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.

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Miles City Population: 8,372 1,052 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 307 Property Crime / 100k: 744 chance of being a victim: 1 in 95

Miles City proudly holds the honor of being the safest city in Montana. With only 1,052 crimes per 100,000 people, Miles City has a crime rate that is 92% lower than the Montana average. This equates to an average of 0.24 crimes per day and a 1 in 95 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.

Sidney Population: 6,351 1,161 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 464 Property Crime / 100k: 696 chance of being a victim: 1 in 86

Known for its tight-knight community and safe environment, Sidney comes in at #2 on our list of the safest cities in Montana with a crime rate of 1,161 crimes per 100,000 people. When you dig deeper into the numbers, this translates to: 149 counts of burglary, 481 counts of theft, 66 counts of vehicle theft, 348 counts of assault, 17 counts of robbery, 99 counts of rape and 0 counts of homicide. The commitment to safety in Sidney, makes it one of the safest and most livable areas in the state.

Whitefish Population: 8,032 1,213 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 124 Property Crime / 100k: 1,088 chance of being a victim: 1 in 82

With a population of 8,032 and a total crime rate of 1,213 per 100,000 residents, Whitefish is the 3rd safest city in Montana. Exhibiting a total crime rate that is 90% 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.

Belgrade Population: 9,184 1,494 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 341 Property Crime / 100k: 1,153 chance of being a victim: 1 in 67

With many parks and recreational activities readily available, Belgrade 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 1,494, 87% lower than the Montana average. This amounts to 0.54 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 Belgrade a highly desirable and safe place to call home.

Glendive Population: 5,030 1,592 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 670 Property Crime / 100k: 922 chance of being a victim: 1 in 63

Known for its friendly neighborhoods and proactive safety measures, Glendive consistently ranks high in safety. In Glendive, 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 1,592, which is 95% lower than the state average.

Lewistown Population: 5,923 1,852 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 644 Property Crime / 100k: 1,208 chance of being a victim: 1 in 54

Lewistown 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 1,852 crimes per 100,000 people, 94% lower than the Montana average. Breaking down each category of crime, it comes out to: 97 reports of burglary, 1,014 reports of theft, 97 reports of vehicle theft, 435 reports of assault, 0 reports of robbery, 209 reports of rape and 0 reports of homicide.

Columbia Falls Population: 5,651 1,867 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 274 Property Crime / 100k: 1,593 chance of being a victim: 1 in 54

Columbia Falls ranks as the seventh safest city in Montana and offers a peaceful retreat with minimal crime. With a 1 in 54 chance of becoming a victim of a crime and 0.30 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.

Livingston Population: 7,696 1,921 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 596 Property Crime / 100k: 1,325 chance of being a victim: 1 in 52

Recognized for sprawling open spaces, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a growing economy, Livingston is the 8th safest city in Montana. Continuously ranking as one of the safest cities in the state, the crime rate came in at 91% lower than the Montana average, reporting a total of 1,921 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.

Bozeman Population: 48,330 2,189 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 434 Property Crime / 100k: 1,755 chance of being a victim: 1 in 46

Many safe cities implement comprehensive crime prevention programs that include educational initiatives, youth engagement activities, and public awareness campaigns. Bozeman 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 2,189 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is 41% lower than the state average.

Kalispell Population: 23,935 2,519 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 293 Property Crime / 100k: 2,226 chance of being a victim: 1 in 40

Completing the list as the 10th safest city in Montana, is Kalispell. With a low rate of crime that included 126 burglaries, 1,971 thefts, 129 vehicle thefts, 242 assaults, 6 robberies, 44 rapes and 0 homicides, the overall crime rate was 68% 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	Miles City	8,372	307	744	1,052
2	Sidney	6,351	464	696	1,161
3	Whitefish	8,032	124	1,088	1,213
4	Belgrade	9,184	341	1,153	1,494
5	Glendive	5,030	670	922	1,592
6	Lewistown	5,923	644	1,208	1,852
7	Columbia Falls	5,651	274	1,593	1,867
8	Livingston	7,696	596	1,325	1,921
9	Bozeman	48,330	434	1,755	2,189
10	Kalispell	23,935	293	2,226	2,519
11	Helena	32,655	514	2,582	3,096
12	Billings	109,705	746	3,083	3,829
13	Havre	9,739	579	3,291	3,870
14	Great Falls	58,717	574	3,426	4,001
15	Polson	5,033	988	3,120	4,107
16	Laurel	6,797	543	3,605	4,148
17	Missoula	74,994	597	3,629	4,226

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.