AI-Scored Rankings • Updated 2026-04-03

Best Apartments in Missoula, MT — Scored by AI

ListWise scores every Missoula neighborhood on safety, walkability, schools, commute time, and rental value. See which areas actually match your lifestyle — not just what's cheapest.

$1,500/mo
Median Rent
77,757
Population
8
Neighborhoods Scored
University of Montana
Top Employer
Local Insights

Why Missoula? What Renters Need to Know

Missoula's median rent is around $1,500/month — somewhat more affordable than Bozeman, though it has also seen rapid increases. Rattlesnake Valley and South Hills command $1,700-$1,800, while the Northside and Reserve Street corridor offer options around $1,200-$1,350.

Quick Facts

Population 77,757
Median Rent $1,500/mo
Top Employer University of Montana
Neighborhoods 8 scored by AI
Rent vs. National$1,500 vs $1,500 national median

Rent Comparison

Missoula median rent matches the national median of $1,500/mo exactly.

Largest Employer

The largest employer in Missoula is University of Montana, making the University District area and nearby neighborhoods popular for commuters looking to minimize travel time.

Top Neighborhoods

Top Neighborhoods in Missoula

Ranked by ListWise's composite AI score. Top 3 shown free — unlock all 8 for the full picture.

#1

University District

Score: 86/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 72
Avg Rent $1,600
Schools 8/10
#2

Rattlesnake Valley

Score: 90/100
Safety A-
Walk Score 48
Avg Rent $1,800
Schools 9/10
#3

Hip Strip / Brooks Street

Score: 83/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 78
Avg Rent $1,500
Schools 7/10

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#4

Northside

Score: 74/100
Safety B-
Walk Score 62
Avg Rent $1,300
Schools 5/10
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#5

Westside

Score: 76/100
Safety B-
Walk Score 55
Avg Rent $1,350
Schools 5/10
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#6

South Hills

Score: 88/100
Safety A-
Walk Score 35
Avg Rent $1,700
Schools 9/10
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#7

Pattee Canyon

Score: 87/100
Safety A-
Walk Score 28
Avg Rent $1,750
Schools 8/10
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#8

Reserve Street Corridor

Score: 70/100
Safety C+
Walk Score 42
Avg Rent $1,200
Schools 5/10
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See All 8 Missoula Neighborhoods Ranked

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How It Works

How ListWise Scores Missoula Apartments

1

Tell Us Your Priorities

Rank what matters: safety, schools, walkability, commute, budget, nightlife. Every Missoula renter is different.

2

AI Scores Every Listing

We pull real-time data from MLS, crime stats, school ratings, transit APIs, and walk score databases for Missoula.

3

Get Your Ranked List

Receive a PDF + Excel report with Missoula properties ranked by YOUR priorities. Delivered within 24 hours.

FAQ

Frequently Asked About Missoula

What is the average rent in Missoula?

Missoula's median rent is around $1,500/month — somewhat more affordable than Bozeman, though it has also seen rapid increases. Rattlesnake Valley and South Hills command $1,700-$1,800, while the Northside and Reserve Street corridor offer options around $1,200-$1,350.

What makes Missoula special?

Missoula has an outsized cultural identity for its size — a vibrant arts scene, strong environmental and literary culture (the University of Montana's creative writing MFA is nationally renowned), exceptional craft beer and food culture, and access to five river valleys meeting at the city center. It's been called 'the Berkeley of the Rockies.'

What outdoor recreation is available in Missoula?

Missoula sits at the confluence of three rivers (Clark Fork, Bitterroot, Blackfoot — made famous by A River Runs Through It) offering world-class fly fishing and kayaking. The Rattlesnake Wilderness and National Recreation Area begins at the city's edge. Snowbowl ski area is 12 miles from downtown.

How is Missoula's job market?

The University of Montana and Providence St. Patrick Hospital are the dominant employers, followed by government and education sectors. Missoula has a modest tech and remote-work community but limited private sector depth. Many residents work for nonprofits, the arts sector, or are self-employed — wages are lower than comparable-sized cities.

How do Missoula and Bozeman compare?

Missoula and Bozeman are Montana's two main cities with distinct personalities. Missoula is older, more bohemian, culturally liberal, and slightly more affordable. Bozeman is newer, more tech/startup focused, more expensive, and closer to Big Sky Resort and Yellowstone. Both offer exceptional outdoor access — it comes down to personality fit.

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Data is for informational purposes only. Verify all information independently before making housing decisions.