Why Move to Missoula?
Missoula is a city of 77,757 people in Missoula County County, sitting at 3,215 feet in elevation. Known as "The Garden City," it combines the best of Montana living — stunning natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and a strong community — with the amenities of a mid-size city.
Montana has no state sales tax and no tax on retirement income, making it financially attractive for both working professionals and retirees. Missoula specifically offers 443 recreation and attraction sites nearby, a housing affordability ratio of 8.4x, and four distinct seasons.
Cost of Living in Missoula
The typical home value in Missoula is $547,072, with homes currently listing at a median of $598,333. Renters can expect to pay around $1,526 per month. The median household income is $65,329.
The affordability ratio (home price ÷ income) is 8.4x, which is on the expensive side, reflecting strong demand.
Montana has no state sales tax, which saves residents money on everyday purchases. The state also has no tax on Social Security or other retirement income. Property taxes are moderate, based on assessed value.
Missoula Housing Market
There are currently 369 homes for sale in Missoula — up 15% from last year, indicating a loosening market. The community has 36,310 total housing units with a 6.5% vacancy rate.
Inventory data from Zillow Research (Jan 2026). Vacancy & housing units from U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year 2019–2023. Market conditions change — verify current listings before making decisions.
See detailed housing data and percentile rankings on the full Missoula profile.
Missoula Weather & Climate
Missoula experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are warm with July highs averaging 87°F. Winters are relatively mild with January lows around 20°F. Expect about 18" of snow annually.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Precip | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 36°F | 20°F | 1.6" | 3.3" |
| Feb | 34°F | 16°F | 1.9" | 4.2" |
| Mar | 46°F | 25°F | 1.2" | 1.9" |
| Apr | 55°F | 32°F | 1.9" | 1.7" |
| May | 66°F | 42°F | 2.2" | 0.1" |
| Jun | 74°F | 50°F | 1.9" | 0" |
| Jul | 87°F | 58°F | 0.3" | 0" |
| Aug | 84°F | 57°F | 1" | 0" |
| Sep | 74°F | 48°F | 1.3" | 0.2" |
| Oct | 58°F | 36°F | 1.9" | 1.6" |
| Nov | 43°F | 26°F | 1.7" | 1.7" |
| Dec | 38°F | 23°F | 1.8" | 3.6" |
Outdoor Recreation Near Missoula
Missoula has access to 443 recreation and attraction sites spanning 19 categories. For skiing, Snowbowl is 12 miles from town.
Top Nearby Attractions
- Rattlesnake Wilderness (Wilderness) — 5 miles
- Lolo National Forest (National Forest) — 7 miles
- Snowbowl (Ski Area) — 12 miles
- Welcome Creek Wilderness (Wilderness) — 25 miles
- Lolo Hot Springs (Hot Spring) — 29 miles
- Mission Mountains Wilderness (Wilderness) — 32 miles
- Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness (Wilderness) — 36 miles
- Bitterroot National Forest (National Forest) — 43 miles
Rivers
Clark Fork River, Blackfoot River, Rock Creek, Bitterroot River, Swan River are all within reach for fishing, floating, and kayaking.
Lakes
Nearby lakes include Duffy Lake, Holloway Lake, Spook Lake, Blanchard Lake, Black Lake.
Hot Springs
Lolo Hot Springs (29 mi), Quinn's Hot Springs (58 mi) — perfect for soaking after a day on the trails.
Explore all 443 recreation sites on the full Missoula profile.
Jobs & Economy in Missoula
Missoula has an unemployment rate of 4.7%, which is moderate. The labor force participation rate is 72.6%, reflecting an active and engaged workforce.
The top industries by employment are Education & Healthcare (26.2%), Professional Services (14.1%), Tourism & Hospitality (13.8%). Approximately 44,416 residents are employed locally.
Employment by Industry
| Industry | Share of Employment |
|---|---|
| Education & Healthcare | 26.2% |
| Professional Services | 14.1% |
| Tourism & Hospitality | 13.8% |
Montana has no state sales tax and no tax on retirement income, making it attractive for both workers and retirees.
Employment and industry data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year 2019–2023. Current conditions may differ.
Schools & Education
Missoula is served by the Missoula County Public Schools school district with approximately 9,000 students enrolled. The high school graduation rate is 85%, which is near the Montana state average of ~87%. Per-pupil spending is approximately $12,100.
Visit Missoula County Public Schools for enrollment information and school performance data.
Missoula also has access to higher education institutions and continuing education programs.
Graduation rates from OPI/NCES 2022–23. Per-pupil spending from Montana OPI fiscal data.
Healthcare in Missoula
Missoula has its own hospital — Community Medical Center (146 beds). For advanced or emergency care, Providence St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula (Level 2 Trauma Center) is 1 miles away.
Hospital data from MT DPHHS 2024. Verify services directly with facilities.
Getting to Missoula
Missoula is accessible via the following airports:
- Bozeman Yellowstone Intl — 186 miles (201 min drive)
- Billings Logan Intl — 324 miles (339 min drive)
- Missoula Intl — 7 miles (22 min drive)
- Glacier Park Intl (Kalispell) — 120 miles (135 min drive)
- Great Falls Intl — 156 miles (171 min drive)
Pros & Cons of Living in Missoula
Pros
- No state sales tax
- 443+ recreation sites nearby
- Milder winters than eastern Montana
- Skiing at Snowbowl (12 mi)
- Has a local hospital
- Strong healthcare access
- Good amenities and services
- No state income tax on retirement
Cons
- Cold winters
- Housing costs above national average
- Distance from major metro areas
- Airport is a significant drive
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Missoula, Montana?
The typical home value is $547,072 and rent averages $1,526/month. The median household income is $65,329. Montana has no state sales tax, which helps offset costs.
What are winters like in Missoula?
January lows average 20°F with about 18" of annual snowfall. Compared to eastern Montana, winters here are relatively mild.
Is Missoula a good place to live?
Missoula offers 443 nearby recreation sites, a higher affordability ratio of 8.4x, and four distinct seasons. Montana's lack of sales tax and retirement income tax are significant benefits.
How many homes are for sale in Missoula?
As of early 2026, there were 369 homes for sale in Missoula, up 15% from the prior year. The community has 36,310 total housing units with a 6.5% vacancy rate (Census ACS 2019–2023). Check Zillow or local MLS for the most current listings.
What is the job market like in Missoula?
Missoula has a 4.7% unemployment rate. Labor force participation is 72.6%. About 44,416 residents are employed locally. The leading industry is education & healthcare. Montana has no state sales tax, which benefits both businesses and consumers.
How are the schools in Missoula?
The Missoula County Public Schools school district has a graduation rate of 85%, near the state average. Approximately 9,000 students are enrolled. Per-pupil spending is approximately $12,100.
What healthcare is available in Missoula?
Missoula has a local hospital, Community Medical Center. The nearest major trauma center is Providence St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula, 1 miles away. There are 8 hospitals within 60 miles.
Where is the nearest skiing to Missoula?
Snowbowl is 12 miles from Missoula. The area receives about 18" of snow annually.