Flathead County Public RecordsMontana

Flathead County, MT, reported a total crime rate of 25.43 per 1,000 residents in 2023, with property crimes (such as theft and burglary) comprising about 82% of cases. Violent crime, including assault and robbery, accounted for 3.7 per 1,000 people, below the national average. The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office emphasizes timely reporting, leading to a 70% case clearance rate for major offenses. While crime has slightly increased by 4% over the previous year, the county remains safer than 60% of U.S. counties, according to FBI statistics.

As of 2020, Flathead County, MT had a population of 104,357. The median age was 42.8 years. Approximately 49.7% of residents were male and 50.3% female. The racial/ethnic makeup was 93.9% White, 2.1% Native American, 0.5% Asian, 0.3% Black or African American, and 4.0% Hispanic or Latino of any race, with 3.0% identifying as two or more races.

Flathead County, Montana, had approximately 74,000 registered voters as of 2022. It conducts federal, state, and local elections, primarily through precinct-based polling and mail-in ballots; 43 polling locations serve its diverse geography. In the 2020 presidential race, 67% voted Republican and 31% Democrat. Voter turnout often exceeds 75%. Election issues include mail-in voting access and wildfire policies. The Flathead County Election Department administers elections, following state and federal laws. The county tends to favor the Republican Party, though independents and Democrats are active in local contests.

Flathead County, MT, has over 40 public schools, including 3 main high schools such as Flathead High. Approximately 92% of adults hold a high school diploma, while about 25% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. GreatSchools ratings for many schools range from 5-8/10, reflecting average to above-average performance. The county offers adult education through Flathead Valley Community College. School safety initiatives are present, with reported incidents below state averages. Educational programs include Advanced Placement, career technical education, and special education.

As of 2022, Flathead County, MT, had an employment rate of roughly 59.5%. Major industries include health care & social assistance (16.7%), retail trade (13.2%), and accommodation & food services (12.3%). Top occupations are office & administrative support (12%) and sales (10.8%). About 81% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 19.7 minutes; most jobs are within the county, particularly in Kalispell.

Flathead County, MT, features a homeownership rate of approximately 74%, with median home values around $500,000 in 2023, reflecting a rising trend over the past five years. Median gross rent stands at roughly $1,100 monthly. Popular housing types include single-family homes, cabins, and some newer apartment complexes. Desirable neighborhoods include Kalispell, Whitefish, and Bigfork. Property taxes average 0.83% of assessed value, with a median annual property tax around $2,500. The market remains competitive due to proximity to Glacier National Park and outdoor amenities.