Missoula, MT: The 2026 Relocation Deep Dive

Missoula: The Data Profile (2026)

Missoula represents a specific post-pandemic archetype: the "lifestyle-optimized" small city. With a population of 77,763, it operates at a scale where infrastructure is accessible but density remains low. The economic baseline reveals a critical trade-off: the median income sits at $70,277, which is 5.8% lower than the US median of $74,580. However, this is offset by a Cost of Living Index where Housing is just 92.0 (8.0% below the national average).

The statistical target demographic is the "Remote Value Maximizer." These are professionals earning $85,000+ annually who leverage remote work to arbitrage the 8.0% housing discount against a modest income reduction, prioritizing access to outdoor infrastructure over urban salary density.

Cost of Living Analysis

The aggregate Cost of Living Index for Missoula is driven significantly by energy and service efficiency. Electricity costs $0.1266/kWh, compared to the US average of $0.1600/kWh, resulting in a 21.0% savings on power. This efficiency cascades into monthly budgets.

Table 1: Monthly Budget Breakdown (2026 Estimates)

Disposable Income Analysis:
A single earner making the median $70,277 takes home approximately $4,400/month (post-tax). With a total monthly burn of $2,163, the disposable income surplus is $2,237. This is a high surplus relative to the cost of living, allowing for aggressive savings or debt repayment despite the lower gross wage.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market in Missoula is defined by a "Rent vs. Buy" gap that favors long-term equity building. While rents are accessible, the median home price sits at $475,000. The most significant metric is the Price/SqFt of $300, which is 17.6% lower than the US average of $364. This indicates that physical space is still a bargain, even if the entry price feels high for the region.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (2026)

Buy vs. Rent Analysis:
Buying is mathematically superior for those staying 3+ years. The spread between the median home price and the "implied rent" of the market creates equity. However, the $475,000 entry price is 15.8% above the national baseline, requiring a higher absolute down payment despite the lower cost-of-living index.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

RTO (Return to Office) Impact:
Missoula is a "Hybrid-First" city. Local office utilization is low, estimated at 25% of pre-2020 levels. The infrastructure supports this: the average commute time is 17.5 minutes, significantly lower than the US average of 27.6 minutes.

Industry Stability:
The local economy is anchored by the University of Montana and healthcare (Providence St. Patrick Hospital). The unemployment rate is 3.3%, beating the national average of 4.0% by 0.7 percentage points. This low unemployment signals a tight labor market for service and trades, but high competition for remote workers moving in.

Quality of Life Audit

Missoula scores exceptionally well on preventative health metrics. The Health Score of 84.2/100 is driven by low risk factors. The Diabetes Rate is 7.7% (vs US 10.9%) and the Smoking Rate is 11.5% (vs US 14.0%). Air quality is a major asset; the AQI Average of 38 falls into the "Good" category, with PM2.5 levels well below EPA thresholds.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety & Crime:
Crime presents a mixed picture. Violent Crime is 470 per 100k (US avg: 380), which is 23.7% higher than the national average. Property Crime is 2,457 per 100k (US avg: 2,000), 22.8% higher. While these numbers are flagged as "Average" in the dataset, they sit above the safer national baseline.

Schools & Weather:
School ratings average 7/10 on GreatSchools. Weather is a distinct variable: currently 27.0°F with a high of 39.0°F. Residents must budget for a heating season spanning 7 months, offsetting the $0.1266/kWh electricity savings with natural gas usage.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Housing Value: The Price/SqFt of $300 offers 17.6% more space for the dollar than the US average.
• Economic Stability: Unemployment at 3.3% ensures a robust local service economy.
• Health & Environment: AQI of 38 and Diabetes rates of 7.7% signal a high-quality biological environment.

Cons:

• Income Ceiling: Median income is $70,277, 5.8% below the US median, capping earning potential for non-remote workers.
• Crime Rates: Both violent and property crime rates exceed national averages by roughly 23%.
• Premium Home Prices: Despite the cost-of-living advantage, the median home price of $475,000 is $65,000 more expensive than the US median.

Recommendation:
Relocate to Missoula if you earn $80,000+ remotely or work in healthcare/education. Do not move here expecting to break into the local job market at a high salary. The math works best for remote workers leveraging the 8.0% housing discount.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Missoula?
For a single person, a salary of $65,000 provides a comfortable buffer after the $2,163 monthly expenses. For a family, $95,000 is recommended to maintain savings rates.

2. Is the value proposition better than Boise or Denver?
Yes, regarding housing space. Missoula's Price/SqFt of $300 is significantly lower than Denver's ($380) and Boise's ($350), though Missoula's median income is lower.

3. How dangerous is the crime rate?
Violent crime is 470/100k. While this is statistically 23.7% above the US average, it is concentrated in specific zones. The "Average" rating suggests it is manageable but requires standard urban awareness.

4. When is the best time to move?
Move between May and September. Current temps of 27.0°F indicate harsh winters. Moving in winter incurs high heating costs and logistical challenges with snow.