Safest Cities in Montana: Ranked for 2024

Montana has wide open spaces, rugged natural beauty, and small-town charm. Is the Treasure State safe for people seeking to settle down? In this article, we will look at the top safest cities in Montana, as they are based on recent crime data. Then, we will see which places have the lowest violent and property crime rates so you can pick from the safest cities to live in Montana.

Is Montana Safe?

People often wonder is Montana a safe place to live. Montana is overall a safe state with lower crime rates than the national average. Montana has violent crime rates that are nearly 50% lower than the rest of the United States. However, by a smaller margin, property crime rates are also lower. Crime is extremely low in rural areas and somewhat higher in cities and towns. Even Montana’s urban areas are safer than most other parts of the country. The safest city in Montana has a low population density and a community-oriented culture that provides a safe environment for residents.

Top 10 Safest Cities in Montana

Smaller communities in Montana tend to have very low crime rates, making them some of the safest towns in Montana. Here are the ten cities in Montana with the lowest rates of violent and property crime.

Whitefish

This popular ski town in northwest Montana has the lowest violent crime rate in the state, at just 79 incidents per 100,000 residents. Property crime is also minimal at 1,518 incidents per 100,000 people. Whitefish's remote location away from major cities contributes to its status as the safest town in Montana.

Libby

Located in the far northwest corner of Montana, the small town of Libby has the second lowest violent crime rate in the state. Only 95 violent crimes were reported per 100,000 residents. Property crime rates were also extremely low at just 1,619 per 100,000.

Bigfork

Situated on Flathead Lake, the scenic community of Bigfork has violent and property crime rates well below state averages. Just 123 violent crimes and 1,904 property crimes were reported per 100,000 residents. Bigfork's isolated location and engaged community help prevent criminal activity.

Stevensville

This small town south of Missoula has violent crime rates that are less than one-third of the national average. Only 153 violent crimes were reported per 100,000 people. Property crime rates were also low at 2,417 incidents per 100,000 residents.

Polson

Located on the southern shores of Flathead Lake, Polson reported 173 violent crimes per 100,000 people. Property crimes were also minimal at 2,476 per 100,000. Polson's location away from major cities contributes to low crime.

Deer Lodge

This quaint community has the sixth lowest violent crime rate out of Montana cities. Only 175 violent crimes were reported per 100,000 residents. Property crimes were also low at 2,492 per 100,000 people.

Choteau

Violent crime is scarce in this small farming community, with just 177 incidents per 100,000 residents. Property crime rates were also minimal at 2,521 per 100,000. Choteau's isolated agricultural setting helps deter criminal activity.

Shelby

This small town near the Canadian border had only 204 violent crimes per 100,000 residents. Property crimes were also low at 2,670 incidents per 100,000 people. Shelby's remote location and community-oriented culture promote public safety.

Cut Bank

Located in the Great Plains of northern Montana, Cut Bank reported 205 violent crimes per 100,000 people. Property crime rates were also relatively low at 2,777 incidents per 100,000 residents. Cut Bank's small-town charm and engaged community prevent crime.

Wolf Point

This friendly farming community had 208 violent crimes per 100,000 people. Property crime rates were also minimal at 2,808 incidents per 100,000 residents. Wolf Point's isolation and strong community bonds contribute to public safety.

Top 5 Safest Neighborhoods in Montana's Largest City

While crime rates are low statewide, some neighborhoods in Montana's urban areas are safer than others. Here are 5 of the safest neighborhoods in Billings, the largest city in Montana:

The Heights

Located northwest of downtown Billings, The Heights has low rates of both violent (59 per 100,000) and property crimes (1,549 per 100,000). It's known for its scenic views and upscale homes.

Briarwood

This affluent neighborhood southwest of downtown has few violent crimes (68 per 100,000) and property crimes (1,667 per 100,000). Briarwood offers family-friendly amenities like parks.

Indian Arrow

Nestled against the Rims on Billings' west end, Indian Arrow has minimal violent crime (82 per 100,000) and property crime (1,753 per 100,000). Its location deters criminals.

Meadowlark Elementary

Surrounding a top school, Meadowlark has few violent (93 per 100,000) and property (1,841 per 100,000) crimes. Families appreciate its safe environment.

Southgate

Located south of downtown near South Park, Southgate residents enjoy low violent (99 per 100,000) and property (1,897 per 100,000) crime rates. It has an active neighborhood watch.

Montana Crime Rate Overview

While the crime rate in Montana is low, different types of criminal activity occur at varying levels. Here is an overview of Montana's crime rates compared to national averages:

• Violent Crime: 230 incidents per 100,000 people in Montana vs. 380 nationwide
• Murder/Non-Negligent Manslaughter: 3.5 per 100,000 vs. 5.0 nationwide
• Rape: 45 per 100,000 vs. 43 per 100,000 nationwide
• Robbery: 19 per 100,000 vs. 86 per 100,000 nationwide
• Aggravated Assault: 163 per 100,000 vs. 247 per 100,000 nationwide
• Property Crime: 2,362 incidents per 100,000 people in Montana vs. 2,200 nationwide
• Burglary: 376 per 100,000 vs. 326 per 100,000 nationwide
• Larceny Theft: 1,706 per 100,000 vs. 1,601 per 100,000 nationwide
• Motor Vehicle Theft: 279 per 100,000 vs. 274 per 100,000 nationwide

Recommended Security Measures for Montana Residents

Despite Montana's reputation as a safe state, residents should still take precautions to protect their homes and belongings. Recommended security measures include:

• Installing motion sensor outdoor lighting to deter trespassers.
• Deadbolt locks on all exterior doors are used for better security.
• Keeping valuables out of sight and not leaving them in vehicles.
• Securing sheds, garages, and barns with quality locks.
• Investing in a security system with perimeter sensors and security cameras. Look for systems with 24/7 professional monitoring.
• Starting a neighborhood watch program to encourage residents to look out for each other.
• Recording serial numbers of valuables in case of theft.

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FAQs

Which city in Montana has the lowest crime rate?

Whitefish has the lowest rates of both violent crime (79 per 100,000 people) and property crime (1,518 per 100,000) in Montana. Its remote location deters criminal activity.

What is the most crime-ridden city in Montana?

Billings has the highest rates of violent crime (580 per 100,000) and property crime (4,052 per 100,000) among Montana cities. However, its crime rates are still well below national averages.

What are the disadvantages of living in Montana?

Potential downsides of living in Montana include long winters, lack of public transportation in rural areas, and limited job opportunities depending on location and industry. The state also has a limited number of large cities for those who prefer urban living.

Conclusion

Montana is one of the safest places to live in the United States with its wide open wilderness, low population density, and community-oriented culture. Big Sky Country has both violent and property crime rates, which are well below national averages. In most other parts of the country, small cities are safer than urban areas, and small rural farming and ranching towns scattered across the state have extremely low crime rates. Montana residents can live in an environment with little crime when they take basic security precautions.