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City Report · MT

Missoula

Pop. 76,514·6th most expensive in Montana·Missoula rents are up 7.5% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$1,550/mo
Year-over-Year
+7.5%
Month-over-Month
-1.1%
vs US Median
-$415
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Missoula · $1,550
More affordable than 72% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
62/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 6% below what Missoula's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$1,550/mo
Expected by trend
$1,649/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Missoula's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,143
1 BR
$1,363
2 BR
$1,630
3 BR
$2,285
4 BR+
$2,738
Research median
$1,630/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$18,600/yr
At $1,550/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are climbing (7.5% YoY), so leverage tilts toward landlords. Act sooner rather than later.
Based on rent-price momentum (+7.5% YoY, -1.1% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Missoula, MT is roughly split between renters and owners, skews toward younger working-age adults, 53% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
76,514
Median income
$70,392
Median age
34.7
Renters
53%
Age distribution
16.6%
34%
25.3%
15%
Under 1816.6%
18–3434%
35–5425.3%
55–649%
65+15%
Gender
48.9%
51.1%
Male48.9%
Female51.1%
Race & ethnicity
86.4%
White86.4%
Hispanic5.7%
Asian1.2%
Other6.2%
Education (25+)
16.2%
27.8%
53%
No HS diploma3%
HS diploma16.2%
Some college27.8%
Bachelor's+53%
Housing tenure
47%
53%
Owner47%
Renter53%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Missoula, MT has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,133 → $1,550
up 36.8%
Income
$54,423 → $70,392
up 29.3%
Population
73,300 → 76,514
up 4.4%
Renter share
53.5% → 53%
-0.5 pts
Bachelor's+
50.3% → 53%
+2.7 pts
Median age
33.6 → 34.7
+1.1 yrs

Since 2021, the typical rent in Missoula, MT has increased from $1,133 to $1,550, a 36.8% change over five years. On the earnings side, the typical household in Missoula, MT now reports about $70,392, up from $54,423 in 2021. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. The population has grown by 4.4% since 2021, moving from about 73,300 residents to roughly 76,514. College-educated residents now make up 53% of adults here, versus 50.3% in 2021. For context, the 2021 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Missoula, MT reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

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View Missoula rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Missoula on your salary?

At $1,550/mo, how Missoula rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Missoula rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Missoula. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Missoula

About renting in Missoula, MT

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Missoula is $1,550/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,143/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,630/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,363/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,285/mo.

At 26% of local median household income ($70,392/yr), Missoula ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 7.5% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Missoula an affordable city for renters?

Missoula is considered affordable for renters. At $1,550/mo, rent takes approximately 26% of the local median household income ($70,392/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Missoula falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Missoula?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $62,000/year (~$30/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,550/mo in Missoula. The local median household income is $70,392/yr, meaning the typical Missoula household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Missoula?

Rent in Missoula has increased 7.5% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Which Missoula neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Missoula are 59802 ($1,401/mo), 59801 ($1,513/mo), and 59808 ($1,663/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Missoula is $1,550/mo.

How does Missoula rent compare to other cities in Montana?

Missoula is middle-of-the-pack for Montana for rent, ranking #6 out of 11 tracked cities at $1,550/mo.

What percentage of Missoula residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 53% of Missoula households are renters, while 47% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, Missoula has a strong rental market.

How does Missoula rent compare to the national average?

Missoula's median rent of $1,550/mo is $415 (21%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Montana, it ranks #6 out of 11 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
26%
AFFORDABLE

At $1,550/mo, rent takes ~26% of Missoula's median household income ($70,392/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Missoula 26%Benchmark 30%
State income tax4.7%
Run the Missoula affordability calculator →
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Public schools near Missoula, MT

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