Property Taxes in Missoula
Missoula's property tax picture runs genuinely ABOVE both Montana's statewide median and the national comparison figure -- Missoula-specific citations (Ownwell) put the city's median effective rate at approximately 1.22% -- and this record discloses Montana's real, genuinely complex 2025-2026 graduated-rate restructuring directly rather than reducing it to a single flat number.
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Learn moreMissoula's Own Rate Runs Above Both the State Median and the National Comparison Figure
Missoula-specific citations (Ownwell) put the city's median effective property tax rate at approximately 1.22% (ZIP 59801) -- above both Montana's own statewide median (cited at approximately 0.78%) and the ~1.02% national comparison figure used consistently across this project's records. A separate Missoula ZIP (59804) was cited somewhat lower, at approximately 1.04%, still above the national figure. Missoula County's broader effective rate was cited lower still, at approximately 0.91% (median bill $3,833 on a $423,100 home).
A Real, Genuinely Complex 2025-2026 Graduated-Rate Restructuring, Following a Real 2023 Reappraisal Controversy
A sharp 2023 statewide reappraisal drove a real, cited 22% increase in median residential market value between tax years 2024 and 2025, prompting real, sharp property-tax-bill increases for many homeowners. Montana's 2025 legislative session responded with SB 542 and HB 231, establishing a real, current graduated/tiered rate structure for tax year 2026 based on the statewide median home value ($378,000 for the 2025-2026 appraisal cycle): 0.76% on value up to the median, 0.90% from 1x-2x median, 1.10% from 2x-4x median, and 1.90% on value above 4x median.
A Real, Current Homestead Reduced Rate for Owner-Occupied Primary Residences
A real, current Homestead Component reduced rate is available for owner-occupied primary residences for 2026 -- homeowners must attest to at least 7 months' 2026 occupancy to qualify, and those who claimed a 2025 rebate are automatically enrolled. This is layered on a real, one-time $400 rebate issued in 2025 for primary residences and long-term rentals.
Confirm a Specific Address Directly With the Montana Department of Revenue and Missoula County Assessor
Given the real, disclosed complexity of Montana's 2025-2026 graduated system and Missoula's own above-national-median rate, buyers and movers should confirm a specific target property's current assessed value, applicable tier, homestead eligibility, and total levy directly with the Montana Department of Revenue and the Missoula County Assessor rather than relying on a citywide or countywide average.
Key takeaways
- Missoula's own cited effective property tax rate (~1.22%, city-specific) runs above both Montana's statewide median (~0.78%) and the national comparison figure (~1.02%).
- A sharp 2023 statewide reappraisal (22% median value increase, tax years 2024-2025) prompted a real 2025 legislative graduated-rate restructuring for 2026.
- Montana's 2026 system applies tiered rates from 0.76% to 1.90% based on a property's value relative to the $378,000 statewide median.
- A real, current homestead reduced rate is available for owner-occupied primary residences meeting a 7-month 2026 occupancy attestation.
- Confirm a specific property's current tier, homestead eligibility, and total tax bill directly with the Montana Department of Revenue and Missoula County Assessor.
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