Safest cities in Montana

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.

Lewistown Population: 5,923 456 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 407 Property Crime / 100k: 49 chance of being a victim: 1 in 219

Lewistown proudly holds the honor of being the safest city in Montana. With only 456 crimes per 100,000 people, Lewistown has a crime rate that is 94% lower than the Montana average. This equates to an average of 0.08 crimes per day and a 1 in 219 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 1,019 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 367 Property Crime / 100k: 652 chance of being a victim: 1 in 98

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 1,019 crimes per 100,000 people. When you dig deeper into the numbers, this translates to: 83 counts of burglary, 522 counts of theft, 47 counts of vehicle theft, 356 counts of assault, 12 counts of robbery, 0 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.

Glendive Population: 5,030 1,049 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 350 Property Crime / 100k: 700 chance of being a victim: 1 in 95

With a population of 5,030 and a total crime rate of 1,049 per 100,000 residents, Glendive is the 3rd safest city in Montana. Exhibiting a total crime rate that is 95% 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 1,500 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 478 Property Crime / 100k: 1,022 chance of being a victim: 1 in 67

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 1,500, 94% lower than the Montana average. This amounts to 0.25 crimes per day and a 1 in 67 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.

Bozeman Population: 48,330 2,075 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 296 Property Crime / 100k: 1,779 chance of being a victim: 1 in 48

Known for its friendly neighborhoods and proactive safety measures, Bozeman consistently ranks high in safety. In Bozeman, 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 2,075, which is 44% lower than the state average.

Whitefish Population: 8,032 2,144 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 272 Property Crime / 100k: 1,872 chance of being a victim: 1 in 47

Whitefish 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 2,144 crimes per 100,000 people, 91% lower than the Montana average. Breaking down each category of crime, it comes out to: 131 reports of burglary, 1,622 reports of theft, 120 reports of vehicle theft, 239 reports of assault, 0 reports of robbery, 33 reports of rape and 0 reports of homicide.

Belgrade Population: 9,184 2,219 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 511 Property Crime / 100k: 1,708 chance of being a victim: 1 in 45

Belgrade 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 0.76 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. Belgrade’s commitment to safety makes it one of the safest places in Montana.

Columbia Falls Population: 5,651 2,354 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 262 Property Crime / 100k: 2,093 chance of being a victim: 1 in 42

Recognized for sprawling open spaces, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a growing economy, Columbia Falls is the 8th safest city in Montana. Continuously ranking as one of the safest cities in the state, the crime rate came in at 94% lower than the Montana average, reporting a total of 2,354 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 2,561 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 362 Property Crime / 100k: 2,198 chance of being a victim: 1 in 39

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 2,561 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is 91% lower than the state average.

Kalispell Population: 23,935 3,107 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 498 Property Crime / 100k: 2,609 chance of being a victim: 1 in 32

Completing the list as the 10th safest city in Montana, is Kalispell. With a low rate of crime that included 155 burglaries, 2,237 thefts, 217 vehicle thefts, 397 assaults, 18 robberies, 79 rapes and 4 homicides, the overall crime rate was 72% 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	Lewistown	5,923	407	49	456
2	Miles City	8,372	367	652	1,019
3	Glendive	5,030	350	700	1,049
4	Sidney	6,351	478	1,022	1,500
5	Bozeman	48,330	296	1,779	2,075
6	Whitefish	8,032	272	1,872	2,144
7	Belgrade	9,184	511	1,708	2,219
8	Columbia Falls	5,651	262	2,093	2,354
9	Livingston	7,696	362	2,198	2,561
10	Kalispell	23,935	498	2,609	3,107
11	Laurel	6,797	448	3,292	3,740
12	Helena	32,655	755	3,210	3,965
13	Missoula	74,994	634	3,544	4,178
14	Havre	9,739	992	3,959	4,951
15	Great Falls	58,717	497	4,484	4,981
16	Billings	109,705	929	4,317	5,246
17	Polson	5,033	1,056	4,531	5,587

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.