Where West Kootenai residents get care
CDC publishes only some of its health estimates for West Kootenai, not the seven a Health Grade needs; here is what we do have.
Modeled estimates for adults 18+, CDC’s own estimate for West Kootenai. How CDC estimates town health
What stands out about health in West Kootenai
The nearest ER is 52 miles from West Kootenai
The closest emergency room is Cabinet Peaks Medical Center in Libby, 51.5 miles away in a straight line. For everyday care, Lincoln County Community Health Center, Incorporated is closer (42.1 mi) and charges on a sliding scale. Getting care ↓
Heart disease, cancer and arthritis run high in West Kootenai
1 in 13 adults have heart disease (7.9%), vs 6.6% across Montana. 1 in 9 adults have had cancer (11.1%), vs 9.3% across Montana. Arthritis is also above the state: 33.7%, vs 28.4% across Montana. In all, West Kootenai runs above Montana on four of 11 chronic conditions. Conditions ↓
Written from the CDC, Medicare and HRSA data on this page. CDC PLACES 2025 release: modeled estimates for adults, not counts; “higher” and “lower” mean the Montana figure falls outside West Kootenai’s likely range.
Care in and near West Kootenai
No hospital or community health center in West Kootenai itself. These are the nearest.
Hospitals: Medicare overall star ratings, 1–5. Community health centers charge on a sliding scale by income. Distances are straight-line from the center of West Kootenai; ≈ marks a hospital located by its town, not its street. Shortage areas: HRSA Health Professional Shortage Areas (a “population” designation covers specific residents, such as those with low incomes).
Out of every 100 West Kootenai adults…
West Kootenai runs above MT on 5 of 12 conditions. Tap one to see it as people.
Everyday habits, side by side with Montana
Share of adults, with the Montana figure marked.
50 miles of trails across 2 parks and preserves
Keeping up with care
Share of West Kootenai adults getting routine care. The full ring is 100%; the dark tick marks Montana.
How West Kootenai adults are doing
About the same as Montana on each measure.
1 in 4 West Kootenai adults feel lonely. A hello is a start.
Groups are the easiest way in: a walking group, a book club, your street.
If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It’s free, confidential and open 24/7.
Making ends meet
Needs that shape health as much as any doctor visit: food, housing, utilities and a way to get around.
6.8% of West Kootenai adults receive SNAP (food stamps), compared with 8.3% across Montana.
West Kootenai and the towns around it
How health changes across the town line.
Health next door
| Town | Health | Obesity | Diabetes | Smoking | Figures from |
|---|
Same-state neighbors only, ordered by length of shared border.
Living with a disability
Shown without a better/worse judgment.
of West Kootenai adults live with a disability (Montana 30.9%). Walking or climbing stairs is the most common.
Questions about health in West Kootenai
Why doesn’t West Kootenai have a Health Grade?
Every Health Grade is built from seven of CDC’s PLACES estimates, and CDC doesn’t publish all seven for West Kootenai.
Neighbors talk health
Doctors taking patients, urgent care, staying active in West Kootenai.
Health estimates: CDC PLACES: Local Data for Better Health, 2025 release. The Montana figure combines its counties, weighted by adult population. Hospitals and star ratings: Medicare Care Compare (CMS). Health centers and shortage areas: HRSA. Ages: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey. Town boundaries: U.S. Census Bureau. This page isn’t medical advice. In an emergency, call 911.