Is Montana Safe?

One evening, a couple of weeks after New Year’s Day 2021, two men stole a pickup truck from the Southgate Mall Brooks Street in Missoula, then stole cigarettes from a nearby convenience store, and threatened a man at gunpoint on North Higgins Avenue. 

A vehicle chase ensued, ending with a train crashing into a police car.

Luckily, there were no casualties and the two men were arrested and charged with robbery and three felonies. 

Stories like this are relatively common in the Big Sky state, and since Montana is such a pleasant state to live in and visit, this got us wondering – is Montana safe? 

We did some research into Montana’s crime rate to find an answer to this question, and here’s what we found. We also put together a list of the safest cities in Montana. 

In this article:

• What is the crime rate in Montana?
• Why is Montana’s crime rate so high?
• What the Billings Police Department thinks
• Do Montanans feel safe?
• So, is Montana a safe place to live, or not?
• 9 Safest cities in Montana
• Montana crime FAQ 

What is the crime rate in Montana?

First, let’s look at the cold, hard data. This will give us a foundation on which we can discuss Montana’s level of crime. 

Here are Montana’s crime rates from 1979 to 2018 (the data stops at 2018, but this gives a good idea of the crime rate in Montana over the past four decades): 

Montana’s crime rate is the blue line, and the national average is the orange line. It’s clear – Montana’s crime has been rising for several decades.

By the way, here are the Montana crime rates for 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022:

In the past several years, it’s continued to rise. 

What this data means

In 1990, Montana’s crime rate was much lower than the national average (159 vs 729, respectively). But over time, the national average steadily fell while Montana’s crime rate rose. In 2018, the two converged, and from then on Montana’s crime rate has surpassed the national average. 

But why? Let’s quickly look at some more data.

Why is Montana’s crime rate so high?

Many factors influence crime. 

Things like median income, poverty level, and job availability impact crime in any city in the world. 

Educational factors such as graduation rates, enrollment rates, and education quality, as well as family issues like divorce rates and family cohesiveness further impact crime rates. 

Here’s how Montana fares in each of these areas.

Median income in Montana

The median income in Montana has been rising – about 107% in the past three decades, from $26,000 in 1992 to $58,000 in 2020. 

Poverty rate in Montana

The poverty rate has fallen over the past two decades (though it peaked in 2013). 

Education in Montana

Montana is merely average in terms of public education, with math and reading proficiency rates at around 50%.

Recreation in Montana

No data.

Montana offers lots of outdoor recreation opportunities, such as skiing in Montana’s Rocky Mountains. But what portion of Montana’s population recreate? How does this impact Montana’s crime rate? Unfortunately, we don’t have data on this. 

Divorce rate in Montana

The divorce rate in Montana has been steadily falling since 1990. It has dropped about 50%, from 5.1 in 1990 to 2.5 in 2021.  

Unemployment rate in Montana

The unemployment rate has steadily fallen for two decades – except during the 2008 crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 – and reached a record low of 1.9 in September 2021. 

The median income level has been rising for three decades, the poverty rate has been falling for the past two decades, the divorce rate has been falling for three decades, and the unemployment rate has been falling for two decades. But Montana’s crime rate has steadily and substantially been rising.

And the rise in the Montana crime rate isn’t part of a national trend – crime across the United States has dramatically fallen since a peak in the 90s. 

So, why is Montana’s crime rate rising?

We asked the Billings Police Department to see what they had to say. Billings, Montana, is the largest city in Montana and has one of the highest violent crime rates in the state – 542 per 100,000 residents. 

What the Billings Police Department says

We contacted the Billings Police Department and asked for their take on why Montana’s crime rate is rising. 

Their response is pending. We’ll update this section as soon as we receive it. 

So, what’s the verdict? Is Montana safe, or not?

We decided to find out what the local residents have to say.

Do Montanans feel safe?

When asked “Is Montana safe?”, the great majority of residents answer with, “Yes, it is”.

Here’s how Montanans on Quora responded to the question, “How safe is Montana?”: 

• “In what context? Vehicular fatalities and accidents are pretty high compared to other states, especially drunk driving.”
• “Montana is as safe as most states, better than some.”
• “We don’t have many law enforcement personnel for the size of the state, so break-ins and narcotic-related crimes are higher than they should be.”
• “You’re more likely to get mauled by a bear or cougar or wolves compared to most states.”

And one tourist:

• “We’ve made many trips out there. The only thing you have to worry about is wandering into the vast hills and mountains where you might run into wildlife or get lost.”

Montanans understand that the crime threat in Montana is real, but they still feel safe and enjoy the state. 

What do the polls say? 

According to SafeWise, Montana is one of the four least concerned states in the US, regarding crime. About 31% of residents are concerned about the Montana crime rate daily (the U.S. average is 47%). 

This is surprising considering Montana’s crime rate is above average.

So, is Montana a safe place to live, or not?

Data shows that the Montana crime rate has been above the national average since 2018 and is rising. Moreover, many of Montana’s cities have crime rates well above the national average. Neighborhood watch indicates that Montana’s largest city, Billings, is safer than only 2% of cities in the U.S.

There’s a stark reality to life in Montana, but that doesn’t mean Montana is in for a bleak future. None of Montana’s cities rank in the top 10 most dangerous cities in the U.S., nor the top 100 most dangerous cities in the U.S.

Most of Montana is no more threatening to tourists than any other place in the U.S. Montana residents generally feel safe, and there is an endless variety of things to do and see here year-round. Of course, it’s important to always exercise common sense.

Montana has many beautiful towns with crime rates well below the state and national averages. Which ones?

Are you planning a trip to the Big Sky state? Discover the best places to visit in Montana here.

8 safest cities in Montana

Which Montana cities are the safest? Below are some of the safest places to live in Montana. 

1. Libby

• Population: 2,775
• Violent crime rate: 111
• Most common crime: Property and Larceny
• Main industries: Government enterprises, healthcare & social assistance, retail 

71% below national crime rate

Libby is a delightful town in northwest Montana. It has one of the lowest Montana crime rates and sits along the banks of the pristine Kootenay River. To the west lies the towering Cabinet Mountains and to the east the Kootenai National Forest. Libby is most well known for being a small, quaint, and comfortable town in pristinely beautiful surroundings.

2. Whitefish

• Population: 7,309
• Violent crime rate: 115
• Most common crime: Property and larceny
• Main industries: Healthcare, hospitality, education, retail

70% below national crime rate

Whitefish sits in northwestern Montana, nearby the stunning Flathead Lake along the border of the Rocky Mountains. Nearby is Whitefish Mountain Ski Resort and Glacier National Park. All around Whitefish are pristine mountains, rivers, and lakes. 

Residents enjoy a low Montana crime rate in Whitefish. Visitors can expect a developed tourism industry and enjoy beautiful natural sights within a short driving distance from town.

3. Columbia Falls

• Population: 5,308
• Violent crime rate: 147
• Most common crime: Property and larceny
• Main industries: Timber, aluminum production

61% below national crime rate

Columbia Falls sits about 20 minutes from Whitefish by car. Residents of Columbia Falls enjoy all that makes Whitefish so pleasant but in a quieter environment. It’s a lovely town with a wonderful summer farmer’s market and close access to Glacier National Park. The Montana crime rate here isn’t too high.  

4. Colstrip

• Population: 2,096
• Violent crime rate: 172
• Most common crime: Property and larceny
• Main industries: Electricity production, coal mining

55% below national crime rate

Colstrip is one of Montana’s many quaint small towns and has one of the lowest Montana crime rates. It’s tucked away in Rosebud County in eastern Montana amid the expansive and beautiful plains. It was even featured in Sports Illustrated for being a top sports town.

5. Glendive – Montana’s safest city (based on 2020, 2021, and 2022 averages)

• Population: 4,928
• Violent crime rate: 214
• Most common crime: Property
• Main industries: Construction, educational services, and health care & social assistance

44% below national crime rate

Glendive is a small Montana town in a beautiful region near the badlands of Makoshika State Park. Not only is the Montana crime rate here one of the lowest in the state, but it is often considered the safest city in Montana. We named it the safest city in Montana based on the average violent crime from 2020, 2021, and 2022 – this doesn’t take other crime rates into account, such as property crime.

Glendive is surrounded by one of Montana’s most stunning natural environments. It offers multiple opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as swimming and golfing. 

6. Bozeman

• Population: 53,293
• Violent crimes rate: 216
• Most common crime: Property and Larceny
• Main industries: Tourism, technology, education

43% below national crime rate

Bozeman is a fast-growing town, popular among entrepreneurs and lovers of outdoor activities. Both Big Sky Ski Resort and Bridger Bowl Ski Area are within one hour’s drive from town. It’s also home to Montana State University and has a large student population. 

7. Deer Lodge

• Population: 9,421
• Violent crime rate: 241
• Most common crime: Property
• Main industries: Health care & social assistance, accommodation & food services, retail

37% below national crime rate

Deer Lodge is one of the top places to visit in Montana. The Montana crime rate here isn’t too high, there is a strong tourism industry, multiple museums, and a deep collection of historical records offering a glimpse into Montana’s past.

8. Dillon

• Population: 3,880
• Violent crimes rate: 373
• Most common crime: Property and larceny
• Main industries: Ranching, farming, mining, tourism

1% below national crime rate

While Dillon’s crime rate doesn’t sit much below Montana’s average crime rate, it’s still not among the highest in the state. 

Dillon, Montana is a pleasant town to live in or visit, due to its location in the Beaverhead Valley, flanked by the Pioneer Mountains to the west and a rolling valley floor to the west. It’s a small town that served as a key transportation hub for Montana’s mining boom in the late 1800s.

Today, Dillon’s beautiful surroundings and unique place in Montana’s mining history make it a fascinating town. 

Read more about what to do and where to stay in Dillon, Montana here 

Data source for the above cities: Macrotrends – taken from FBI U.S. crime statistics

Are you considering visiting or moving to Montana?

If you’re considering moving to Montana, any of the above towns is worth considering. 

The larger towns, such as Billings or Helena, have some of the highest crime rates in the state, which are well above the national average too. However, their larger sizes offer different opportunities than Montana’s small towns.

By using common sense, such as locking doors and avoiding suspicious places at night, residents can avoid much of the danger in these larger cities.

To get a better idea of what Montana’s towns have to offer, have a look at our list of the best places to live in Montana here. 

Montana crime rate – FAQ

Below are answers to commonly asked questions about Montana’s crime rate. 

Did the pandemic strengthen violent crime in Montana? 

Was the rise in crime due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, or other factors? It’s difficult to say for sure, but crime rates rose nationwide for specific crimes during the pandemic.

Stay-at-home orders across the U.S. resulted in fewer minor crimes that are usually committed among peer groups. Rates of certain violent crimes which are not committed with co-offenders remained steady or increased, and rates of domestic violence rose. 

It seems Montana wasn’t spared. 

Montana’s crime rate spiked 16% in 2020, from 405 in 2019 to 470 – a substantial rise: 

What are the most dangerous cities in Montana?

The most dangerous cities in Montana include Billings, Wolf Point, Ronan, Missoula, Cut Bank, Polson, Helena, and Great Falls. The crime rates per 100,000 residents in these cities are well above the state and national averages:

• Billings: 542
• Wolf Point: 503
• Ronan: 805
• Missoula: 448
• Cut Bank: 829
• Polson: 811
• Helena: 615
• Great Falls: 416
• Montana: 470
• U.S.: 396

Data:

Billings (2018), Ronan (2018), Missoula (2018), Cut Bank (2018), Polson (2018), Helena (2018), Great Falls (2017) – Macrotrends

Montana – 2022 – Safewise

U.S. – 2021 – Statista 

What is the safest city in Montana?

The safest city in Montana is Glendive. Glendive had an average violent crime rate in 2020, 2021, and 2022 of 143. The population of Glendive is 4,873 and its main industries are construction, educational services, and health care & social assistance. Glendive is a small town in eastern Montana on the Yellowstone River near the badlands of Makoshika State Park. 

Crime rate data: Safewise

Billings Montana Crime Rate

Billings, Montana’s crime rate is 542 per 100,000 residents, well above the state average and the U.S. national average. Billings has one of the highest crime rates in the United States. 

Data source: Macrotrends

Helena Montana Crime Rate

Helena, Montana’s crime rate is 614 per 100,000 residents, above the state average and the U.S. national average. Helena has one of the highest crime rates in the United States. 

Data source: Macrotrends

What is the crime rate in Missoula, Montana?

Missoula, Montana’s crime rate is 448 per 100,000 residents, above the state average and the U.S. national average. Missoula has one of the highest crime rates in the United States. 

Data source: Macrotrends

Great Falls Montana crime rate

Great Falls, Montana’s crime rate is 416 per 100,000 residents, well above the state average and the U.S. national average. Missoula has one of the highest crime rates in the United States. 

Data source: Macrotrends

Is Montana a safe state?

Montana ranks 40th out of 50 U.S. states in safety, according to Worldpopulationreview. Montana’s average violent crime rate has steadily risen since the 1990s, and it surpassed the national average in 2018. Some of Montana’s cities have the highest crime rates in the nation. 

Montana offers many wonderful experiences for visitors, but like many cities and states across the U.S., violent crime rates in Montana are high. With some knowledge of these facts, we can prepare ourselves and avoid some of the inevitable dangers, such as by locking doors, avoiding suspicious places at night, and exercising common sense.