Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Missoula, MT
Thinking of moving to Missoula, MT? With a friendly population of about 77,757 and a median home price around $448,000, Missoula blends small-city charm with access to the outdoors and vibrant university life. The average rent for a two-bedroom is $1,270, cost of living sits close to the national average, and typical commutes are a quick 16 minutes. Enjoy a lively cultural scene, access to top-rated healthcare, and beautiful seasons, though property crime rates are higher than average. Missoula’s strong educational attainment and easy access to nature make it a Montana standout.
Demographics - Missoula, MT
Demographics - Missoula, MT
Missoula is home to about 77,757 residents with a youthful median age of 34.2 years and a fairly balanced gender ratio. The city’s population is predominantly White (about 90%), with a modest but growing diversity and 6.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Its moderate density of 2,700 people per square mile gives a vibrant yet comfortable urban feel.
Population:
77,757
Density:
2,700 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
89.6%
Black:
0.9%
Asian:
1.3%
Others:
8.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Missoula, MT?
Living in Missoula comes with a cost of living index slightly above the national average, driven mostly by housing costs. The median home value is $448,000 and average rent is $1,270, while statewide taxes range from 1.0% to 6.75%. Utilities and transportation are relatively affordable, helping offset higher housing expenses.
Median House Value:
$448,000
Gross Rent:
$1,270
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$100
Auto Insurance:
$1,320
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$600
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
6.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
107.4
Grocery:
102.1
Housing:
121.5
Utilities:
91.3
Transportation:
98.7
Health Care:
105.2
Miscellaneous:
99.5
Crime
Is Missoula, MT a safe place to live?
Missoula experiences a higher-than-average property crime rate, with a 1 in 40 chance of being affected, while the risk of violent crime is lower at about 1 in 258. The city’s overall crime index stands at 2,899, so new residents should stay mindful of property security. Community-focused policing and neighborhood engagement are active in local safety efforts.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
387
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,512
Crime Index:
2,899
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 258
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 40
Weather
What is the weather like in Missoula, MT year-round?
Missoula enjoys four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 82°F and chilly winters dipping to 15°F. The city receives moderate annual rainfall of 14.3 inches and sees sunshine about 49% of the year. This climate supports outdoor activities year-round, from hiking in summer to snow sports in winter.
Winter
Min:
15°F
Max:
33°F
Spring
Min:
34°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
48°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
36°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
14.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
49%
Neighbors
Residents in Missoula enjoy a median household income of $59,600, with a low unemployment rate of 3.1% and a short average commute of just under 16 minutes. The city boasts high educational attainment, as nearly half of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, though the poverty rate stands at 15.3%. Community life is enriched by a mix of renters and homeowners and a small but present public transit system.
Median Income:
$34,800
Household Income:
$59,600
Family Income:
$74,200
Per Capita Income:
$32,100
Income Male:
$41,000
Income Female:
$35,000
Poverty Rate:
15.3%
Non English Speakers:
6.2%
Rent:
$1,270
Unemployment Rate:
3.1%
Public Transport Usage:
1.5%
Commute Time:
15.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
96.5%
Bachelors or More:
46.0%
Education
How are the schools in Missoula, MT?
Missoula is a hub for education, featuring well-regarded public and private schools along with the University of Montana, which enrolls nearly 10,000 students. Public schools like Hellgate High and Meadow Hill Middle offer diverse programs and reasonable student-teacher ratios. The city’s strong educational resources make it appealing for families and lifelong learners.
Public Schools
Name:
Hellgate High School
Street:
900 S Higgins Ave
Phone:
406-728-2402
Students:
1,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.5
Name:
Meadow Hill Middle School
Street:
4210 S Reserve St
Phone:
406-542-4045
Students:
620
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.8
Private Schools
Name:
Missoula International School
Street:
1100 Harrison St
Phone:
406-728-9449
Students:
180
Colleges
Name:
University of Montana
City:
Missoula
State:
MT
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
9,900
Healthcare
Missoula offers excellent healthcare access with two major hospitals and a high physician-to-population ratio of 2.3 per 1,000 residents. Over 91% of the population has health insurance coverage, and the city’s healthcare index is favorable at 77.8. Emergency and specialized care are readily available within city limits.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Providence St. Patrick Hospital
Address:
500 W Broadway St, Missoula, MT 59802
Phone:
(406) 543-7271
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Community Medical Center
Address:
2827 Fort Missoula Rd, Missoula, MT 59804
Phone:
(406) 728-4100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.5%
Health Care Index:
77.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Missoula, MT?
Missoula’s housing market is marked by a median home price of $448,000 and average two-bedroom rent at $1,270, reflecting steady appreciation and a 4.6% rental vacancy rate. Homeownership is balanced at just under half of residents, and the area sees a modest rate of new construction and low foreclosure activity. The market’s growth makes it attractive for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$448,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,270
Owner Occupied Rate:
48.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
2.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
The Montana Motor Vehicle Division in Missoula is conveniently located on Palmer Street and offers a full range of motor vehicle services. Residents can access licensing, registration, and driving resources both in person and online. For more information, the DMV’s website and helpline provide up-to-date guidance.
State:
Montana
Department:
Montana Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
2681 Palmer Street, Suite A, Missoula, MT 59808
Phone:
1-866-450-8034
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.