Missoula, MT
Population 75,600 · Montana
About Missoula, MT
Missoula is a mid-sized city located in Montana with a population of 75,600 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $65,329 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.3 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Missoula features a median home value of $427,400, which is 75% above the national median of $244,900. This places Missoula in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,120, 4% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 36,310 total housing units, 48% are owner-occupied (16,222 units) and 52% are renter-occupied (17,736 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Missoula shows an unemployment rate of 4.7%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 12.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Missoula have an average one-way commute time of 16.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
51.7% of Missoula residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 3.5% White, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 1.6% Asian residents, with 2.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Missoula Ranks in Montana
Cost of Living in Missoula, MT
Compared to national averages, Missoula has a median household income of $65,329 (13% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $427,400, which is 75% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,120 is 4% below the US average of $1,163. Within Montana, Missoula's income is 1% below the state average of $65,821, and home values are 48% above the state median of $288,703.
Why Live in Missoula, MT?
Missoula offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,120/month, and a well-educated community where 51.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 16.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($65,329) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $427,400. However, as a mid-sized city, Missoula provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Missoula has a population of 75,600 with a median age of 34.3 years. Compare Missoula with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Montana.
Similar Cities Near Missoula
Cities in Montana with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Great Falls | 60,412 | $63,934 | $237,400 | Compare |
| Bozeman | 55,042 | $79,903 | $614,900 | Compare |
| Butte-Silver Bow (balance), Montana | 34,929 | $57,633 | $225,100 | Compare |
| Helena | 33,126 | $69,341 | $355,100 | Compare |
| Billings | 118,321 | $71,855 | $311,800 | Compare |
| Kalispell | 26,830 | $61,590 | $381,400 | Compare |
| Belgrade | 11,425 | $88,896 | $469,600 | Compare |
| Helena Valley Southeast | 9,533 | $63,824 | $308,000 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Montana
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Missoula With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Missoula
What is the population of Missoula, MT?
The population of Missoula, MT is 75,600 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Montana.
What is the median household income in Missoula?
The median household income in Missoula, MT is $65,329 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Missoula?
The median home value in Missoula, MT is $427,400, which is 75% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Missoula?
The median monthly rent in Missoula, MT is $1,120, which is 4% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Missoula?
The unemployment rate in Missoula, MT is 4.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Missoula, MT a good place to live?
Missoula offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 75,600 and a median age of 34.3, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Missoula, MT?
51.7% of residents in Missoula aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Missoula?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Missoula, MT: median home value is $427,400 (75% above national), median rent is $1,120/month, and median household income is $65,329. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.5x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Missoula?
The poverty rate in Missoula, MT is 12.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Missoula, MT?
Missoula's population is 3.5% White, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 1.6% Asian, and 0.7% two or more races. 2.8% of residents are foreign-born.