,087 | #19 | 48.0 | $48,750 | $1,007/mo | 639 |
| Havre, MTPop. 9,258 | #20 | 43.8 | $50,329 | $844/mo | 763 |
All 20 Montana cities we track, by overall score. Montana statewide: median income $75,340, violent crime 419.1 per 100,000.
How is Kalispell's score calculated?
Kalispell scores 56.6 out of 100, #608 of 1,312 (grade B, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Montana's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Kalispell. Similar-size median 52.9.
50.6 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Kalispell's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
68.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Kalispell. Similar-size median 52.2.
60.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Kalispell's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
49.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Kalispell's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
71.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Kalispell. Similar-size median 46.7.
49.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Kalispell. Similar-size median 44.2.
62.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Kalispell. Similar-size median 47.3.
54.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Kalispell's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
46.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
41.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Kalispell's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Kalispell has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Kalispell
Is Kalispell, MT a good place to live?
Kalispell ranks #608 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #112 of 208 small cities and #6 of 20 in Montana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (14.9 min, #14 of 208) and fast population growth (+2%, #22 of 182), and trails on expensive homes ($428,000, #166 of 208) and low graduation rates (83%, #145 of 191).
What is the cost of living in Kalispell?
Kalispell's cost of living index is 91.6, 8% below the US level of 100 and #265 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,078/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $562,374, 19% above the typical Montana home ($471,746).
What is the crime rate in Kalispell?
Kalispell recorded 409 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 25% above the US rate of 328 and 2% below Montana's 419. That ranks #733 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #123 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Kalispell Police Department. Property crime runs 1,744 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Kalispell?
The median household in Kalispell earns $63,415, 24% below the US figure of $83,163 and 16% below Montana ($75,340). Unemployment is 3.5% (US 4.3%). 10% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Kalispell?
Median rent in Kalispell is $1,078/mo (Census), #298 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,931/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 20.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Kalispell?
The typical home value in Kalispell is $562,374, up 1.5% in a year, against $471,746 for Montana and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $428,000.
How are the public schools in Kalispell?
Kalispell's 9 public schools graduate 83% of students in four years (Montana 85.8%), with 15.5 students per teacher and $11,820 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Kalispell?
The average commute is 14.9 minutes, #59 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 19.5 minutes across Montana. 0.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Kalispell?
Kalispell averages 43.1°F over the year, 62.1°F in summer and 24.9°F in winter, with 16.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Kalispell walkable?
Kalispell scores 9.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #713 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Kalispell at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Flathead County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.21% of building value, higher than 75% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Kalispell?
Flathead County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 74% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Kalispell?
Kalispell has 28,504 residents. The median resident of Kalispell is 36.2 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 34.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #620 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 55.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Kalispell compare with the rest of Montana?
Kalispell ranks #6 of the 20 Montana cities we track, with a score of 56.6 against Montana's statewide 75. Its households earn 16% below the Montana median. Violent crime is 2% below the statewide rate. Homes are 19% above the typical Montana home.
What cities are similar in size to Kalispell?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Kalispell's population of 28,504 are Russellville, AR (#1024 overall), Slidell, LA (#1005 overall), Frankfort, KY (#774 overall), Kahului, HI (#692 overall), and Aberdeen, SD (#415 overall). Kalispell is #608.