What to know when moving to Missoula, MT
TL;DR: Missoula at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated area where 51.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and 59.2% of households are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $55,022, supporting a decent standard of living.
- The Reality Check:
- With a poverty rate of 16.6%, some residents face economic challenges.
- Commute:
- Only 3.1% of residents use public transit for commuting.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median rent of $1,086, which is a reasonable cost for the area.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Missoula features a diverse population of about 31,127 people. With a median gross rent of $1,086 and a median owner-occupied home value of $393,400, housing options cater to both renters and homeowners. The community is characterized by a significant portion of educated residents, with over half holding bachelor's degrees. However, the poverty rate of 16.6% suggests that economic disparity exists, impacting some residents' quality of life.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for a low-cost living environment, as the poverty rate indicates some economic struggles in the community.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent is $1,086, making it accessible for many, though higher than some other areas.
- Median owner-occupied home value stands at $393,400, which reflects a stable housing market.
- Education level is high with 51.4% of residents holding a bachelor's degree, contributing to the community's character.
- Poverty rate is 16.6%, which indicates that while some residents thrive, others may struggle financially.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Montana, the crime rates show a mix of property and violent crime statistics that may be of concern to potential residents.
- Violent crime: The state annual rate is 407.2 per 100k, which is higher than the national average of 325.3 per 100k.
- Property crime: At 1,445 per 100k, Montana's property crime rate is slightly lower than the national average of 1,546.9 per 100k.
- Notable trend: The property crime rate has decreased by 27.2% from 2022 to 2025.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Montana).
Schools & Higher Ed
Missoula has access to a couple of institutions for higher education, supporting the educational landscape of the area.
- Postsecondary institutions: 2
- With College Scorecard data: 1
- Named institutions include The University of Montana and The University of Montana - Missoula College.
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Missoula County receives about 21.4 inches of precipitation annually, leading to approximately 141 rainy days each year. The snowy winters contribute an average of 10.1 inches of snow over about 56 days.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Caras Park - 4.7 stars (1,789 reviews)
- Greenough Park - 4.7 stars (818 reviews)
- Fort Missoula Regional Park - 4.7 stars (632 reviews)
- Maclay Flat Nature Trail - 4.7 stars (365 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.