How high is Missoula?

Missoula sits at 3,212 ft (979 m) above sea level, measured from Copernicus GLO-30 satellite data. That sits below Montana’s average of 4,137 ft (1,261 m) — on the lower side for the state, with about 62% of Montana higher.

Interactive 3D elevation map of the Missoula, Montana area, from the Copernicus GLO-30 model

A live 3D slice of the terrain around Missoula, from our satellite elevation model. Missoula is marked at 3,212 ft (979 m); the highest ground in view reaches 9,560 ft (2,914 m). Drag to spin it (tap to start on mobile).

Missoula in Montana

Here’s the useful context: Missoula, at 3,212 ft (979 m), sits roughly 925 ft (282 m) below Montana’s average elevation of 4,137 ft (1,261 m). Despite its reputation it’s on the lower side for its state — our model puts about 62% of Montana’s land higher than the city.

1,850 ft — Montana low▲ Missoula 3,212 ft · avg 4,137 ft ┈12,703 ft — Montana high

The terrain around Missoula

The ground right around Missoula is fairly even, close to 3,212 ft (979 m), so the city itself feels level underfoot. But the window still catches higher country: the terrain climbs to 9,560 ft (2,914 m) toward the west edge of the view, which is what gives Missoula its mountain backdrop.

You can read the whole story in the map above — the flatter ground where the city sits, and the way the land gathers into peaks nearby. It’s the difference between where you stand and what you can see from it.

What Missoula’s altitude means

At 3,212 ft (979 m), Missoula is low enough that altitude barely registers. The air holds close to the oxygen your body expects nearer sea level, so arriving here brings none of the breathlessness or fast dehydration that higher cities do. If altitude is on your mind, this isn’t the place to worry about it.

How Missoula compares

Among Montana’s larger cities, Missoula is ranked #5 of 10 by elevation. For a familiar yardstick, that puts it well below Denver’s mile-high 5,280 ft (1,609 m).

Bozeman — 4,816 ft (1,468 m)
Helena — 4,049 ft (1,234 m)
Great Falls — 3,333 ft (1,016 m)
Missoula — 3,212 ft (979 m)
Billings — 3,123 ft (952 m)
Kalispell — 2,956 ft (901 m)
Havre — 2,526 ft (770 m)

Missoula elevation FAQ

How high is Missoula?: Missoula’s elevation is about 3,212 ft (979 m) above sea level at the city center, measured from Copernicus GLO-30 satellite data.
Is Missoula high or low for Montana?: On the low side. At 3,212 ft (979 m) it sits below Montana’s average of 4,137 ft (1,261 m), with about 62% of the state higher.
Does Missoula’s altitude affect visitors?: Not really. At 3,212 ft (979 m), Missoula is low enough that the air feels much like it does near sea level.

Explore more

↑ Montana’s full elevation map — the whole state in interactive 3D, with its high and low points and average elevation.
· Blog: Average Elevation by State — where Montana’s 4,137 ft (1,261 m) mean ranks.
· Blog: Elevation vs Altitude — what a city’s elevation figure actually measures.

Missoula’s elevation is a native ~30 m windowed-median sample from Copernicus GLO-30 (ESA); the Montana figures are computed across the state from the same model. The 3D view is a fine windowed sample at roughly 222 m resolution, sharp enough to resolve the surrounding ridgelines. Data as of 2026-08-19.