MontanaPop. 76,514Smaller cities
Is Missoula a Good Place to Live? Missoula, Montana: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Missoula ranks #469 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #221 of 524 smaller cities and #3 of 20 in Montana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (15.8 min, #11 of 524) and low unemployment (3.1%, #44 of 476), and trails on high violent crime (591 per 100,000, #401 of 444).
Missoula by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Missoula's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Missoula?
Missoula's cost of living index is 96.4, 4% below the US level of 100 and #511 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,189/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $568,490, 21% above the typical Montana home ($471,746).
| Measure | Missoula | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 96.4#511 of 1,308 | 94.6 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $568,490#909 of 1,187 | $471,746 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,537/mo#366 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $473,100#936 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,189/mo#428 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 6.7x#1124 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 20.3%#487 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Montana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Missoula housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Missoula is in the Missoula, MT metro.
Montana housing market →Is Missoula safe?
Missoula recorded 591 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 80% above the US rate of 328 and 41% above Montana's 419. That ranks #911 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #401 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Missoula Police Department. Property crime runs 2,862 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Missoula | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 591#911 of 1,085 | 419 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 2,862#931 of 1,085 | 1,449 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Montana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Missoula?
The median household in Missoula earns $70,392, 15% below the US figure of $83,163 and 7% below Montana ($75,340). Unemployment is 3.1% (US 4.3%). 11.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.9% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Missoula | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $70,392#809 of 1,312 | $75,340 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.1%#131 of 1,058 | 3.3% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 11.8%#640 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.9%#254 of 1,132 | +0.6% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Montana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Missoula?
The median resident of Missoula is 34.7 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 53% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #213 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 47% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Missoula | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 34.7 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 53%#213 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 47% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Missoula's schools and health?
Missoula's 21 public schools graduate 84% of students in four years (Montana 85.8%), with 14.8 students per teacher and $13,075 spent per pupil. 26.3% of adults are obese and 7.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Missoula | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 84%#746 of 1,063 | 85.8% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 14.8#428 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $13,075#824 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 26.3%#193 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 7.7%#80 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 18.2%#899 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 9.1%#536 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Montana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 10,691 students are enrolled in Missoula's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Missoula?
The average commute in Missoula is 15.8 minutes (Montana 19.5); 1.5% of workers take transit and 15.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Missoula scores 14.2 of 20 (above average walkable), #123 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 65.1°F and winters 26.1°F, with 14.1 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Missoula | MontanaMT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 15.8 min#90 of 1,312 | 19.5 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 2.6%#114 of 1,312 | 5% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 67% | 71.6% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.5% | 0.8% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 4.2% | 3.8% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 3.8% | 0.9% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 15.2% | 11.7% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 14.2#123 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Montana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 31.6 | 18 | 1 |
| Feb | 37 | 20.9 | 0.9 |
| Mar | 47.9 | 26.8 | 0.9 |
| Apr | 56.1 | 32.3 | 1.4 |
| May | 66.2 | 39.8 | 1.8 |
| Jun | 73.2 | 46.3 | 2.1 |
| Jul | 85.4 | 51.5 | 0.9 |
| Aug | 84.3 | 50.1 | 0.8 |
| Sep | 72.6 | 42.4 | 1 |
| Oct | 55.7 | 32.4 | 1.2 |
| Nov | 39.9 | 24.6 | 1.2 |
| Dec | 30.9 | 17.8 | 1.1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Missoula International Airport.
| Measure | Missoula | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 45.2°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 65.1°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 26.1°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 14.1 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Missoula International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Missoula?
Missoula County's air had a median air quality index of 38, and 82% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Missoula County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, earthquake, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, lower than 54% of US counties.
| Measure | Missoula | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 38#228 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.15%#643 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Missoula County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Missoula County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 0.029% | 92% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.026% | 87% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0017% | 72% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.075% | 42% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Missoula compare with similar-size cities?
Missoula is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #221 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 76,514.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Missoula, MTPop. 76,514 | #469 | 58.6 | $70,392 | $1,189/mo | 591 | 15.8 min |
| Hammond, INPop. 76,768 | #1210 | 44.6 | $55,504 | $1,134/mo | 589 | 25.7 min |
| Missouri City, TXPop. 76,558 | #733 | 54.4 | $94,390 | $1,931/mo | 151 | 30.4 min |
| Flagstaff, AZPop. 76,445 | #799 | 53.3 | $71,512 | $1,645/mo | 501 | 16.5 min |
| Evanston, ILPop. 76,340 | #65 | 69.6 | $96,434 | $1,762/mo | 115 | 27.5 min |
| Broomfield, COPop. 76,304 | #106 | 68.1 | $123,874 | $2,126/mo | 152 | 25.5 min |
| Pittsburg, CAPop. 76,257 | #996 | 50.1 | $99,861 | $2,264/mo | 440 | 38 min |
| Southfield, MIPop. 76,236 | #933 | 51.2 | $68,166 | $1,340/mo | 585 | 23.7 min |
| Cheektowaga, NYPop. 76,056 | #351 | 60.9 | $68,613 | $1,055/mo | no data | 20.6 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Missoula compare with the rest of Montana?
Missoula ranks #3 of the 20 Montana cities we track, with a score of 58.6 against Montana's statewide 75. Its households earn 7% below the Montana median. Violent crime is 41% above the statewide rate. Homes are 21% above the typical Montana home.
| City | Rank in MT | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bozeman, MTPop. 56,114 | #1 | 64.2 | $85,747 | $1,717/mo | 397 |
| Belgrade, MTPop. 11,872 | #2 | 60.3 | $97,328 | $1,877/mo | 331 |
| Missoula, MTPop. 76,514 | #3 | 58.6 | $70,392 | $1,189/mo | 591 |
| Whitefish, MTPop. 8,749 | #4 | 58.0 | $73,811 | $1,354/mo | 176 |
| Helena, MTPop. 33,639 | #5 | 57.9 | $71,036 | $1,092/mo | 582 |
| Kalispell, MTPop. 28,504 | #6 | 56.6 | $63,415 | $1,078/mo | 409 |
| Butte, MTPop. 35,052 | #7 | 55.8 | $61,857 | $856/mo | no data |
| Miles City, MTPop. 8,407 | #8 | 54.8 | $67,727 | $926/mo | 356 |
| Helena Valley West Central, MTPop. 8,056 | #9 | 54.8 | $90,082 | $1,327/mo | no data |
| Sidney, MTPop. 6,171 | #10 | 54.6 | $62,538 | $931/mo | 655 |
| Billings, MTPop. 119,434 | #11 | 52.8 | $73,712 | $1,138/mo | 763 |
| Livingston, MTPop. 8,780 | #12 | 52.7 | $65,861 | $1,046/mo | 317 |
| Anaconda, MTPop. 9,597 | #13 | 52.6 | $57,527 | $696/mo | no data |
| Laurel, MTPop. 7,215 | #14 | 52.6 | $68,474 | $974/mo | 303 |
| Helena Valley Southeast, MTPop. 9,108 | #15 | 50.4 | $74,075 | $1,106/mo | no data |
| Evergreen, MTPop. 9,611 | #16 | 50.3 | $76,446 | $1,166/mo | no data |
| Great Falls, MTPop. 60,329 | #17 | 50.1 | $63,373 | $900/mo | 631 |
| Lockwood, MTPop. 7,181 | #18 | 48.7 | $75,700 | $1,138/mo | no data |
| Lewistown, MTPop. 6,087 | #19 | 48.0 | $48,750 | $1,007/mo | 639 |
| Havre, MTPop. 9,258 | #20 | 43.8 | $50,329 | $844/mo | 763 |
All 20 Montana cities we track, by overall score. Montana statewide: median income $75,340, violent crime 419.1 per 100,000.
How is Missoula's score calculated?
Missoula scores 58.6 out of 100, #469 of 1,312 (grade B, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Montana's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Missoula. Similar-size median 55.5.
56.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Missoula's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
48.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Missoula. Similar-size median 58.9.
69.8 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Missoula's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
54.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Missoula's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
65.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Missoula. Similar-size median 56.1.
49.1 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Missoula. Similar-size median 42.4.
53.4 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Missoula. Similar-size median 50.0.
64.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Missoula's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
69.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
58.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Missoula's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Missoula has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Missoula
Is Missoula, MT a good place to live?
Missoula ranks #469 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #221 of 524 smaller cities and #3 of 20 in Montana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (15.8 min, #11 of 524) and low unemployment (3.1%, #44 of 476), and trails on high violent crime (591 per 100,000, #401 of 444).
What is the cost of living in Missoula?
Missoula's cost of living index is 96.4, 4% below the US level of 100 and #511 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,189/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $568,490, 21% above the typical Montana home ($471,746).
What is the crime rate in Missoula?
Missoula recorded 591 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 80% above the US rate of 328 and 41% above Montana's 419. That ranks #911 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #401 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Missoula Police Department. Property crime runs 2,862 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Missoula?
The median household in Missoula earns $70,392, 15% below the US figure of $83,163 and 7% below Montana ($75,340). Unemployment is 3.1% (US 4.3%). 11.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.9% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Missoula?
Median rent in Missoula is $1,189/mo (Census), #428 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,537/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 20.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Missoula?
The typical home value in Missoula is $568,490, up 1.2% in a year, against $471,746 for Montana and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $473,100.
How are the public schools in Missoula?
Missoula's 21 public schools graduate 84% of students in four years (Montana 85.8%), with 14.8 students per teacher and $13,075 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Missoula?
The average commute is 15.8 minutes, #90 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 19.5 minutes across Montana. 2.6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Missoula?
Missoula averages 45.2°F over the year, 65.1°F in summer and 26.1°F in winter, with 14.1 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Missoula walkable?
Missoula scores 14.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #123 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Missoula at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Missoula County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, earthquake, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, lower than 54% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Missoula?
Missoula County's air had a median air quality index of 38, and 82% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Missoula?
Missoula has 76,514 residents. The median resident of Missoula is 34.7 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 53% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #213 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 47% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Missoula compare with the rest of Montana?
Missoula ranks #3 of the 20 Montana cities we track, with a score of 58.6 against Montana's statewide 75. Its households earn 7% below the Montana median. Violent crime is 41% above the statewide rate. Homes are 21% above the typical Montana home.
What cities are similar in size to Missoula?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Missoula's population of 76,514 are Hammond, IN (#1210 overall), Missouri City, TX (#733 overall), Flagstaff, AZ (#799 overall), Evanston, IL (#65 overall), and Broomfield, CO (#106 overall). Missoula is #469.