Kalispell continues to expand faster than most Montana cities, the U.S. Census Bureau reported in May, with its population rising from 25,076 in April 2020 to 31,851 on July 1, 2025 — a 27% increase that placed the city 48th among nearly 1,900 U.S. cities and towns with populations above 20,000.
The new counts show growth slowed after the pandemic peak but remained stronger than in comparable Montana communities. Between July 2024 and July 2025, Kalispell added 626 people, a 2% increase — ahead of Helena, Bozeman and Missoula, and in contrast to Billings, which saw a slight decline.
What the numbers mean locally
For residents and officials, the continuing increase carries practical implications for housing demand, schools, transportation and city services. Flathead Valley communities have felt pressure on housing and infrastructure during recent years as newcomers arrived, and the latest Census figures suggest that managing growth remains a priority.
Kalispell’s growth trajectory peaked during the COVID-19 period, averaging 7.3% annual growth from 2020 to 2022. The pace eased afterward, with growth rates of 4.3% in 2022 and 3.7% in 2023, reflecting a national slowdown in population movement.
How Kalispell compares with nearby cities
Among communities in the Flathead Valley and across Montana, Kalispell’s five-year increase outpaced most peers. The Census designates a medium-sized city as one with a population between 5,000 and 49,999, which includes Kalispell.
- Kalispell: 27% growth, 25,076 to 31,851 (2020–2025)
- Whitefish: 20.2% increase, added 1,574 residents (2020–2025)
- Columbia Falls: 8.1%, reached 5,753 residents (2020–2025)
- Bozeman: 9.7% (2020–2025)
- Helena: 1.3% (2024–2025)
- Missoula: 0.9% (2024–2025)
- Billings: -0.2% (2024–2025)
| City | Percent change (2020–2025) |
|---|---|
| Kalispell | 27% |
| Whitefish | 20.2% |
| Columbia Falls | 8.1% |
| Bozeman | 9.7% |
Regional context and next steps
Flathead County — Montana’s fourth-most populous county — also posted notable gains in the Census release, underscoring broader regional growth even as the nationwide pace of population increase cooled. City and county planners will use the updated counts for budgeting, grant applications and long-term planning. State agencies and local governments typically review Census totals to adjust service provision and infrastructure priorities.
Residents wanting more detail can consult the U.S. Census Bureau data release for county and municipal breakdowns. Local officials have not yet issued a formal response tied to this release; however, the numbers will be relevant to upcoming council and planning commission discussions about housing, transportation and public services.
As Kalispell adjusts to continued growth, officials and residents alike will be watching whether the post-pandemic slowdown continues or whether the city resumes a faster expansion rate in coming years.
Sierra Lambert is the Montana correspondent for News Block.
