Missoula, MT Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Missoula Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Missoula's short-term rental market combines steady outdoor-tourism appeal with a university-town rhythm that keeps demand flowing across multiple seasons. With 280 active Airbnb listings generating an average annual revenue of $30,489, the market offers a moderate but real income opportunity — particularly for larger properties that command premium nightly rates. An ROI score of 58 out of 100 reflects above-average occupancy stability tempered by a below-average revenue-to-price ratio, given that average home values sit at $775,017.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Missoula short-term rental market shows:

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026.

Why Investors Consider Missoula

Investors are drawn to Missoula for its blend of year-round university activity, robust summer tourism, and an expanding remote-work appeal that supports diversified demand.

Expert Market Assessment

"Missoula represents a moderate opportunity for STR investors who are strategic about property size and seasonal pricing. The market's strongest months — July at $4,436 and August at $4,283 — deliver nearly 3.5 times the revenue of January's $1,272, so cash-flow planning around this seasonality is essential. Occupancy stability rates above average among Missoula's calculation factors, which provides a degree of predictability that purely seasonal resort towns often lack. The main headwind is the revenue-to-price ratio: at $775,017 in average home values against $30,489 in annual revenue, investors will need to target higher-earning property configurations or negotiate favorable acquisition prices to hit meaningful yield targets."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Missoula

Average revenue by month in Missoula

Missoula exhibits strong seasonality, with July ($4,436) and August ($4,283) delivering roughly 3.5 times the revenue of January ($1,272) and February ($1,319). The summer-centric revenue curve means investors should build reserves during peak months to cover leaner winter periods, while shoulder months like May and September still generate healthy mid-range income.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Missoula

One-bedroom listings dominate Missoula's supply at 109 units (39% of all listings), followed by 2-bedrooms at 80. Larger properties are notably scarce — only 5 five-bedroom and 20 four-bedroom listings exist — which could signal a supply gap worth exploring given their substantially higher revenue potential.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Missoula

ADR climbs steeply with property size in Missoula, from $97 for studios to $388 for both 4- and 5-bedroom properties. The jump from 3 bedrooms ($220) to 4 bedrooms ($388) is particularly sharp at 76%, suggesting that investors in larger homes can command a meaningful nightly premium over mid-size units.

Average RevPAN by property size in Missoula

Four-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $102, outperforming all other sizes by a wide margin and reflecting the combination of strong ADR and reasonable occupancy. Interestingly, 5-bedroom units drop back to $83 RevPAN despite matching 4-bedrooms on ADR, indicating that their lower 21% occupancy rate erodes the per-night revenue advantage.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Missoula

One-bedroom listings lead occupancy at 37%, followed by 2-bedrooms at 32%, while larger properties see progressively lower fill rates down to 21% for 5-bedroom units. This pattern is typical in markets where smaller units serve a broader range of travelers, but the trade-off is that larger properties more than compensate through higher nightly rates and total revenue.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Missoula

Monthly revenue scales dramatically with size — from $1,428 for studios to $8,464 for 5-bedroom properties, a nearly 6x difference. Even the step from 2-bedroom ($2,745) to 3-bedroom ($3,878) represents a meaningful $1,133/month jump, making upsizing one of the clearest levers for improving cash flow in Missoula.

Average annual revenue by property size in Missoula

Five-bedroom properties lead Missoula's annual revenue at $101,573, more than double the $46,547 earned by 3-bedroom units and nearly five times a studio's $17,140. Four-bedroom listings at $62,571 annually also stand out as a strong configuration, particularly given their top-tier RevPAN and the relatively thin supply of larger homes in the market.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Missoula

Parking (96%) and a full kitchen (96%) are essentially table stakes in Missoula, followed closely by self check-in at 86% — reflecting a guest base that values convenience and independence. Amenities like workspaces (57%) and patios/balconies (58%) signal meaningful remote-worker and outdoor-lifestyle demand, while hot tubs remain rare at just 6%, presenting a potential differentiation opportunity.

Understanding Missoula's ROI Score: 58/100

Rabbu's ROI Score is a proprietary metric that evaluates short-term rental investment potential based on multiple factors.

How the ROI Score is Calculated

What This Means for Investors

Missoula's ROI score of 58 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, meaning the market offers real potential but requires thoughtful property selection to generate strong returns. The score is held back primarily by a below-average revenue-to-price ratio — average annual revenue of $30,489 against home values of $775,017 means overall yield is tight — while above-average occupancy stability and average marks on growth trend and supply/demand balance provide a solid foundation. Pairing this data with local regulatory research and a focus on higher-revenue property sizes will help investors make the most informed decisions.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Missoula

Understanding local STR regulations is essential before investing in Missoula. Here's the current regulatory landscape:

Permit Requirements

The City of Missoula and the State of Montana may require short-term rental operators to register or obtain a permit before listing a property. Investors should verify current permit and licensing requirements directly with Missoula's local planning office and the Montana Department of Revenue.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in markets like Missoula can include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking mandates. HOA rules may impose additional limitations, and some jurisdictions cap the number of permits issued or restrict rentals to owner-occupied properties — it's essential to confirm which, if any, of these apply before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Montana are typically responsible for state lodging facility use taxes and may owe local resort or tourism taxes depending on the jurisdiction. Many booking platforms collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but operators should confirm their full obligations with the Montana Department of Revenue.

Regulations subject to change. Always verify with local authorities before purchasing. A Rabbu partner agent specializing in Missoula can provide current regulatory guidance.

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Missoula's STR market is expected to maintain its pronounced summer peak while potentially seeing incremental gains in shoulder-season demand as western Montana continues to draw remote workers and outdoor enthusiasts. ADR could drift upward by 2–4% as hosts invest in amenity upgrades, though occupancy may hover in the 30–35% range given the 126% year-over-year growth in active listings adding competitive pressure. Investors who target larger properties — 3 bedrooms and above — are better positioned to capture the higher per-night revenue that offsets lower off-season fill rates. These estimates reflect current trajectory and seasonal patterns rather than guaranteed outcomes."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Missoula, MT

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Missoula?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Missoula is currently 32%, which falls below the Montana state average of 47%. Occupancy varies meaningfully by property size — 1-bedroom units lead at 37%, while studios and 5-bedroom properties sit closer to 21–24%. The market's pronounced summer seasonality means occupancy spikes during peak months and drops considerably in winter, so the annual average reflects this wide spread.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Missoula?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Missoula earn approximately $2,540 per month or $30,489 per year based on trailing 12-month data. Revenue scales significantly with property size: studios bring in around $1,428/month, while 5-bedroom properties average $8,464/month. Peak summer months like July can push monthly revenue above $4,400, whereas January dips to roughly $1,272.

Is Missoula a good market for Airbnb investment?

Missoula scores 58 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and balanced supply-demand dynamics, though its revenue-to-price ratio is below average due to elevated home values averaging $775,017. Investors targeting larger properties (3+ bedrooms) can achieve stronger returns, with 4-bedroom listings averaging $62,571 annually. Success here depends on smart property selection, seasonal pricing strategies, and careful attention to acquisition costs.

What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Missoula?

The average daily rate in Missoula is $172, which is significantly below the Montana state average of $443. ADR varies widely by property size — from $97 for studios to $388 for 4- and 5-bedroom properties. This gap reflects Montana's statewide ADR being pulled higher by premium resort markets like Big Sky and Whitefish, while Missoula's rates are more closely tied to its regional demand profile.

Are short-term rentals legal in Missoula?

Short-term rentals operate in Missoula, but hosts may need to obtain permits or register with local authorities. The City of Missoula and the State of Montana have regulatory frameworks that can include licensing requirements, tax obligations, and operational restrictions. We recommend checking directly with Missoula's planning department and the Montana Department of Revenue for the most current rules before investing.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Missoula?

Peak season in Missoula runs from June through August, with July delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $4,436 and August close behind at $4,283. The shoulder months of May ($2,942) and September ($3,242) also perform well above winter levels. January and February are the slowest months, with average revenues of $1,272 and $1,319 respectively — a spread of roughly 3.5x between peak and trough.

How many Airbnbs are there in Missoula?

As of April 2026, there are 280 active Airbnb listings in Missoula. The supply is concentrated in smaller properties: 1-bedroom units account for 109 listings (39%), followed by 2-bedrooms at 80 (29%). Larger properties with 4 or 5 bedrooms make up just 25 listings combined, which may represent a niche opportunity given their significantly higher revenue potential.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Missoula?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Missoula are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market — they are not forward-looking projections. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, removes regional outliers, and rolls the remainder into a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower periods. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and operational management.

About Rabbu Market Data

Rabbu provides Airbnb and short-term rental market data and statistics across the United States. Our mission is to empower investors with accurate insights and easy-to-use tools, so they can confidently identify and act on the best opportunities in the Airbnb market.

What this data includes

• Regularly updated active Airbnb and STR listing counts for the Missoula market
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN metrics across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month historical booking data
• Home value benchmarks sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to inform competitive positioning

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing performance and market conditions as of the dates noted; actual conditions may shift. Local regulations, tax requirements, and permit rules are subject to change — always verify with municipal and state authorities before investing.