Key findings
- 67% of Flathead County voters report the valley lacks adequate housing options across all income levels and family sizes.
- 69% think cities should prioritize redeveloping existing land rather than sprawling outward.
- 54% support allowing up to four small homes per lot in residential neighborhoods (excluding rural areas).
- 84% believe cities should permit corner stores, restaurants, coffee shops, and pharmacies throughout neighborhoods.
- 64% think downtown businesses should determine their own parking requirements rather than follow mandates.
- 48% support creating new local funding for affordable housing, while 39% oppose it (with notable geographic variation).
Flathead County’s housing shortage
Between August 2019 and July 2022, typical home values in the county doubled, surging from $327,632 to $652,921. Though prices declined 4.7% by January 2026, they remained at $621,911 — far beyond what local wage growth can keep up with.
Current typical home values by area:
- Columbia Falls: $581,522
- Kalispell: $538,312
- Whitefish: $834,744
- Lakeside: $823,955
- Hungry Horse: $335,588
The human impact
Nearly 80% of county voters reported being touched by the housing shortage, and 45% struggle to envision a long-term future in the valley. The shortage has forced multi-generational living arrangements, with adult children unable to afford independent housing.
“As a Teacher here in the valley, I work with several young teachers that are amazing and passionate… but can’t afford to live here.”
Poll respondent
Policy preferences
Growing inward. 78% of Columbia Falls voters prefer redevelopment within city limits; 71% of unincorporated county voters favor the same approach.
Housing priorities. 64% prioritize creating affordable housing for regular people; 28% prioritize protecting neighborhood character.
Zoning flexibility. 54% support four homes per lot; 46% support eight homes per lot near businesses and transit; 51% support size-trading (smaller single homes permit larger duplexes and triplexes).
Neighborhood businesses. 86% in Kalispell, 85% in Whitefish, and 84% countywide support small businesses in residential areas; 51% specifically want restaurants and coffee shops nearby.
Parking flexibility. 70% in Whitefish, 67% in Columbia Falls, and 62% in Kalispell support flexible parking requirements.
Affordability funding
Support for new funding sources varies by location: Whitefish 60%, rest of county 54%, Kalispell 45%, Columbia Falls 42% (46% oppose).
Design flexibility for affordable housing
Voters prefer regulatory flexibility over rigid mandates: 60% support design flexibility, and 53% support increased living space for multiple homes per lot, with majority support in all regions for flexible building materials and architectural styles.
Regional nuances: Whitefish opposes taller buildings (49% oppose) despite supporting more homes; rural county residents oppose requirements for more homes per lot (51% oppose); Columbia Falls shows consistent support across flexibility measures (53%); Kalispell shows the strongest support for design flexibility (62%).
Methodology
Poll conducted February 20–25, 2026, by Embold Research. Sample: 615 registered Flathead County voters using Dynamic Online Sampling, with post-stratification across age, gender, race/ethnicity, education, and 2024 presidential vote. Complies with AAPOR Transparency Initiative standards. Full methodology statement.
Conclusion
Flathead County residents are ready to trade rigid, arbitrary rules for common-sense growth strategies that prioritize affordability for local families.