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Printed by the Kalispell Area Chamber of Commerce
Data obtained through courtesy of the Flathead County Library
 Founded in 1891 by James J. Hill as part of the westward expansion of the Great Northern Railroad, the City of Kalispell continues to grow in population and stature. Kalispell is the largest city in Northwest Montana and serves as the county seat and commercial hub of Flathead County. The City is considered a secondary trade center with a trade area of approximately 130,000. Kalispell is host to the Flathead Valley Community College with a fall 2004 enrollment of 1900 (1240 full time equivalent) students. Kalispell also serves as the medical center for northwest Montana with Kalispell Regional Hospital named one of the top 100 hospitals in the nation with a 100 bed facility, a physician staff of 139 doctors and the ALERT program, the nations second oldest helicopter ambulance service in the nation.
- Year 2000 population - 14,223
- Estimated 2007 population - 20,000 (a 40% increase in 7 years)
- Estimated greater Kalispell 2007 Population – 43,000
- Flathead County 2000 population – 74,471 (24% growth rate last decade)
- Estimated 2006 county population – 85,314
- Estimated county 2007 summer seasonal population - 100,000
- Flathead county is the third largest and second fastest growing county in Montana
- Kalispell median home value for 2006 was $209,000
- Kalispell average home price for 2006 was $249,981
- In Kalispell for 2006
- 349 new housing units were permitted for construction (321 single family/two unit dwellings, 28 apartment units).
- $86.6 million of residential/commercial construction was undertaken
- 731,000 square feet of commercial, public and semi-public building construction
- 524 residential lots and 58 commercial lots were platted for development
- The city hosts 6 elementary schools, a junior high and a high school. In 2007, construction will be completed on a new second high school and a redesigned middle school. In addition, 4 private schools (3 grade schools and a K-12 school) are also available.
- The city hosts a general aviation airport with a runway length of 3,700 feet and a proposed expansion to 4,700 feet in 2007. Seven miles to the north lay Glacier International a regional airport serviced by Northwest, Delta/Skywest, Alaska/Horizon, US Airways, United Express/Skywest. The airport posted 175,455 boardings in 2006.
- Largest employers in Kalispell area (2004)
- Kalispell Regional Medical Center - 1,700
- Plum Creek Timber - 1,140
- Semi-tool - 700
- Flathead Valley Community College - 689
- Kalispell School District - 626
- Teletech - 500
- 31 miles from Glacier National Park
- 22 miles from Hungry Horse Dam
- 17 miles from Big Mountain Ski resort to the north and 17 miles from Black Tail Ski Resort to the south
- 7 miles from Flathead Lake the largest natural fresh water lake west of the Mississippi measuring 27 miles long and 15 miles wide
- 7 miles from Glacier International Airport
Situated 2,959 feet above sea level on the west slope of the Rocky Mountains, Kalispell and the surrounding Flathead Valley enjoy a relatively mild and pleasant climate year round. The area has four distinct seasons which provide multiple opportunities to enjoy the area. Kalispell receives 15.7 inches of precipitation per year and averages 62.2 inches of snow fall.
| AVERAGE TEMPERATURE - FAHRENHEIT |
| |
Minimum |
Maximum |
| January |
13 |
28 |
| April |
31 |
55 |
| July |
47 |
80 |
| October |
29 |
54 |
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