Missoula County, Montana Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 3rd-largest in Montana
The population of Missoula County, Montana is 119,639 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 3rd-largest county in Montana. The median household income is $71,246, the median home value is $423,100, and the median age is 37.0.
The population of Missoula County has grown 11.9% since 2010 (109,471 → 122,546), a +0.81% annualized rate.
119,639
Population
+0.81%
Annual growth
46
People / sq mi
$71,246
Median Income
$423,100
Median Home Value
Missoula County covers 2,593 sq mi of land at 46.1 people per square mile.
About Missoula County, MT
Educational attainment is the headline number in Missoula County: 45.9% of adults 25 and older have a four-year degree. Missoula County is a county in Montana with a population of 119,639. That makes it one of the ten largest counties in Montana in the country, at #3 by population.
Median household income is $71,246, below the US median of $78,538. Only 4.8% of residents live in poverty, below the national 12.4%. Home prices are steep, with the typical property valued at $423,100, with typical rent around $1,125.
The population is unusually well-credentialed for US counties — 45.9% of adults have a four-year degree, above the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the higher side at 13.0%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 19 minutes each way.
The education numbers are the throughline: a college-heavy population in Missoula County usually coincides with higher incomes and a workforce concentrated in professional and information industries.
Missoula County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Missoula County had a population of 109,471 in 2010 and 122,546 in 2024, a 11.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 122,546 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.81%.
122,546
Population (2024)
109,471
Population (2010)
122,546
Peak (2024)
0.81%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 109,471 |
| 2011 | 110,270 |
| 2012 | 111,104 |
| 2013 | 111,988 |
| 2014 | 112,924 |
| 2015 | 114,281 |
| 2016 | 116,587 |
| 2017 | 118,068 |
| 2018 | 118,959 |
| 2019 | 120,066 |
| 2020 | 118,353 |
| 2021 | 119,857 |
| 2022 | 120,931 |
| 2023 | 121,672 |
| 2024 | 122,546 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 87.6% |
| Black or African American | 0.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 4.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
37.0
Median Age
49.7%
Female
50.3%
Male
16.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.1% · Seniors (65+): 16.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $71,246+$1,324 vs state |
| Mean household income | $97,840 |
| Per-capita income | $43,142 |
| Poverty rate | 4.8%-2.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 66.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Missoula County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.7% of workers.
How residents commute
1.5%
Drive alone
3.3%
Carpool
70.2%
Public transit
13.0%
Work from home
18.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$423,100+$85,000 vs state
Median home value
$1,125
Median rent
59.7%
Homeownership rate
56,008
Total housing units
92.2%
Occupied
7.8%
Vacant
40.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.6%
With health insurance
96.2%
With broadband internet
49.3%
Foreign-born
8.5%
Veterans (18+)
12.3%
With a disability
95.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
96.6%
High School+
45.9%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Montana
Other counties in Montana
Part of Montana
Metro areas in Montana
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Missoula County, Montana has a population of 119,639 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 3rd-largest county in Montana. Population density is 46 people per square mile.
The population of Missoula County has grown 11.9% since 2010 (109,471 → 122,546), a +0.81% annualized rate.
The median household income in Missoula County, Montana is $71,246, with mean (average) household income of $97,840 and per-capita income of $43,142. 4.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Missoula County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (87.6%), Hispanic or Latino (4.5%), Black or African American (0.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Missoula County, Montana is 37.0 years. Residents are 49.7% female and 50.3% male.
The median home value in Missoula County is $423,100 and median monthly rent is $1,125. 59.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 56,008 total housing units, 7.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Missoula County, Montana is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.1%.
Billings is among the largest cities associated with Missoula County, Montana, with a population of 118,321.
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Statewide data for Montana
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Montana
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.