Whitefish is the fastest growing city in Montana, according to new census data released by the Montana Department of Commerce.

The population of Whitefish is estimated to have increased by 60.6 percent from the time of the 2000 Census to July 1, 2007, when it was estimated to be 8,083.

Kalispell saw the second highest population increase at 42.7 percent, and Columbia Falls came in fourth at 40.4.

The combined effect of the three cities was to place Flathead County as the second fastest growing county in Montana at 16.6 percent, behind Gallatin County at 28.8 percent.

The population of Flathead County was 86,844, Kalispell was 20,298 and Columbia Falls was 5,116. Whitefish ranked 11th in population, Kalispell seventh and Columbia Falls 16th.

Twelve counties in Eastern Montana saw double-digit population decreases from the 2000 Census to July 1, 2007. The population in Treasure County dropped 24.4 percent.

The total population of Montana increased about 6.2 percent to an estimated 957,861 residents.

For more information, visit online at http://ceic.mt.gov/EstimatesPlacePop.asp.