- County
- Flathead, Montana
- Base elevation
- About 2,999 ft in town · resort base 4,464 ft
- Population
- About 9,358 (2025 Census estimate)
- Drive from FCA
- 12 mi · about 20 min (Glacier Park International)
- Ski area
- Whitefish Mountain Resort, 6 mi from town
- Schools
- Whitefish School District
Drive times are typical and change with traffic and weather.
Living in Whitefish
What it's like to live in Whitefish
Whitefish is an incorporated city in Flathead County, set on the south end of Whitefish Lake. The 2020 census counted 7,751 people, and the Census Bureau estimated about 9,358 by mid-2025. Whitefish Mountain Resort sits 6 miles up Big Mountain Road, Glacier National Park is about 25 miles away, and Amtrak's Empire Builder still stops at the Whitefish Depot. It is a real town all year, with the Winter Carnival in February and the lake and the Whitefish Trail in summer.
Homes include older houses in the Avenues historic district next to downtown, homes around Whitefish Lake, and condos and homes on Big Mountain near the resort. The city's 3% resort tax sends 25% to property tax relief and 10% to community housing, including deed-restricted units. I could not find a current median price from a source I trust, so look at recent sales for the exact area before you set a budget.
Short-term rentals are tightly controlled. Rentals under 30 days are banned outside a few areas such as downtown and around Big Mountain, and the city has a staff member who enforces it. Starting with 2026 tax bills, Montana taxes second homes at a higher rate than primary residences. I live on the Front Range and I'm licensed in Colorado, so for Whitefish I refer you to a local agent I trust and stay with you through the whole move.
Where it is
Where Whitefish sits in Montana
Hover a pin for a quick look. Click to open that town's guide.
Neighborhoods
Where to look in Whitefish
Downtown
The walkable core with shops, restaurants, and the Amtrak depot. One of the few areas where short-term rentals are allowed.
The Avenues
A historic district of older homes right next to downtown.
Whitefish Lake
Homes around a lake about 5.8 miles long, with Whitefish Lake State Park on the shore.
Big Mountain
Condos and homes up Big Mountain Road near Whitefish Mountain Resort, about 6 miles from town.
Get outside
Things to do in Whitefish
- 01
Whitefish Mountain Resort
110 named trails, 2,353 vertical feet, and nearly 300 inches of average snowfall.
- 02
The Whitefish Trail
About 47 miles of non-motorized trail with 15 trailheads.
- 03
Whitefish Lake
About 5.8 miles long and 233 feet deep at its deepest point.
- 04
Glacier National Park
About 25 miles from town.
- 05
Winter Carnival
The first weekend in February, with a parade and a penguin plunge into Whitefish Lake.
- 06
Whitefish Depot
Amtrak's Empire Builder stops here daily on the route between the Pacific Northwest and Chicago.
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Latest from Whitefish
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FAQ
Whitefish questions, answered
How far is Whitefish from the airport?
Glacier Park International is about 12 miles from Whitefish, roughly 20 minutes to downtown and 30 minutes to the resort. The free S.N.O.W. Bus runs between downtown and the resort in winter and summer. Amtrak also stops at the Whitefish Depot.
Can I rent my Whitefish home short term?
The city treats stays under 30 days as short-term rentals and bans them outside a few areas such as downtown and around Big Mountain. Where allowed you need a city permit and a yearly fire safety inspection. Confirm with the City of Whitefish for any address.
What about property taxes and the resort tax?
Whitefish charges a 3% resort tax on lodging, restaurants, bars, and some retail, and 25% of it goes to property tax relief. Starting with 2026 tax bills, Montana taxes second homes at a higher rate than primary residences.
Is Whitefish a year-round town?
Yes. It has a downtown, a public school district, the Winter Carnival in February, and lake and trail season in summer.
What is the elevation of Whitefish?
About 2,999 feet in town. The ski resort base is at 4,464 feet and the summit at 6,817 feet.
Which school district serves Whitefish?
Whitefish School District. Confirm by address.
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