
Flathead County, Montana Demographics
Flathead County is located in the northwestern region of Montana, and is bordered by Glacier National Park to the east and the Flathead River to the west. The county’s landscape is primarily mountainous, with a few valleys and plains scattered throughout. The highest point in the county is Mount Stimson, which stands at 9,125 feet above sea level. The climate of Flathead County is characterized by warm summers and cold winters with varying amounts of precipitation throughout the year. Summers typically bring sunshine and mild temperatures while winter brings snowfall averaging nearly 100 inches annually.
The population of Flathead County was estimated at 106,500 in 2020. The majority of residents are white (90%) followed by Native American (7%), Hispanic (1%), Asian (1%), African American (0.6%) and other races or ethnicities making up 1%. Agriculture plays a major role in Flathead County’s economy with crops such as wheat, barley, hay, potatoes and sugar beets being grown in abundance. Cattle ranching is also popular with many ranchers raising beef cattle for sale or for their own personal use. The timber industry has been an important part of the economy since before Montana was even a state with lumber mills dotting the area from Kalispell to Whitefish to Columbia Falls. Additionally, tourism has become a major economic driver over recent years due to its proximity to Glacier National Park and other recreational areas like Flathead Lake or Whitefish Mountain Resort.
Economy of Flathead County, Montana
The economy of Flathead County, Montana is largely driven by agriculture, timber, and tourism. Agriculture is the primary industry in the county, with crops such as wheat, barley, hay, potatoes and sugar beets being grown in abundance. Cattle ranching is also popular with many ranchers raising beef cattle for sale or for their own personal use. The timber industry has been an important part of the economy since before Montana was even a state with lumber mills dotting the area from Kalispell to Whitefish to Columbia Falls. Logging and wood products make up a large portion of the county’s economy as well.
Tourism has become a major economic driver over recent years due to its proximity to Glacier National Park and other recreational areas like Flathead Lake or Whitefish Mountain Resort. From skiing and snowboarding in winter to fishing and camping in summer, Flathead County offers something for everyone who wants to enjoy the great outdoors. Additionally, there are numerous restaurants, bars, shops, hotels and resorts that draw visitors from near and far throughout the year.
Flathead County also has a thriving manufacturing sector that produces everything from electronics to medical equipment. Several major companies have operations located here including Lockheed Martin, General Electric Aviation Systems and Smith & Wesson Firearms Manufacturing Company. Smaller businesses are also prevalent throughout the county providing goods and services ranging from construction materials to automotive repair services.
Flathead County provides a diverse array of economic opportunities for both individuals seeking employment as well as businesses looking for growth potential in this beautiful region of Montana.
Libraries in Flathead County, Montana
According to babyinger, Flathead County, Montana is home to a number of libraries that offer a variety of services to the community. The Flathead County Library System consists of five branches located throughout the county in Kalispell, Columbia Falls, Whitefish, Bigfork and Hungry Horse. Each library offers a wide selection of books and other materials for adults, children and teens as well as access to computers and other technology.
The Kalispell Public Library is the flagship library in Flathead County and boasts an impressive collection of books, magazines and newspapers in addition to an extensive collection of audio-visual materials such as DVDs and CDs. The library also provides free Wi-Fi access and computer stations for patrons to use while visiting. Additionally, the Kalispell Public Library hosts regular events such as book clubs, lectures, author visits and more.
The Columbia Falls Public Library offers a smaller selection than its counterpart in Kalispell but provides ample resources for local residents. This library includes a large selection of books for adults and children as well as magazines, newspapers and other media resources including audio-visual materials. Additionally, the Columbia Falls Public Library has several public computers available for patrons to use while visiting.
The Whitefish Community Library is another popular library within Flathead County. It contains an impressive selection of books ranging from fiction to nonfiction with a special emphasis on local history materials about Montana’s Flathead Valley region. The Whitefish Community Library also provides access to computers with internet service along with audio-visual equipment such as DVD players for patrons’ use while visiting the library.
Finally, Bigfork Public Library is located in Bigfork city center near Flathead Lake offering an extensive selection of books ranging from adult fiction titles to early readers for kids plus audio-visual materials like DVDs and CDs. This library also has several public computers available along with Wi-Fi access so that patrons can stay connected while they are at the library or even take advantage of online resources from home if they have internet access at their residence or place of employment.
Flathead County’s libraries provide valuable resources both physical and digital that help stimulate learning among members of the community while providing entertainment options as well as access to technology services like Wi-Fi hotspots or public computer usage that may not be readily available otherwise in some areas throughout this beautiful region located in Montana’s Flathead Valley region.
Landmarks in Flathead County, Montana
According to A2zdirectory, Flathead County in Montana is home to some of the most stunning natural landmarks in the United States. From towering mountains to crystal-clear lakes, the area offers a variety of majestic sights.
The Flathead Valley region is known for its stunning mountain ranges, including the Mission Mountains and Flathead Mountains. These ranges feature jagged peaks that stretch for miles, providing breathtaking views from all angles. The Flathead River runs through this area, offering visitors plenty of opportunities to take in its beauty while fishing or boating.
Glacier National Park is another popular landmark in Flathead County. This park has over one million acres of pristine wilderness, featuring snow-capped mountains and glacier-carved valleys that are sure to take your breath away. Visitors can explore Glacier’s many trails or take a scenic drive along the Going-to-the-Sun Road for breathtaking views from above.
Flathead Lake is one of the largest natural freshwater lakes in the western United States and is an iconic fixture of Flathead County’s landscape. The lake spans over 200 square miles and features crystal clear waters that make it perfect for swimming, fishing, boating, and other recreational activities. The lake also has several islands scattered throughout it which provide more seclusion for those looking to get away from it all.
The Bigfork Bay National Wildlife Refuge is another noteworthy landmark in Flathead County that provides a safe haven for wildlife such as bald eagles, osprey, ducks, geese and more. This refuge also includes a network of hiking trails winding through its pristine grasslands and marshes with great opportunities for bird watching or just taking a leisurely stroll surrounded by nature’s beauty.
In addition to these natural attractions there are also several historic sites located throughout Flathead County such as Fort Owen State Park where visitors can learn about Montana’s early frontier days or explore the Big Hole Battlefield National Monument which commemorates events from an 1877 battle between Native Americans and U.S Army troops during the Nez Perce War era.
No matter what your interests are there are plenty of landmarks throughout Flathead County that will leave you mesmerized with their beauty and charm; from majestic mountain peaks to glistening lakes these attractions will make any visit to Montana unforgettable.