Missoula

Missoula, Montana Overview

With a composite score of 58.6/100 and a B+ grade, Missoula ranks #6 of 20 cities in Montana. Its strongest showing is in Affordability (72/100), while Safety (44/100) represents its largest gap.

Income & Employment in Missoula

The median household income in Missoula is $70,277, 3% below the statewide median of $72,340. The local unemployment rate of 2.7% is lower than the state’s 3.7%. Population grew 0.7% recently.

Safety in Missoula

With a violent crime rate of 560.9 per 100,000, Missoula exceeds the Montana average of 377. Safety is a factor prospective residents should weigh carefully. The property crime rate is 3738.4 per 100,000.

Cost of Living in Missoula

Missoula has a cost of living index of 93.1 (where 100 equals the national average), slightly below the national benchmark. The median home value is $427,400. Median monthly rent is $1,120. Renters spend 19.1% of income on rent, well within the 30% affordability guideline. The price-to-income ratio of 6.1x suggests home buyers face a stretched market.

Health & Wellness in Missoula

Missoula’s adult obesity rate of 26.3% is below the national average, contributing to stronger health outcomes. The diabetes prevalence rate is 7.7%. Residents report an average of 18.2 poor mental health days per month, above the typical range. Montana ranks #20 nationally for overall health.

Education & Schools in Missoula

Missoula has a high school graduation rate of 84%. The student-teacher ratio is 14.8:1. Per-pupil spending is $12,944. The city has 23 public schools serving 11,235 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate & Commute in Missoula

The annual average temperature in Missoula is 49.4°F. Summers average 70.5°F. Winters average 31.3°F. Annual precipitation is 20.9 inches. The average commute of 14 minutes is notably short.

Frequently Asked Questions