Whitefish, MT demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
8,749
3.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$73,811/yr
3.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
5,536
9.0% year-over-year change

Whitefish population

How many people live in Whitefish

Whitefish is home to 8,749 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.4% of Whitefish locals are male, and 49.6% are female.

Total population
8,749
3.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.4%
4,408
Female
49.6%
4,341
Value Percent YoY change
Male 4,408 50.4% 6.0%
Female 4,341 49.6% 1.8%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Whitefish is 44, with the population distributed as follows: about 12.8% are children under 15, then 7.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 30.6% of the population, while another 25.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 23.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
44.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
12.8%
15 to 24
7.5%
25 to 44
30.6%
45 to 64
25.7%
Over 65
23.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,124 12.8% -2.2%
15 to 24 660 7.5% 3.5%
25 to 44 2,675 30.6% 3.2%
45 to 64 2,247 25.7% 8.6%
Over 65 2,043 23.4% 3.5%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Whitefish, 94.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.7% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 4.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
94.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.2%
Non-citizens
2.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 8,229 94.1% 2.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 280 3.2% 13.4%
Non-citizens 240 2.7% 50.0%
Racial breakdown
White
93.9%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.9%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.6%
Other
0.6%
Value Percent
White 8,212 93.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 75 0.9%
Two or more races 407 4.6%
Other 55 0.6%

Households in Whitefish

A peek inside Whitefish households

Whitefish has 4,302 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 48.6% are families, while the remaining 51.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
4,302
4.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,212
Family households
2,090
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,212 51.4% 3.9%
Family households 2,090 48.6% 6.0%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Whitefish

The housing landscape of Whitefish

Whitefish's housing consists of 5,536 units, with 64.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 7.6% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 1.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
5,536
9.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,551 64.1%
1 unit, attached 419 7.6%
2 units 282 5.1%
3 or 4 units 269 4.9%
5 to 9 units 462 8.4%
10 to 19 units 276 5%
20 to 49 units 132 2.4%
50 or more units 69 1.2%
Mobile home 62 1.1%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 14 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
163
53.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Whitefish

In Whitefish, the median construction year is 1991. About 10.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 18.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 18.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.9% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 584 10.6% 7.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 356 6.4% 38.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 470 8.5% 5.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 243 4.4% -17.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 367 6.6% -21.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 659 11.9% -9.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 622 11.2% 13.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,048 18.9% 13.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,024 18.5% 34.4%
Built in 2020 or later 163 2.9% 53.8%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Whitefish occupancy rates

Out of the 4,302 occupied housing units in Whitefish, 61.7% are owner-occupied, while 38.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 22.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
4,302
4.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,649
Owner occupied
2,653
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,649 38.3% 0.4%
Owner occupied 2,653 61.7% 7.9%
Unoccupied housing units
22.3%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Whitefish housing costs

Housing costs in Whitefish come to a median of $1,566 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,354.

Median housing costs per month
$1,566/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Whitefish
$1,354/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Whitefish

Whitefish education at a glance

About 23.7% of the population in Whitefish went to high school, while 14% pursued college studies. Another 6.9% earned an associate degree and 39.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 15.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 23 0.3% 76.9%
High school diploma 1,736 23.7% 16.8%
College diploma 1,028 14% -21.4%
Associate degree 504 6.9% 44.4%
Bachelor's degree 2,864 39.1% 1.4%
Graduate degree 1,166 15.9% 17.1%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Whitefish

How much people earn in Whitefish

The average annual household income in Whitefish was $115,021 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +6.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $73,811, reflecting a +3.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Whitefish
$115,021/year
6.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Whitefish
$73,811/year
3.8% year-over-year change

Whitefish income by age

In Whitefish, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $96,641. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $95,968 overall. Overall, 90.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $96,641 6.8%
45 - 64 $95,968 1.3%
Over 65 $43,426 0.1%
Above poverty level
7,704
Below poverty level
804
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 7,704 90.6% 4.0%
Below poverty level 804 9.4% 9.4%

Average renter income in Whitefish

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Whitefish, their median household income was $53,699 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 30.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$53,699
Rent-to-income ratio
30.3%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Whitefish

Workforce and job types in Whitefish

The job market in Whitefish is powered by 4,837 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 83.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 16.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 23.4% run their own businesses, 60% are employed by private companies, and 8.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
4,837
3.1% year-over-year change
White collar
4,060
Blue collar
777
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 4,060 83.9% -0.8%
Blue collar 777 16.1% 29.7%
Employer type
Self employees
23.4%
Private companies
60%
Governmental workers
8.6%
Not for profit companies
8.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,132 23.4% 39.6%
Private companies 2,900 60% -1.9%
Governmental workers 414 8.6% -18.7%
Not for profit companies 391 8.1% -6.0%
Unemployment rate
2.4%
19.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Whitefish stands at 2.4%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Whitefish

How people get around in Whitefish

Commuting methods vary: 66.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 3,144 66.4% 0.5%
Bus or trolleybus 13 0.3% 18.2%
Bicycle 90 1.9% -28.6%
Walk 329 7% 2.8%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Whitefish by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
59937 15,114 6,982 $75,428 $117,932

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FAQs about Whitefish demographics 

What is the total population of Whitefish?

Whitefish has a total population of 8,749 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +3.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Whitefish?

The gender ratio in Whitefish is as follows:
  • 50.4% males (4,408 residents)
  • 49.6% females (4,341 residents)

What is the median age in Whitefish?

The median age in Whitefish is 44.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Whitefish?

The age distribution in Whitefish is as follows:
  • Under 15: 12.8% (1,124 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 7.5% (660 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 30.6% (2,675 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.7% (2,247 residents)
  • Over 65: 23.4% (2,043 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Whitefish?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Whitefish is as follows:
  • White: 93.9% (8,212 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.9% (75 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.6% (407 residents)
  • Other: 0.6% (55 residents)

What percentage of the population in Whitefish are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 94.1% of the population in Whitefish.

How many housing units are there in Whitefish?

There are 5,536 housing units in Whitefish, reflecting a +9.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Whitefish and what is the average household size?

Whitefish has a total of 4,302 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Whitefish?

Whitefish has a median household income of $73,811, representing a +3.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Whitefish?

The employment rate is 97.6% in Whitefish, with a workforce of 4,837 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 83.9% (4,060 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 16.1% (777 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 23.4% (1,132 residents)
  • Private companies: 60% (2,900 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 8.6% (414 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.1% (391 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025