Whitefish is a town located in the state of Montana and is a part of Flathead County. If you want to hop over into Canada, you are in luck since the city is near the border.
The population of Whitefish is approximately 9,225 people and is the 328th largest city in the country. Expect to see population growth in the next years as the rate has increased 3.48% yearly.
The median income is about $57,970 and most workers are white-collar. About 10% of the employment force are blue-collar.
The main industry in Whitefish includes tourism. Many people come to enjoy the ski resorts.
This beloved tourist destination is known for its picturesque mountain scenery and clean natural environment. Blaze through the snow on snowmobiles, go fishing, attend farmer’s markets, go horseback riding, and stay in shape through hiking.
Get some canine time with some dogsledding tours in winter. The area is also the best place for golfing in Montana.
Visitors can enjoy the nature of Flathead National Forest, trails such as the Whitefish Trail, Whitefish Lake State Park, campgrounds.
Let’s not forget about Glacier National Park, where one can roam around one million acres of a pristine ecosystem that includes a plethora of animal species,plant species, and lakes.
In addition to being a haven for nature enthusiasts, Whitefish is also home to many artists. There are galleries and art on display in local restaurants. Catch a stage production or opera show at the Whitefish Theatre Company.
Like most of Montana, Whitefish does not have the most diverse population as 97% of residents are white. The next highest demographic are American Indians, who make up about .62% of people, Asians make up .29%, and African Americans come in last at .01 %.
Whitefish is considered to be an expensive town, with a median home cost of about $445,376.This price is expected to keep rising.
There are many towns similar to Whitefish, Montana, across the United States. If it sounds like an interesting place to visit or live, you can also find similar spots to your liking.
15 American Cities and Towns Similar To Whitefish, Montana
1. Aspen, Colorado
Aspen is a town located in the state of Colorado. It is the county seat of Pitkin County and has a population of about 6,658 people.
The median income in Aspen is $84,711 and most workers are white-collar. The main industry in Aspen is tourism.
Like Whitefish, Aspen is known for its winter recreation such as skiing and snowboarding. There are also many hiking and biking trails.
Those looking for a creative outlet enjoy the fact that the town is also home to the Aspen Music Festival and the Aspen Ideas Festival.
Unlike Whitefish, Aspen has a slightly more diverse population as 83.3% of residents are white. The next highest demographic are Hispanics, who make up about 8.8% of people, African Americans make up 1.7%, and Asians make up 1.5%.
Aspen is considered to be an expensive place to live, with a median home cost of about $1,385,700.
2. Sun Valley, Idaho
Sun Valley is a city located in the state of Idaho and has a population of about 1,406 people. The median income in Sun Valley is $64,167.
Like Whitefish, Sun Valley is known for winter recreation such as skiing and snowboarding. The area is also popular for hiking, biking, and fishing.
There are also many arts and cultural events taking place in Sun Valley. These include the Sun Valley Writers’ Conference, the Sun Valley Opera, and the Sun Valley Center for the Arts.
The population of Sun Valley is majority white, as 92.4% of residents are white. The next highest demographic are Hispanics, who make up 1.8% of people, African Americans make up 0.9%, and Asians make up 0.4%.
Living in Sun Valley is more expensive than Whitefish, with a median home cost of about $858, 200.
3. Breckenridge, Colorado
Breckenridge is a town located in the state of Colorado. The population of Breckenridge is about half of Whitefish with approximately 4,885 people.
Visit in the winter to enjoy one of the top ski destinations in the state. The main downtown area has plenty of shops and restaurants to keep you busy.
Arts and culture are also alive in the area with the Breckenridge Festival of Film, the Breckenridge Music Festival, and the National Repertory Orchestra.
The population of Breckenridge is mostly white, as 78.4% of residents are white. The next highest demographic are Hispanics, who make up 11.8% of people, African Americans make up 0.4%, and Asians make up 7.3%.
4. Telluride, Colorado
Telluride is a town located in the state of Colorado. If you are looking for a place smaller than Whitefish, the population of Telluride is only 2,470 people.
Like Whitefish, visitors and residents have access to beautiful mountains and forests. There are many hiking and biking trails as well as opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and camping.
There is a free gondola that takes people from the town of Telluride to the nearby ski resort. The gondola is also open in the summer for scenic views.
5. Jackson, Wyoming
Jackson is a town located in the state of Wyoming. It’s population closely matches Whitefish with approximately 10,000 people. Both cities also share the title of being the 10th largest city in their state.
The main industries in Jackson are tourism and agriculture. The town is known for being close to Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park.
Like Whitefish, visitors can utilize outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, and skiing.
Visit the Jackson Hole Playhouse and the Jackson Hole Writers Conference for creative endeavors.
The population of Jackson is mostly white, as 78.8% of residents are white. The next highest demographic are Hispanics, who make up 5.4% of people, African Americans make up 0.3%, and Asians make up 1.8%.
6. Taos, New Mexico
Taos is a town located in the state of New Mexico with a population of about 5,700 people. The median income in Taos is $36,666.
The town is located in the mountains and offers many outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and skiing. There are also opportunities to enjoy the arts with the Taos Center for the Arts and the Taos Art Museum.
The population of Taos is 70.2% white but has a higher Hispanic population than whitefish at 30.4%. The next highest demographic are African Americans, who make up 0.4%, and Asians make up 0.6%.
7. Park City, Utah
Park City is a town located in the state of Utah. With a population of about 8,607 people, it is only slightly smaller than Whitefish, Montana.
The town is known for being a ski destination, but there are also many hiking and biking trails.
The arts here are supported on a local and international level. The Park City Museum and the Park City Film Series are also popular attractions. Come here for the annual Sundance Film Festival, the largest independent film festival in the United States.
The population of Park City has a similar demographic to Whitefish, Montana with 86% white residents but slightly more African Americans who make up 2.3%.
8. Ketchum, Idaho
Ketchum is a town located in the state of Idaho. It is part of the Wood River Valley and has a population of about 2,689 people.
The town is located in the mountains and offers many outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and skiing. There are also opportunities to enjoy the arts with the Ketchum Arts Festival and the Sun Valley Center for the Arts.
Ketchum also has mostly white residents who make up 84.7% of the population. The next highest demographic are Hispanics, who make up 6%, African Americans make up 0.3%, and Asians make up 2%.
9. Bend, Oregon
If you love being in the most northern part of the country, Bend is a good pick. Bend is a town in Oregon with a population of about 106,824 people, much larger than Whitefish.
When you are not exploring the outdoors, visit the Deschutes Brewery and the High Desert Museum.
Like Whitefish, it is a great place to go golfing.
Here, 80.2% of residents are white. The next highest demographic are Hispanics who make up 11.4%, African Americans make up 1.8%, and Asians make up 2%.
Median home values in Bend are similar to Whitefish, coming in at $424,500.
10. Hood River, Oregon
Hood River is another town located in Oregon. It has a population of about 7,167 people and is known for its fruit crops, windsurfing, and kiteboarding.
The town is located in the Columbia River Gorge and offers many outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and skiing. There are also opportunities to enjoy the arts with the Hood River County Library and the Columbia Center for the Arts.
Median home values in Hood River are $397,300, slightly lower than Whitefish.
The population of Hood River is mostly white at 77%.
11. Durango, Colorado
With a population of about 19,000 people, Durango has twice the number of people of Whitefish It is a historic town with many Victorian-era buildings.
One must explore the mineral-rich San Juan Mountains.Snowboarders and skiers love the Durango Mountain resort. Soak up some history and scenic views on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
The population of Durango has more Hispanic diversity than Whitefish at 22.4%. African Americans make up 1.7%, and Asians make up 1.1%.
Median home values in Durango are $461,200, similar to Whitefish.
12. Ouray, Colorado
Ouray is a town located in the state of Colorado. If Whitefish has too many people for you, Ouray is the perfect escape. With a population of about 875 people, it is a small town nestled in the San Juan Mountains.
The Ouray Ice Park, Yankee Boy Basin, and the Box Canyon Waterfall are also popular attractions for nature lovers. Go ice climbing or simply enjoy snow-capped mountain views.
The demographics of Ouray is mostly white at 88%, close to Whitefish.
13. Montrose, Colorado
Montrose has twice the population of Whitefish with about 20,313 people.
Like Whitefish, this is a great place to enjoy outdoor recreation and is a gateway to the Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park.
The town is also known for its arts and culture with the Montrose County Historical Museum and the Western Slope Symphony Orchestra.
The population of Montrose is mostly white at 74%, close to the percentage in Whitefish. Hispanics make up the next highest demographic at 17.5%, African Americans make up 1.8%, and Asians make up 1.4%.
14. Gunnison, Colorado
Gunnison has a population of about 5,854 people, slightly more than half of Whitefish.
The best nature spots include the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area and the Blue Mesa Reservoir. Photographers and hikers will love the stunning black granite and red sandstone cliffs.
Creative patrons should visit the Gunnison Pioneer Museum and the Gunnison Arts Center are also popular attractions.
Like Whitefish, the population of Gunnison is mostly white at 82%. Hispanics make up the next highest demographic at 12.9%, African Americans make up 1.2%, and Asians make up 0.8%.
If you want to buy a home, the median house price is slightly lower in Gunnison at $417,700.
15. Driggs, Idaho
For a smaller city than Whitefish, come to Driggs. This town in Idaho has a population of about 3,142 people. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors with opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, and skiing.
Mountains surround the town on three sides and the Teton Range is a popular destination for photography and wildlife viewing.
Come here for one of the most popular pastimes, mountain biking, from July through September.
The Teton Valley Community Center and the Teton Artlab are spots the local creatives enjoy.
The population of Driggs is mostly white at 87%.