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Population Review

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.

Missoula County within Montana · Source: US Census TIGER/Line via us-atlas

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

Missoula County is a county in Montana with a population of 119,639. It ranks #3 among counties in Montana by population. The median age is 37.0, younger than the national median. The population is 50.3% male and 49.7% female.

The median household income in Missoula County is $71,246, near the US median of $74,580. 4.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $423,100, with monthly rent averaging $1,125. The homeownership rate of 59.7% is lower than the national rate of 64.8%.

Educational attainment in Missoula County reflects 45.9% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 13.0% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 18.7 minutes each way.

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%.

2024 · 123K20102024

122,546

Population (2024)

109,471

Population (2010)

122,546

Peak (2024)

0.81%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
2010109,471
2011110,270
2012111,104
2013111,988
2014112,924
2015114,281
2016116,587
2017118,068
2018118,959
2019120,066
2020118,353
2021119,857
2022120,931
2023121,672
2024122,546

Race & Ethnicity

White87.6%
Black or African American0.6%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)4.5%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

37.0

Median Age

49.7%

Female

50.3%

Male

16.6%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
4.6%
5–9
4.5%
10–14
6.0%
15–19
6.4%
20–24
9.7%
25–34
15.9%
35–44
14.1%
45–54
10.8%
55–59
5.7%
60–64
5.7%
65–74
10.4%
75–84
4.5%
85+
1.7%

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 rate4.8%-2.3% vs state
Unemployment rate3.1%
Employment-to-population66.4%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
25.7%
Finance & real estate
12.7%
Education & health care
12.1%
Construction
6.1%
Retail trade
5.9%
Arts, entertainment & food
5.5%
Information
5.2%
Manufacturing
4.0%

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.

Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.