Whitefish, MT Eviction Risk Score Flathead County · Montana · Population 8,749

Whitefish, MT has an eviction risk score of 2.3 out of 10, placing it in the very low-risk tier for landlords operating in Flathead County and the state of Montana. The score combines local political climate, court disposition patterns, cost-of-eviction estimates, tenant organizing strength, and the likelihood of new tenant-protective legislation in the next legislative cycle.

Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates show median gross rent as a percentage of household income is 32.6% — a core driver of eviction filings, because households above 30% of income on rent are statistically more likely to miss a payment after any income shock. Median gross rent in Whitefish is $1,354/month. About 38.3% of occupied units here are renter-occupied.

Economic stress: poverty rate 8.9%, unemployment 2.1%. Higher values correlate with higher eviction filing rates and longer court timelines.

Political climate: In 2020, Flathead County voted Republican by 30.0 points — classified as strongly landlord-leaning for purposes of rent-control or just-cause expansion risk.

What this score means for landlords

At 2.3/10, Whitefish is a lower-risk environment. Standard screening, documented notices, and prompt action on non-payment typically resolve quickly. Still follow your state's specific notice and service requirements.

Nearby Cities — Eviction Risk Comparison

Landlord Guides & Research Tools

Deepen your market research with these ACS-data guides. The metrics powering this score feed directly into each ranking.

• Rent Control Cities 2026 — Full National List & Map
• Best Cities for Landlords 2026 — see where Whitefish ranks nationally
• Most Rent-Burdened Cities in America — ACS 2023 leaderboard
• Montana Eviction Risk Overview — all counties & cities in Montana
• Flathead County — compare every city in the county