The effects of the extensive forest clearance and degradation which have taken place within Tyto inexspectata's known range remains unclear.
Tyto inexspectata is endemic to Sulawesi, Indonesia, where it is known by eleven specimens collected on the Minahassa peninsula and in the north-central part of the island, in lowland and hill forest between 100 and 1,500 m.
Tyto inexspectata is listed as "Data Deficient" by the IUCN Red List.