Missoula 80 Exceptional
Missoula Livability #8 ranked city in Montana#1,587 ranked city in the USARanks better than 94% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Missoula

PROS
  • Amenities

    Within the vicinity, you'll find a wealth of amenities, from restaurants and coffee shops to grocery stores and local shops, all easily accessible on foot.

  • Commute

    High scores in the commute category could indicate that this area offers short commute times to work and readily available public transportation options.

  • Cost Of Living

    Residents in this area benefit from an affordable cost of living. This includes goods and services, transportation, housing, utilities, groceries and healthcare.

  • Health & Safety

    Earning a high health and safety score depends on factors such as good air quality and the availability of essential health facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors, and fire stations.

  • Schools

    A high score in the schools category could be the result of elements like top-notch test scores, high education levels and the convenient location of elementary and high schools in this area.

CONS
  • Crime

    High crime rates per 100,000 people are reported in this area, potentially indicating that it is an unsafe place to live. These statistics consider both violent and property offenses.

  • Ratings

    Polls and surveys done by AreaVibes among area residents did not yield positive feedback when it came to the walkability of amenities, safety, nearby parks and the overall sense of community.

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What's it like Living in Missoula?

Missoula, Montana is a mid-sized city with a population of 74,994 inhabitants. According to the most recent Census, 90% of Missoula residents are White, 2% Asian and 1% Black. Missoula could be a great place for young adults and students as the average age of 33 years old is below the nation’s average. In Missoula, only 41% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Missoula will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 16 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.

Living in Missoula can be a great experience for anyone relocating to the town. Having said that, in the state of Montana, there are many amazing places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. The best areas in Missoula and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, commute, health & safety, education, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Montana and national averages.

The livability score in Missoula is 79/100 and the city is ranked in the 94th percentile of all cities across America. This is a great score, as Missoula ranks well in multiple categories! Another exciting tidbit, is that Missoula ranks better than 90% of all US cities! Based on the rankings for each individual category, Missoula has been rewarded with high marks for cost of living (A-) and education (B+). There is at least one category that does not have great scores in Missoula. The following was graded with a disappointing score: crime (F).

If you're considering living in Missoula, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Missoula provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area. A few of the enjoyable things to experience and sights to see are: A Carousel for Missoula, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and The Wilma Theater.

There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Missoula is actually affordable. The median home price for Missoula homes is $301,700, which is 51.1% higher than the Montana average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Missoula, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 5.9, which is 43.9% higher than the Montana average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Missoula

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Compare Missoula, MT Livability

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      Missoula transportation information

      Statistic Missoula Montana National
      Average one way commute16min18min26min
      Workers who drive to work71.5%75.1%76.4%
      Workers who carpool7.4%10.2%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit2.3%0.8%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle5.2%1.4%0.6%
      Workers who walk6.2%5.1%2.8%
      Working from home6.8%6.3%4.6%
      Source: The Missoula, MT data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).