countyscore
35.1
County Score
Health 75.7Income & Jobs 69.4Property Tax 44.8

County Report Card

About Missoula County, Montana

Struggling Against National Averages

Missoula County receives a composite score of 35.1, placing it well below the national median of 50.0. High costs and urban challenges weigh heavily on its overall ranking.

Trailing Montana's Rural Leaders

The county's score of 35.1 is significantly lower than the state average of 56.4. While it is a cultural and economic hub, it faces steeper livability hurdles than much of Montana.

Robust Health and Incomes

Health scores are a bright spot at 75.7, alongside a solid income score of 69.4. With a median household income of $71,246, residents benefit from a strong regional economy.

Safety Concerns and High Prices

The safety score is very low at 6.9, and housing affordability is a major issue with a cost score of 14.8. Median home values of $423,100 make ownership difficult for many.

A Hub for Active Urbanites

Missoula County is best suited for young professionals and health-conscious individuals who prioritize career and culture. It requires a higher budget to manage the costs and safety trade-offs of city life.

2040608010044.814.86.975.739.869.42340.638.3Tax44.8Cost14.8Safety6.9Health75.7Schools39.8Income69.4Risk23Water40.6Weather38.335.1/100
This county
National avg
2 above average6 below average

Missoula County DNA

Foverall

How Missoula County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Missoula County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (75.7/100) but notably weak in Safety (6.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
44.8
Cost
14.8-33.2
Safety
6.9-48.1
Health
75.7+25.700000000000003
Schools
39.8-14.200000000000003
Income
69.4+18.400000000000006
Risk
23-24
Water
40.6-17.4
Weather
38.3-17.700000000000003
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Whether buying or refinancing in Missoula County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$423,100

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,125/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$423,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$45,000/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum5.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $71,246/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

37.6

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Lake County
Montana
40.5
Mineral County
Montana
54.1
Granite County
Montana
57.4
Powell County
Montana
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Sanders County
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Ravalli County
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Clearwater County
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Shoshone County
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47.6

Deep Dives

Missoula County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Missoula County

via TaxByCounty

Missoula taxes run 28% above average

At 0.906%, Missoula County's effective tax rate exceeds the national median of 0.71% by 28%, ranking it among America's higher-tax counties. The median bill of $3,833 is 43% higher than the national median of $2,690—the highest among these eight counties.

Highest rate in Montana

Missoula County leads all 56 Montana counties at 0.906% effective tax rate, nearly 18% above the state average of 0.767%. Only Liberty County (1.031%) comes close—a stark divide between these two and the rest of the state.

Steepest taxes, priciest homes

Missoula's $423,100 median home value is the region's highest, paired with Montana's steepest 0.906% tax rate, producing annual bills of $3,833. Residents pay substantially more than any neighbor—Lewis and Clark ($2,886) and Mineral ($1,728) pale by comparison.

Your $3,833 annual tax bill

A typical Missoula County home worth $423,100 costs $3,833 per year in property taxes—$319 monthly. With a mortgage, you'll pay $3,958; without, $3,521.

High taxes make appeals crucial

With Montana's highest property tax rate and the region's priciest homes, Missoula residents stand to save most from assessment challenges. Request a free reappraisal if recent comparable sales suggest overvaluation—savings compound quickly on six-figure tax bills.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Missoula County

via CostByCounty

Missoula renters exceed affordability thresholds

Missoula County's 18.9% rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds the 15% national standard and Montana's 15.9% state average. At $1,125 per month, median rent is 36% above the state average, driven by the county's role as Montana's second-largest city and a destination for young professionals and students.

Among Montana's least affordable rental markets

Missoula County ranks among the state's most expensive rental markets, with an 18.9% rent-to-income ratio well above Montana's 15.9% average. Only a few western and resort-adjacent counties rival its rental costs, reflecting strong demand from the University of Montana, tech workers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

Premium pricing for urban amenities

Missoula's $1,125 rent trails only Lewis and Clark's $1,062 (close) and falls just short of Madison County's $1,159, making it one of the region's priciest markets. The premium reflects Missoula's vibrant downtown, cultural institutions, breweries, and university presence—amenities rural counties cannot match.

Urban living comes with housing costs

Renters earning the median $71,246 spend approximately $13,500 annually on rent—18.9% of gross income. Homeowners face steeper ownership costs at $1,425 monthly ($17,100 yearly); the median home value of $423,100 reflects Missoula's popularity and creates significant barriers to homeownership for many residents.

Value city amenities against budget constraints

Missoula's 18.9% rent-to-income ratio and $1,125 rents signal the trade-off between urban amenities and affordability. If relocating here, prioritize earning above the $71,246 median—or consider adjacent rural counties offering lower costs with reasonable access to Missoula's attractions.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Missoula County

via IncomeByCounty

Above-average national standing

Missoula County's median household income of $71,246 exceeds 48% of U.S. counties and comes within $3,509 of the national median of $74,755. The University of Montana and diverse service sector drive strong household earnings.

Montana's third-wealthiest county

At $71,246, Missoula County earns $8,951 above Montana's state median of $62,295, ranking in the state's top tier. University employment, healthcare, and technology sectors create above-average income opportunities.

Urban advantage over rural peers

Missoula County ($71,246) trails only Lewis and Clark County ($74,543) among these eight counties, significantly outearning all rural neighbors. Its university presence and regional role as western Montana's economic hub explain the income premium.

Steep housing costs pinch incomes

Despite strong incomes, Missoula County's 18.9% rent-to-income ratio and median home value of $423,100 create affordability pressure. The county's popularity drives housing costs that consume nearly a fifth of median household earnings.

University town's wealth-building culture

Missoula's educated workforce and progressive community create abundant financial planning resources and investment-minded peers. With above-state-average incomes, residents can aggressively fund retirement accounts and diversify wealth beyond housing.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Missoula County

via CrimeByCounty

Missoula’s Crime Rate and National Context

Missoula County’s total crime rate of 3,111.1 per 100,000 is higher than the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a safety score of 95.1 out of 100. While it is more active than surrounding rural areas, it remains safer than many large metropolitan counties nationwide.

A High-Activity County in Montana

The county’s crime rate is nearly triple the Montana state average of 1,112.5 per 100,000. Its safety score of 95.1 is also lower than the state average of 98.2. As an urban center, Missoula experiences higher incident volumes than most of the state.

Missoula vs Surrounding Jurisdictions

Missoula County has the highest crime rate in the region, far exceeding Mineral County’s 1,289.7 and Lewis and Clark’s 2,490.0. The high concentration of people and businesses leads to more reports than in nearby rural districts. It acts as the primary enforcement hub for Western Montana.

Breakdown of Local Crime Stats

Property crime is the major driver here, with a rate of 2,595.7 per 100,000, which is higher than the national average. Violent crime sits at 515.4 per 100,000, also exceeding national figures. Three reporting agencies provide comprehensive data for these 2022 statistics.

Protecting Your Assets in Missoula

With property crime rates above the national average, Missoula residents should prioritize home and vehicle security. Use high-quality locks, alarm systems, and avoid leaving valuables in plain sight. Active neighborhood involvement is a powerful tool for reducing local crime.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Missoula County

via SchoolsByCounty

Montana's Largest and Most Diverse System

Missoula County manages 43 schools across 14 districts, serving a large population of 14,350 students. This network includes 23 elementary, 15 middle, and 5 high schools.

Beating State Averages in Graduation Rates

Missoula's 85.3% graduation rate is higher than the Montana state average of 83.7%. The county spends $7,575 per pupil while maintaining a diverse range of educational programs.

Major Districts Serving Missoula Proper

Missoula Elementary is the county's largest district with 12 schools and 5,280 students. Sentinel High School is the largest individual school, enrolling 1,378 students.

A Mix of Urban and Rural Locales

The county features 20 city schools, 19 rural schools, and 4 suburban campuses, offering unparalleled variety. Average school size is 334, but large high schools can exceed 1,300 students.

Find Your Home in a Vibrant School Hub

From urban city centers to quiet suburban streets, Missoula County offers school options for every family. Explore local listings to find a home near these diverse educational opportunities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Missoula County

via RiskByCounty

Missoula County faces elevated disaster risk

Missoula County's composite risk score of 77.04 ranks it as relatively low nationally but substantially above average for natural hazard exposure. The score reflects significant vulnerabilities across multiple hazard types, particularly wildfire and earthquake.

Among Montana's highest-risk counties

At 77.04, Missoula County dramatically exceeds Montana's state average of 33.31, placing it among the state's most hazard-exposed areas. Only Lewis and Clark County approaches Missoula's elevated composite risk score.

Riskiest county in its region

Missoula County's score of 77.04 substantially exceeds neighboring Lincoln (64.28), Madison (41.03), Mineral (7.35), and all other regional peers. The county bears the highest disaster risk exposure in western Montana.

Wildfire and earthquake drive risk profile

Wildfire risk reaches 95.77 in Missoula County—among Montana's highest—while earthquake risk at 91.35 reflects the county's location in a seismically active region. Flood risk at 68.64 adds meaningful exposure, particularly for riverside properties and development zones.

Comprehensive coverage is critical

Missoula County residents must ensure wildfire damage is explicitly covered in their homeowners policy given the 95.77 risk score, as many standard policies exclude it. Adding earthquake coverage is equally essential given the 91.35 score; review flood risk for your specific property location and consider additional protection if needed.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Missoula County

via WaterByCounty

Low Violation Rate Still Results in F Grade

Missoula County receives an F grade for drinking water compliance with 27 health violations over five years. Paradoxically, its violation rate of 31.4 per 100,000 is one of the lowest in Montana, far below the state average of 393.8. The failing grade highlights specific health-based exceedances despite relatively efficient overall system management.

Healthy Watershed Status for Missoula Streams

Seventy water bodies in Missoula County were assessed in the 2022 reporting cycle, and all 70 met Clean Water Act standards. This 0% impairment rate matches the current state average for assessed segments. Local surface waters currently fulfill their intended uses for habitat and recreation.

Extensive Monitoring Coverage Across the County

A robust network of 155 monitoring sites has produced 15,023 measurements in Missoula County over the last five years. The data covers a wide range of characteristics including physical properties, nutrients, and metals. This high level of scrutiny helps protect the critical confluence of several major river systems.

Clark Fork Below Missoula Sees Dramatic Rise

The Clark Fork below Missoula is currently flowing at 19,700 cfs, which is 369% of its historical typical discharge. This significant volume reflects major runoff entering the 9,017 square mile drainage area. High flows like this can impact local water treatment processes by increasing turbidity.

Monitor Water Systems During Exceptional Runoff

With the Clark Fork flowing at nearly four times its typical volume, residents should watch for notifications from water utilities regarding treatment challenges. While the per-capita violation rate is very low, the F grade suggests that some systems have struggled with health standards in the past. High-flow events are a prudent time to utilize home water filtration.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Missoula County

via WeatherByCounty

A Classic Northern Rockies Profile

Missoula County's 43.4°F annual average is typical for high-latitude mountain valleys but cold compared to the 54°F national median. The county receives 18.0 inches of precipitation, indicating a moderately moist climate.

Aligning With the Montana Median

The county's average temperature of 43.4°F sits right next to the state average of 43.7°F. However, its 73.9 inches of annual snowfall is significantly higher than many other populated Montana valleys.

Snowier Than Its Eastern Neighbors

Missoula receives 73.9 inches of snow, more than double the 32.6 inches recorded in Lewis and Clark County. Despite the snow, the two counties share similar average July temperatures around 66°F.

Heavy Snow Cycles and Warm Julys

Winter is snowy and persistent, with a January average of 23.8°F and 73.9 total inches of fall. July is pleasant at 66°F, though 18 days of 90°F heat provide a significant summer peak.

Prioritize Snow Removal and Insulation

Robust snow removal tools are a necessity for the heavy 73.9-inch annual snowfall. Residents should also plan for moderate summer cooling to offset the nearly three weeks of extreme 90°F heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Missoula County

via SoilByCounty

The Soils of the Garden City

While specific taxonomic data for Missoula County is currently missing from the dataset, regional pH levels likely mirror the state average of 7.43. This alkaline trend is much higher than the national median of 6.5.

Searching for Soil Balance

Specific ratios of sand, silt, and clay are not available in the current records for the Missoula valley. These numbers are vital for understanding how the soil handles the diverse precipitation patterns of the northern Rockies.

Enriching the Local Land

Measured organic matter and water capacity are not present, but the state benchmarks are 2.54% and 0.165. Gardeners in Missoula should aim to meet these averages through consistent composting and soil building.

Tracking Water in the Valley

Hydrologic and drainage classifications are missing from county records at this time. Always check for local soil compaction, especially in urban areas, before starting a new planting or landscaping project.

Diverse Options in Zone 5b

Hardiness Zone 5b provides a fantastic environment for everything from apples and cherries to tomatoes. Join the local gardening community and put some seeds in the ground this spring.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Missoula County

via LawnByCounty

Missoula's High Maintenance Turf

Missoula County has a lawn score of 26.3, ranking it as one of the most difficult places in the state for grass. This is significantly lower than the Montana average of 33.4 and the national average of 50.0.

A Moderate Growing Window

Annual precipitation of 18.0 inches helps, but 18 extreme heat days will still stress your lawn. The growing season is bounded by a May 20 spring frost and an October 4 fall freeze.

Optimizing Local Soils

Specific soil texture metrics are not provided, so homeowners should focus on adding compost to improve water holding capacity. Aeration is often necessary in local valleys to ensure air and water reach the root systems.

Conserving Water in the Valley

Drought was present for 45 weeks over the last year, though current severe drought levels are at zero. Keep your lawn healthy by watering early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal growth.

Seeding for Success

Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescue blends are the standard for Missoula's Zone 5b. Start your project after May 20 to ensure your new grass has the best chance to thrive.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Missoula County's county score?
Missoula County, Montana has a composite county score of 35.1 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Missoula County rank among counties in Montana?
Missoula County ranks #53 among all counties in Montana on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Missoula County, Montana?
The median annual property tax in Missoula County is $3,833, with an effective tax rate of 0.91%. This earns Missoula County a tax score of 44.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Missoula County?
The median household income in Missoula County, Montana is $71,246 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Missoula County earns an income score of 69.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Missoula County, Montana a good place to live?
Missoula County scores 35.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #53 in Montana. The best way to evaluate Missoula County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Missoula County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.