Missoula County, Montana

Income Data

+14% vs. Montana average
$71,246
Median Household Income
$43,142
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$71,246
+14% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$43,142
+9% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
16.8%
income as % of home value
Rank in Montana
#11 / 56
by median household income

How Missoula County Compares

Missoula County$71,246
Montana Average$62,295
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$71,246
Median Household Income
$43,142
Per Capita Income
$423,100
Median Home Value
16.8%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Missoula County, Montana

Above-average national standing

Missoula County's median household income of $71,246 exceeds 48% of U.S. counties and comes within $3,509 of the national median of $74,755. The University of Montana and diverse service sector drive strong household earnings.

Montana's third-wealthiest county

At $71,246, Missoula County earns $8,951 above Montana's state median of $62,295, ranking in the state's top tier. University employment, healthcare, and technology sectors create above-average income opportunities.

Urban advantage over rural peers

Missoula County ($71,246) trails only Lewis and Clark County ($74,543) among these eight counties, significantly outearning all rural neighbors. Its university presence and regional role as western Montana's economic hub explain the income premium.

Steep housing costs pinch incomes

Despite strong incomes, Missoula County's 18.9% rent-to-income ratio and median home value of $423,100 create affordability pressure. The county's popularity drives housing costs that consume nearly a fifth of median household earnings.

University town's wealth-building culture

Missoula's educated workforce and progressive community create abundant financial planning resources and investment-minded peers. With above-state-average incomes, residents can aggressively fund retirement accounts and diversify wealth beyond housing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Missoula County, Montana?
The median household income in Missoula County, Montana is $71,246, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Missoula County?
The per capita income in Missoula County is $43,142, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $71,246.
How does Missoula County compare to the Montana average?
Missoula County's median household income of $71,246 is higher than the Montana state average of $62,295. The per capita income is $43,142, compared to the state average of $35,700.
What is the per capita income in Missoula County, Montana?
The per capita income in Missoula County, Montana is $43,142, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Why is Missoula County income higher than the Montana average?
Missoula County's median household income of $71,246 is higher than the Montana average of $62,295. This difference of $8,951 can be attributed to factors such as local industry mix, proximity to major employment centers, educational attainment levels, and cost of living. Counties with higher incomes often have a greater concentration of professional and technical occupations.
How does Missoula County rank for income in Montana?
Missoula County ranks #11 out of 56 counties in Montana by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $71,246 and per capita income of $43,142, it falls in the top third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Missoula County

$
1.00x

Your income is above the Missoula County median

County median: $71,246 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

+14%

vs. National Median

-5%

vs. Missoula County MedianAbout equal
vs. Montana Average14% above
vs. National Median5% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent5.3x

Your monthly income ($5,937) vs. median rent ($1,125/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

Sponsored

Grow Your Wealth

See how your income stacks up in Missoula County, Montana? Start investing smarter with a robo-advisor that builds a diversified portfolio for you.

Start Investing

Counties with Similar Income Levels

Sponsored

Compare Financial Products in Montana

Compare savings accounts, CDs, and money market rates from top banks to make the most of your earnings.

Compare Rates

Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.