Welcome to the Q3 2025 Market Report—your trusted resource for staying current on residential real estate trends across Western Montana.
This edition covers key developments in Flathead, Missoula, and Lewis & Clark Counties. Whether you’re buying, selling, or simply keeping a pulse on the market, understanding the latest data is essential. We’ve done the analysis so you can focus on what matters most: making confident, informed decisions—whether driven by lifestyle goals or long-term investment value.
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Average Sales Price By County
| Average Sales Price | % Change (vs LQ/LY) | Median Sales Price | % Change (vs LQ/LY) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flathead | $965,880 | +6% / +11% | $649,000 | +4% / +6% |
| Missoula | $651,680 | -2% / flat | $575,000 | flat / +2% |
| Lewis & Clark | $524,766 | +3% / +1% | $479,450 | +4% / +6% |
Across Western Montana, the Q3 2025 market remained steady and resilient, with each county showing a mix of subtle adjustments and sustained demand. Flathead County led the region, posting quarterly and annual gains in both average and median prices—evidence of ongoing interest at the higher end of the market. Missoula County held firm, with a slight quarterly dip in average price but stable values overall and a modest 2% rise in median pricing year-over-year, reflecting a balanced and competitive environment. Meanwhile, Lewis & Clark County continued its steady climb, with moderate quarterly increases and year-over-year gains of 1–6%, suggesting a market that has found its footing after several cycles of recalibration. Collectively, these counties reflect a Western Montana market that’s not cooling, but calibrating—balancing strong buyer interest with evolving pricing and inventory dynamics.
Average Sales Price by Town
| Average Sales Price | % Change (vs LM/LY) | Median Sales Price | % Change (vs LQ/LY) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whitefish | $1,597,510 | -2% / +1% | $996,000 | +2% / +1% |
| Kalispell | $702,050 | +1% / +10% | $550,000 | -3% / +3% |
| Bigfork | $1,146,287 | +1% / -28% | $780,000 | +6% / -14% |
| Missoula | $643,748 | -3% / -4% | $574,000 | flat / -3% |
| Helena | $536,585 | +1% / +8% | $485,000 | +3% / +5% |
At the town level, Q3 2025 revealed a mix of stabilization and selective growth across Western Montana’s core markets. Whitefish continued to perform as one of the region’s most resilient luxury markets, maintaining strong pricing with only minor quarterly shifts and steady year-over-year appreciation. Kalispell posted a small uptick in average sales price and solid 10% annual growth, underscoring its role as a consistent performer and a key draw for buyers seeking in-town value and accessibility. Bigfork saw modest quarterly gains but notable annual declines in both average and median pricing, suggesting fewer ultra-luxury closings this year shifted the median downward this quarter and a return to more mid-range activity after last year’s luxury surge. Missoula, meanwhile, remained balanced, with only slight movement in pricing and ongoing stability in median values—hallmarks of a healthy, well-priced market driven by steady local demand. Helena rounded out the group with moderate gains in both average and median prices, continuing its slow but reliable upward trend as one of Western Montana’s most approachable and growing communities.
Collectively, these towns illustrate a regional market marked by equilibrium rather than escalation—where well-priced listings continue to move, luxury demand remains present but measured, and long-term fundamentals across Montana’s most active towns remain strong.
Price Per Square Foot By County
| Average PPSF | % Change (vs LQ/LY) | Median PPSF | % Change (vs LQ/LY) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flathead County | $440 | +4% / +6% | $365 | -6% / -4% |
| Missoula County | $342 | -1% / -1% | $327 | -1% / -1% |
| Lewis & Clark County | $285 | +2% / +5% | $273 | +2% / +5% |
Price per square foot remained steady across Western Montana this quarter. Flathead County led with moderate gains in average PPSF—up 4% quarter-over-quarter and 6% year-over-year—while the median PPSF dipped slightly, reflecting continued strength in higher-end sales even as mid-range pricing stabilized. Missoula County held nearly flat, showing just a 1% decline in both average and median PPSF, a sign of steady demand and pricing discipline. Lewis & Clark County posted small but healthy increases in both metrics, up 2–5%, underscoring balanced conditions and consistent buyer confidence across the region.
Price Per Square Foot By Town
| Average PPSF | % Change (vs LQ/LY) | Median PPSF | % Change (vs LQ/LY) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whitefish | $596 | -4% / -5% | $516 | -7% / +1% |
| Kalispell | $351 | +6% / +7% | $332 | +4% / +3% |
| Bigfork | $517 | +21% / +11% | $443 | +17% / +9% |
| Missoula | $342 | -2% / flat | $328 | -1% / -1% |
| Helena | $281 | +5% / +8% | $268 | -4% / +8% |
PPSF trends by town show a stable yet segmented market. Whitefish saw modest softening in both average and median PPSF, suggesting a typical seasonal easing after a strong summer for luxury listings. Kalispell continued its upward trend, posting 6–7% quarterly and annual gains that reflect solid mid-market activity. Bigfork recorded the largest quarterly increase—up 21% in average and 17% in median PPSF—highlighting a resurgence in upper-tier and waterfront properties. Missoula remained steady, down just 2% quarter-over-quarter, while Helena posted consistent appreciation, with PPSF up 5–8% year-over-year, reaffirming its reputation as one of Western Montana’s most accessible and steadily growing markets.
Supply & Demand
| Average Days on Market | % Change (vs LQ/LY) | |
|---|---|---|
| Flathead County | 103 | -2% / -5% |
| Missoula County | 71 | -3% / -3% |
| Lewis & Clark County | 76 | -6% / +10% |
| Whitefish | 119 | +43% / +6% |
| Kalispell | 97 | -13% / +7% |
| Bigfork | 129 | +8% / +8% |
| Missoula | 66 | +3% / +16% |
| Helena | 72 | -8% / +26% |
Heading into late summer, Western Montana’s markets reflected their typical seasonal rhythm—steady new inventory paired with selective buyer urgency. Average Days on Market (DOM) shortened in most counties compared to spring, a normal pattern as buyers push to close before fall. Flathead and Missoula Counties continued to see quick turnarounds for well-priced homes, while Lewis & Clark trended slightly higher year-over-year, suggesting a return to more balanced market conditions.
At the town level, Kalispell and Helena homes moved faster this quarter, typical of Q3’s active season, whereas Whitefish and Bigfork saw longer marketing times—reflecting both higher price points and the tapering of summer luxury activity. Overall, properties that are priced right and presentation-ready are still selling quickly, even as the market naturally shifts into its fall pace.
Homes For Sale
| New Listings | % Change (vs LQ/LY) | Closed Sales | % Change (vs LQ/LY) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flathead County | 739 | -27% / -3% | 493 | +12% / +1% |
| Missoula County | 502 | -29% / +2% | 377 | +9% / +16% |
| Lewis & Clark County | 356 | -21% / -1% | 296 | +24% / +11% |
| Whitefish | 175 | -33% / -8% | 103 | +29% / +5% |
| Kalispell | 329 | -24% / -4% | 245 | +3% / +3% |
| Bigfork | 74 | -44% / -14% | 61 | +79% / +17% |
| Missoula | 419 | -27% / +36% | 319 | +14% / +20% |
| Helena | 278 | -18% / +53% | 224 | +30% / +10% |
As the summer market transitioned into fall, new listings tapered across most of Western Montana, following typical seasonal patterns after an active Q2. The pullback in inventory—particularly in Flathead and Missoula Counties—reflects both successful summer sales and sellers holding off until spring 2026. Despite fewer new listings, closed sales rose across nearly all markets, a sign that pent-up demand from early summer carried through to late Q3.
Lewis & Clark County led with a 24% quarterly increase in closings, followed closely by Flathead and Missoula, each posting solid double-digit gains. Whitefish and Bigfork also saw meaningful jumps in closed transactions, even as new inventory tightened, underscoring the enduring draw of well-positioned luxury properties. Meanwhile, Helena’s sharp uptick in both listings and sales highlights its continued appeal as one of Montana’s most accessible, fast-moving markets.
Overall, Q3 capped off the busy summer season with strong absorption and steady buyer confidence, setting the stage for a steady fall season with leaner inventory and selective buyers
So What? + Looking Ahead
Western Montana’s market continues to balance strength with stability. Prices held firm across most counties and towns this quarter, with year-over-year gains showing that buyer confidence remains strong—even as the pace of new listings and luxury activity begins its typical seasonal slowdown. Across much of the region, homes are still selling quickly when priced right, particularly where demand for well-maintained and move-in-ready properties remains steady.
For sellers, conditions remain favorable but strategic. The frenzy of 2021–2022 has evolved into a more discerning market—one that rewards thoughtful pricing, strong presentation, and patient positioning. Well-prepared listings continue to capture serious buyers, while over-priced or under-presented properties linger longer.
For buyers, the shift into fall brings opportunity. With new inventory slowing and competition easing slightly, serious purchasers have more breathing room and room for negotiation—especially on homes that have been on the market through summer. Working with a local agent who understands Western Montana’s seasonal rhythms and pricing dynamics can make all the difference.
In short, the market isn’t cooling—it’s finding its rhythm. After a strong summer of sales and steady pricing, Western Montana heads into fall with balanced momentum, solid fundamentals, and continued confidence from both buyers and sellers alike.
As we look toward Q4, national trends may offer additional support. In October, the Federal Reserve cut its benchmark rate by 25 basis points to 3.75–4.00% and announced it will end its balance sheet reduction program in December (Realtor.com). Mortgage rates have already eased slightly, offering buyers modest relief—but not a return to pandemic-era lows. For most of Western Montana, this means financing conditions are improving just enough to sustain steady activity through winter, while pricing and demand remain anchored by local lifestyle appeal rather than national volatility.
Overall, the region is poised for a stable and confident close to 2025—one defined by balance, selectivity, and opportunity for both buyers and sellers ready to make their move.
