Kalispell is the retail, professional, medical, and governmental center of the Flathead Valley serving approximately 140,000 people in Northwest Montana. Between 2000 and 2010 the population of Kalispell increased 40% to 19,927. The growth of that decade slowed with the nation's economy, but has built back alongside it. Investment in the City of Kalispell continues and tourism remains a strong economic driver for the region.