Cities and Towns in Missoula County, Montana

Founded in February 2, 1865, Missoula County is one of 56 counties in the state of Montana. Historically, Missoula County was one of the 9 original counties. The city of Missoula is the county seat. With FIPS code of 63, Missoula County has a population of 119,533 and area of 2,598 square miles (6,729 km²).

List of all cities in Missoula County, MT alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Bonner, MT	59823	406
Clinton, MT	59825	406
Condon, MT	59826	406
East Missoula, MT	59801	406
Frenchtown, MT	59834	406
Greenough, MT	59823	406
Huson, MT	59846	406
Lolo, MT	59847	406
Milltown, MT	59851	406
Missoula, MT	59801	406
	59802	406
	59803	406
	59804	406
	59806	406
	59807	406
	59808	406
	59812	406
Potomac, MT	59823	406
Seeley Lake, MT	59868	406
Swan Valley, MT	59826	406
The University of Montana Missoula, MT	59812	406
Turah, MT	59825	406

Major Cities and Towns in Missoula County, Montana

Missoula

Location and History

Missoula is the county seat and largest city in Missoula County, located in western Montana, at the convergence of the Clark Fork and Bitterroot Rivers. The city was founded in the mid-1800s as a trading post and grew rapidly with the arrival of the Northern Pacific Railroad in 1883, which transformed it into a regional commercial and transportation hub. The town was named after the Missoula River, which was derived from the Salish Native American word “near the place of the big flat,” referring to the valley’s landscape. Missoula played a crucial role in the timber industry during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and it became a center for the surrounding agricultural communities. As the home of the University of Montana, founded in 1893, the city’s economy also grew due to its focus on education and research. Today, Missoula is known for its strong arts community, vibrant downtown, and outdoor recreation opportunities. The city is surrounded by natural beauty, including the Rattlesnake Wilderness Area, Lolo National Forest, and Pattee Canyon, making it a gateway for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and skiing.

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 29.86 square miles
• Population (2020 Census): 75,516
• Zip Codes: 59801, 59802, 59803, 59804, 59808
• Latitude: 46.8787° N
• Longitude: 113.9961° W

Major Schools and Landmarks

Missoula is home to the University of Montana, a major educational institution that offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The Missoula County Public Schools district operates several elementary, middle, and high schools, including Hellgate High School and Sentinel High School, providing students with diverse academic and extracurricular opportunities. Missoula also has a thriving arts scene, with landmarks such as the Missoula Art Museum, The Wilma Theatre, and Caras Park, which hosts numerous cultural events. Outdoor landmarks include the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area, offering extensive hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities. Lolo Peak, visible from the city, is a popular hiking and skiing destination. The Clark Fork River runs through the city, with parks and walking trails along its banks, offering recreational space for residents and visitors. Additionally, the Montana Natural History Center and the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula highlight the city’s rich history, including its Native American heritage and role in early U.S. military history.

Frenchtown

Location and History

Frenchtown is located about 10 miles west of Missoula, nestled in the scenic Frenchtown Valley along the Clark Fork River. The area was originally settled by French-Canadian trappers and fur traders in the early 1800s, and its name reflects its French heritage. As the region’s first non-native settlers, the French-Canadians were integral to the area’s early economy, which was based on fur trading and agriculture. The town developed slowly over the years, with farming and ranching as its primary industries. In the late 19th century, the arrival of the railroad and the expansion of Missoula County’s agricultural industry spurred the growth of Frenchtown. Today, it is a small but vibrant community, with residents who maintain strong ties to farming, ranching, and outdoor activities. The area’s rural charm and proximity to Missoula make it an attractive location for those seeking a quieter lifestyle while still being close to the amenities of a larger city.

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 1.47 square miles
• Population (2020 Census): 2,500
• Zip Codes: 59834
• Latitude: 47.0369° N
• Longitude: 114.2264° W

Major Schools and Landmarks

Frenchtown is served by the Frenchtown School District, which includes Frenchtown High School and several elementary and middle schools. The district is known for its strong academic programs, sports teams, and extracurricular activities that foster a close-knit community atmosphere. The town is surrounded by outdoor landmarks and recreational areas, including Frenchtown Pond State Park, which offers hiking, fishing, and picnicking. The Clark Fork River provides ample opportunities for rafting and fishing, and the nearby Lolo National Forest offers extensive trails for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Frenchtown’s agricultural heritage is still visible today, with several local farms and ranches that produce crops such as hay, grains, and livestock. The Frenchtown Park serves as a local gathering space for events, sports, and outdoor activities. Frenchtown maintains its small-town feel, with an emphasis on community events such as the annual Frenchtown Fall Festival, which celebrates the area’s agricultural roots and local culture.

Alberton

Location and History

Alberton is a small town located about 20 miles west of Missoula, situated along the Clark Fork River in the picturesque Alberton Gorge. The town’s history dates back to the early 1900s when it was established as a stop along the railroad. It was named after the Alberton family, early settlers in the area. The town became known for its proximity to the railroad and served as a critical transportation and shipping point for the surrounding agricultural community. Agriculture, particularly ranching, has long been a major industry in the area, although tourism and outdoor recreation have become increasingly important. The town’s location near the Alberton Gorge, which is a popular spot for white-water rafting and kayaking, has helped fuel its tourism industry. Today, Alberton is a quiet, small-town community that attracts outdoor enthusiasts due to its scenic beauty and easy access to outdoor recreation.

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 0.47 square miles
• Population (2020 Census): 370
• Zip Codes: 59820
• Latitude: 47.0247° N
• Longitude: 113.2431° W

Major Schools and Landmarks

Alberton is served by the Alberton School District, which includes Alberton High School and Alberton Elementary School. The school offers a small but tight-knit educational environment with a variety of academic programs, as well as sports and extracurricular activities. The town is known for its proximity to Alberton Gorge, a famous location for rafting and kayaking along the Clark Fork River. The Alberton Scenic Overlook offers panoramic views of the gorge, the river, and the surrounding mountains, making it a popular spot for photography and sightseeing. The Alberton Railroad Depot, a historic building, serves as a reminder of the town’s past as a railroad hub. Additionally, Lolo National Forest is nearby, providing abundant opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Alberton maintains its rural character with a strong community spirit, hosting local events such as the Alberton Fourth of July Parade and small-town festivals that celebrate its history and natural surroundings.

Other Communities in Missoula County

In addition to Missoula, Frenchtown, and Alberton, Missoula County includes several smaller communities, such as Bonner, Seeley Lake, and Clinton. Bonner is a small unincorporated community located near the confluence of the Blackfoot and Clark Fork Rivers, historically tied to the timber industry. Seeley Lake, located to the north of Missoula, is a popular recreational area known for its stunning lakes, including Seeley Lake itself, and its access to the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Clinton, located to the southeast of Missoula, is another small town that is known for its proximity to outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and hunting in the nearby hills and national forests. These communities contribute to the overall charm and natural beauty of Missoula County, each offering unique outdoor experiences and a rural Montana lifestyle.