Safest cities in Montana

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Known as the 'Treasure State,' Montana is renowned for its vast landscapes, stunning natural beauty, and outdoor recreational opportunities. Located in the northwestern United States, Montana is characterized by its Rocky Mountain terrain, expansive plains, and numerous rivers and lakes. The state's economy is diverse, with key industries including agriculture, mining, tourism, and energy. Helena, the state capital, is a historic city with a vibrant arts scene and numerous cultural attractions. Montana is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as hiking, fishing, skiing, and wildlife viewing in its numerous national parks and wilderness areas.

The safest cities in Montana provide a high quality of life, with low crime rates enhancing overall livability. Safety is a fundamental aspect of strong communities, promoting economic growth and social stability. Factors contributing to the safety of Montana's cities include effective law enforcement, community involvement, and proactive public safety measures. These cities are ranked based on total crime per 100,000 people, providing a clear and accurate assessment of safety. This focus on security allows residents to fully enjoy Montana's natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and cultural amenities without the constant worry of crime, making the state an appealing place to live.

Glendive Population: 5,030 815 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 376 Property Crime / 100k: 439 chance of being a victim: 1 in 123

Glendive proudly holds the honor of being the safest city in Montana. With only 815 crimes per 100,000 people, Glendive has a crime rate that is 95% lower than the Montana average. This equates to an average of 0.11 crimes per day and a 1 in 123 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. The city's well-funded police department, active neighborhood watch programs, and community engagement initiatives contribute significantly to its low crime rates, making it an ideal place for families and retirees.

Miles City Population: 8,372 1,066 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 105 Property Crime / 100k: 961 chance of being a victim: 1 in 94

Known for its tight-knight community and safe environment, Miles City comes in at #2 on our list of the safest cities in Montana with a crime rate of 1,066 crimes per 100,000 people. When you dig deeper into the numbers, this translates to: 82 counts of burglary, 844 counts of theft, 35 counts of vehicle theft, 82 counts of assault, 12 counts of robbery, 12 counts of rape and 0 counts of homicide. The commitment to safety in Miles City, makes it one of the safest and most livable areas in the state.

Lewistown Population: 5,923 1,077 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 538 Property Crime / 100k: 538 chance of being a victim: 1 in 93

With a population of 5,923 and a total crime rate of 1,077 per 100,000 residents, Lewistown is the 3rd safest city in Montana. Exhibiting a total crime rate that is 94% lower than the Montana average, the commitment to safety is evident in its multifaceted crime prevention strategies. The local government collaborates closely with residents through regular community meetings and feedback sessions to address safety concerns. The end result, is an incredibly safe place to live.

Sidney Population: 6,351 1,120 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 544 Property Crime / 100k: 577 chance of being a victim: 1 in 89

With many parks and recreational activities readily available, Sidney is a growing community where residents can enjoy the outdoors. Residents also feel safe, knowing that the overall crime rate per 100,000 people is 1,120, 94% lower than the Montana average. This amounts to 0.19 crimes per day and a 1 in 89 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. Strong community partnerships between local businesses, schools, and law enforcement further enhance the city’s security. These combined efforts make Sidney a highly desirable and safe place to call home.

Whitefish Population: 8,032 1,484 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 179 Property Crime / 100k: 1,305 chance of being a victim: 1 in 67

Known for its friendly neighborhoods and proactive safety measures, Whitefish consistently ranks high in safety. In Whitefish, the focus on community policing ensures that officers are integrated into the community, building strong relationships with residents. Crime prevention education, offered through schools and local organizations, empowers residents to take an active role in maintaining their safety. With everything working asynchronously, the total crime rate comes in at 1,484, which is 90% lower than the state average.

Belgrade Population: 9,184 1,721 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 276 Property Crime / 100k: 1,445 chance of being a victim: 1 in 58

Belgrade has lots to offer its residents, including safety as it comes in at #6 on our list of the safest cities in Montana. The total crime rate from the year that it was last reported was 1,721 crimes per 100,000 people, 87% lower than the Montana average. Breaking down each category of crime, it comes out to: 71 reports of burglary, 1,240 reports of theft, 134 reports of vehicle theft, 205 reports of assault, 0 reports of robbery, 71 reports of rape and 0 reports of homicide.

Columbia Falls Population: 5,651 2,209 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 397 Property Crime / 100k: 1,812 chance of being a victim: 1 in 45

Columbia Falls ranks as the seventh safest city in Montana and offers a peaceful retreat with minimal crime. With a 1 in 45 chance of becoming a victim of a crime and 0.35 crimes per day (per 100,000 people), the area has a safety record that speaks for itself. Active involvement from its residents, such as neighborhood patrols and community safety workshops, fosters a strong sense of community and vigilance. Columbia Falls’s commitment to safety makes it one of the safest places in Montana.

Bozeman Population: 48,330 2,299 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 392 Property Crime / 100k: 1,907 chance of being a victim: 1 in 44

Recognized for sprawling open spaces, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a growing economy, Bozeman is the 8th safest city in Montana. Continuously ranking as one of the safest cities in the state, the crime rate came in at 43% lower than the Montana average, reporting a total of 2,299 crimes per 100,000 people. The city places a strong emphasis on public safety through various initiatives that promote collaboration between residents and local authorities. Regular community safety events and lots of outdoor spaces, coupled with an accessible and responsive police force, ensure that residents feel safe and supported.

Livingston Population: 7,696 2,711 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 524 Property Crime / 100k: 2,186 chance of being a victim: 1 in 37

Many safe cities implement comprehensive crime prevention programs that include educational initiatives, youth engagement activities, and public awareness campaigns. Livingston is a great example of such a city and continually ranks as one of the safest communities in Montana, based on the annual review of the FBI uniform crime report. Statistically speaking, there were a total of 2,711 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is 91% lower than the state average.

Kalispell Population: 23,935 2,863 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 416 Property Crime / 100k: 2,446 chance of being a victim: 1 in 35

Completing the list as the 10th safest city in Montana, is Kalispell. With a low rate of crime that included 69 burglaries, 2,177 thefts, 200 vehicle thefts, 341 assaults, 33 robberies, 39 rapes and 3 homicides, the overall crime rate was 70% lower than the state average. Cities with engaged citizens and responsive government bodies are more likely to implement effective policies and practices that promote safety and address residents’ concerns.

Full list of the safest cities in Montana

Rank	Location	Population	Violent Crimes /100k	Property Crimes /100k	Total Crimes /100k
1	Glendive	5,030	376	439	815
2	Miles City	8,372	105	961	1,066
3	Lewistown	5,923	538	538	1,077
4	Sidney	6,351	544	577	1,120
5	Whitefish	8,032	179	1,305	1,484
6	Belgrade	9,184	276	1,445	1,721
7	Columbia Falls	5,651	397	1,812	2,209
8	Bozeman	48,330	392	1,907	2,299
9	Livingston	7,696	524	2,186	2,711
10	Kalispell	23,935	416	2,446	2,863
11	Laurel	6,797	486	3,085	3,572
12	Helena	32,655	676	2,982	3,658
13	Missoula	74,994	548	3,704	4,252
14	Billings	109,705	888	3,599	4,487
15	Polson	5,033	868	3,882	4,750
16	Great Falls	58,717	567	4,675	5,242
17	Havre	9,739	841	4,959	5,800

Methodology

The AreaVibes list of the safest cities in Montana is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reporting program (UCR Program) from their most recent release. To compile this list, we used violent crime (assualt, robbery, rape and murder) and property crime data (burglary, theft, vehicle theft) per 100,000 people and only included Montana cities with a population of 5,000 or more. Displaying crime rates based on a population of 100,000 allows for an equal comparison for each city.

Map of Crime by State

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The interactive map above is a powerful tool for discovering the safest cities in each state across the USA. By highlighting states with the lowest total crime rates, this map provides valuable insights into the factors contributing to these statistics. It showcases urban centers with thriving economies, regions boasting solid job markets, and areas with low unemployment, all of which correlate with reduced crime rates. By clicking on each state, you can dive deeper into information about their safest cities and explore detailed crime statistics that paint a clearer picture of safety across the nation.