Most dangerous cities in Montana research summary. We analyzed the most recent FBI crime data to determine the most dangerous cities in Montana based on violent and property crimes per capita. Here are the results of our analysis:
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The most dangerous city in Montana is Polson based on the most recent FBI crime data.
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The violent crime rate in Montana is 1,201 per 100k people.
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The property crime rate in Montana is 3,948 per 100k people.
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The safest city in Montana is Colstrip.
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Montana is the 12th most dangerous state in the United States.
Table Of Contents: Top Ten | Methodology | Table | FAQs | References
There really are more dangerous things in Montana than grizzly bears, the most frigid temperatures in Havre, trucks with loaded gun racks, and rodeo in Kalispell on a Friday night? BIg Sky Country has its fair share of dangerous cities too.
Do you think that you live in one of the most dangerous cities in Montana? Before you lock your doors and grab your taser, we suggest that you take a look at RoadSnacks’ list of the most dangerous places in Montana for 2023, there might be some that surprise you.
How’d we do it? We consulted the numbers. In total, we analyzed 31 cities. We looked at the FBI’s latest crime report for violent crime and property crime statistics for every place with over 2,000 residents. We discovered that Montana’s violent and property crime numbers, while not the worst in the country, could be better.
If you guessed that most of the state’s problems are centralized around some of Montana’s largest cities, Billings and Missoula, you’re partially right. But honestly, the Treasure State has done a fair job of keeping it’s crazy spread evenly across the state.
And while Montana might not be one of the top ten most dangerous states in the country, the state’s most dangerous places do need some work. Maybe more police? Security cameras? Drug programs? We’re not entirely sure. One thing that we are sure about, however, is that you should take a look at our list of Montana’s most dangerous places before you make any life changing decisions.
To see our list of Montana cities with more issues than the Helena’s Independent Record, take a look below.
We do recommend that you take a minute to look at Montana’s most dangerous places before you make any life changing decisions. And if you choose to live in one of these dangerous cities, know that you will need to be aware of your surroundings at all times. There are a ton of ‘wolves in sheep’s clothing’ out there..or just wolves.it is wild Montana, after all.
So, where is Montana’s most dangerous place? That would be, Polson.
To see how your city faired, take a look at the list below; and if you don’t find what you’re looking for there, head to the bottom.
Learn more about the safest places in Montana.
If you’re looking for something more national, check out the most dangerous cities in America or the most dangerous states in America.
For more Montana reading, check out:
The 10 Most Dangerous Places To Live In Montana For 2023
Situated in the northwestern corner of Montana, Polson is located within the Flathead Indian Reservation. Unfortunately, life in this relatively small town comes with its challenges. It ranks as the 1 most dangerous place in Montana, suffering 207 property crimes and 63 violent crimes over the course of the year.
In raw numbers, those might not seem particularly scary. But it’s important to put those figures into perspective. Putting it in terms of population, Polson has per-capita rate of violent crime of 1,201/100k people. That’s about the same as Great Falls, Montana, a city with about 11 times more people.
Looking at property crimes, the rate comes in at 3,948/100k people. This gives Polson the third highest pace in Montana.
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Population: 5,242
Rank Last Year: 4 (Up 3)
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,201 (Most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,948 (Third most dangerous)
More on Polson: | Cost Of Living | Crime Report
Built along the Yellowstone River in the south-central part of Montana, Billings represents a key urban area in an otherwise predominantly rural area. Beside the gorgeous natural vistas you can appreciate just outside of town, the community itself features loads of cultural attractions, like the Yellowstone Art Museum or the Western Heritage Center.
However, like any urban area, Billings attracts its share of bad characters. As a result, this ranks as the number 2 most dangerous spot in Montana. Property crime represents a major problem, with high rates of burglary, robbery, and car thefts. The city of 110,274 residents also faced 6 murders last year.
/10
Population: 110,274
Rank Last Year: 1 (Down 1)
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,053 (Third most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,776 (Most dangerous)
More on Billings: | Cost Of Living | Crime Report
3. Ronan City
Part of the Flathead Indian Reservation in the northwest section of Montana, Ronan sports a population of just 2,195 people. However, on a per-capita basis, it ranks as one of the most dangerous spots in the state, coming in at fourth highest on that unfortunate list.
During the course of a year, the residents of Ronan suffered 60 property crimes. That equates to a rate of 2,733/100k people – enough to put it at ninth highest in Montana.
The true danger in Ronan comes as a result of violence. The small town saw 20violent crimes during the year. Comparing that to the total population, and you get a per-capita pace of 911/100k people, enough to rank fourth highest in the state as a whole. Aggravated assaults made up most of the violent crimes in the area.
Population: 2,195
Rank Last Year: 2 (Down 1)
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 911 (Fourth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 2,733 (Ninth most dangerous)
More on Ronan City:
Laurel, located in Yellowstone County, Montana, ranks as the fourth most dangerous place to live in the state for 2023. This ranking is based on crime statistics, including property and violent crime rates. With a population of 6,710 people, Laurel reported 48 cases of violent crime. The property crime rate was also significant, with 210 reported cases, including several burglaries.
Despite these concerning statistics, it’s important to note that with collective effort, things can improve. Situated in the Yellowstone Valley as an east-west terminal division point of the Burlington-Northern Railroad, Laurel has historical significance as a transportation hub. It is home to a Cenex Harvest States oil refinery and Montana Rail Link’s Laurel Yard, making it a vital part of the Billings Metropolitan Statistical Area.
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Population: 6,710
Rank Last Year: 17 (Up 13)
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 715 (Seventh most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,129 (Sixth most dangerous)
More on Laurel: | Cost Of Living | Crime Report
Despite being located in bowels of the far west, built along the Milk River in north-central Montana, Havre gets its name from a spot in France, the port city of Le Havre. Ooo la la. But don’t worry: this Havre has its share of old-fashioned American grit, booming as a railroad town around the turn of the 20th century.
Maybe to prove its still got that Wild West spirit, despite its European name, Havre struggles a crime problem. This includes both high rates of property crime and violence. This town of 9,724 residents reported 59 assaults last year.
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Population: 9,724
Rank Last Year: 5 (No Change)
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 761 (Sixth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 2,807 (Eighth most dangerous)
More on Havre: | Cost Of Living | Crime Report
Every elementary-school student can name Helena as the political capital of Montana. Sadly, it’s also the state’s capital of something else: rape. The city of 34,262 people reported 45 rapes during the year. That’s one for every 761.4 inhabitants – by far the highest rate in the Big Sky state.
Total violent crimes reached 235 during the year, putting Helena ninth highest in the state in that category. The city also suffered 1,098 property crimes over the course of 12 months. That pace projects to a figure of about 3,204/100k people – the fifth highest rate in Montana.
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Population: 34,262
Rank Last Year: 3 (Down 3)
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 685 (Ninth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,204 (Fifth most dangerous)
More on Helena: | Cost Of Living | Crime Report
Historically an important industrial and transportation center in the state, Great Falls boasts the 3rd highest population in Montana, with 58,265 residents. Unfortunately, a large population often comes with some downsides. In this case, residents of Great Falls have to contend with the second highest rate of property crime in the state.
The city reported 2,767 property crimes over the course of a year. Putting that into perspective, it equates to a per-capita pace of 4,748/100k people. With this epidemic of property crime, Great Falls also ranks second highest in the state in overall crime, with a pace of 5,305/100k people.
One bright spot: Great Falls is a little better when it comes to violent crime. While it did have 324 of those during the year. As a result, it ranked only 12th highest in the state in its violent-crime rate.
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Population: 58,265
Rank Last Year: 7 (No Change)
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 556 (12th most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,748 (Second most dangerous)
More on Great Falls: | Cost Of Living | Crime Report
Having a population of 77,852 might not seem like much compared to places like New York City and San Francisco. But, for Montana, that number allows Missoula to rank among the biggest cities in the state. That size comes with a dark side, though. Missoula also holds the dubious distinction of being one of the murder capitals of Montana.
The city reported 1 murders over a year, out of 490 violent crimes for the 12-month period. In a small-population state, where everyone’s spread out over a huge area, this ranks as the most killings for any municipality. Missoula also suffered 58 rapes during the year.
In addition to this violent streak, Missoula has a significant problem with property crime. The city saw 2,522 such occurrences during the year, ranking fifth highest ing burglaries and 12th highest in car thefts. In terms of rate, Missoula had a per-capita pace of property crimes of 3,239/100k people – the fourth highest pace in Montana.
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Population: 77,852
Rank Last Year: 8 (No Change)
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 629 (11th most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,239 (Fourth most dangerous)
More on Missoula: | Cost Of Living | Crime Report
You’ve heard the expression “good things come in small packages?” Well, it can go the other way as well. Just look at Cut Bank, Montana. It’s a town of 3,028 people that still tops the list of the state’s most dangerous places.
Located about 30 miles south of the Canadian border, Cut Bank gets its name from a nearby gorge. However, the designation could suggest something a little darker: the violent nature of town. In an area with just a few thousand people people, Cut Bank suffered 25 violent crimes. That’s a violent crime rate of 825/100k people, the highest rate in the state.
Cut Bank is a little better when it comes to property crime. The town reported 65 property crimes during the year, or a rate of 2,146/100k people. That pace puts it at 12th highest on the state’s list for property crime.
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Population: 3,028
Rank Last Year: 6 (Down 3)
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 825 (Fifth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 2,146 (12th most dangerous)
More on Cut Bank: | Crime Report
Glasgow, a city in Valley County, Montana, ranks as the number 10 most dangerous place to live in the state for 2023. Despite its relatively small population of 3,318, Glasgow has a concerning crime rate, particularly in terms of violent crime. With 1,054/100k people and 1,054/100k people.
Located in Eastern Montana, Glasgow is an important economic hub for the region, being the most populous city for over 100 miles. However, its high crime rates pose a threat to the well-being of its residents. The city must prioritize initiatives aimed at reducing crime and increasing safety.
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Population: 3,318
Rank Last Year: 16 (Up 6)
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,054 (Second most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 1,054 (23rd most dangerous)
More on Glasgow: | Crime Report
Methodology: How we determined the most dangerous cities in Montana for 2023?
Every year the FBI release two crime datasets on cities in Montana. First a preliminary dataset limited to the biggest cities in Montana, followed by a more detailed release at the end of the year.
For our analysis, we focused on the 2021 data, specifically the 2021 Crime In The United States Report for Montana. We will update the results when data becomes available in September 2023.
So what criteria did we use? Have a look:
- Violent Crimes Per Capita
- Property Crimes Per Capita
In order to make the analysis as apples to apples as possible, we only considered Montana cities over 2,000 in population. That left us with 31 cities in Montana.
We then ranked each city from 1 to 31 for the two criteria with a #1 ranking being the most dangerous for the particular criteria.
Next, we averaged the two rankings into one “Dangerous Index”.
Finally, we ranked every city on the “Dangerous Index” with the lowest index being the most dangerous in Montana — Polson. Any ties went to the smaller city.
Most Dangerous Places To Live In Montana FAQs
Yes, Montana is a dangerous state as it ranks as the #12 most dangerous state in the United States based on our analysis of the latest FBI Crime Data. The violent crime rate in montana ranks 11th highest in the United States — 21.16% worse than US average violent crime rate. The property crime rate in the Treasure State ranks 22nd highest in the United States — 8.3% worse than US average property crime rate. The latest reporting year from the FBI was 2020.
Yes, Billings is a dangerous city. Billings ranks as the #24 most dangerous out of 320 major cities over 100,000 people in the United States based on our analysis of the latest FBI Crime Data. Keep in mind that are always safe and dangerous parts of any city, so even though Billings might be considered dangerous you still need to be aware of where you are.
Compared to other big cities, the violent crime rate in Billings ranks 59th highest in America — 55.29% worse than US average violent crime rate. The property crime rate in the ranks 2highest in the United States — 79.42% worse than US average property crime rate. Note the latest reporting year from the FBI was 2020 and that no city in America is ‘dangerous’. Despite the uptick in murders, it’s nothing like you’d see in Tijuana or Caracas where the murder rate is 2x any American city.
Graphing The Most Dangerous And Safest Places In Montana
Summary: Locking It All Up In Montana
So what is the most dangerous city in Montana? After analyzing 31 cities in Montana, Polson takes the top spot as the most dangerous city in Montana based on the most recently reported FBI data — 2021.
The latest FBI crime data shows that Polson ranks as the most dangerous city in Montana for 2023.
We want to point out again that there’s still safes places in Polson and that this isn’t a comment on the people that live there. So please don’t beat us up.
We do recommend that you take a minute to look at Montana’s most dangerous places before you make any life changing decisions. And if you choose to live in one of these dangerous cities, know that you will need to be aware of your surroundings at all times. There are a ton of ‘wolves in sheep’s clothing’ out there..or just wolves.it is wild Montana, after all.
So, where is Montana’s most dangerous place? That would be, Polson.
To see how your city faired, take a look at the list below; and if you don’t find what you’re looking for there, head to the bottom.
Learn more about the safest places in Montana.
If you’re looking for something more national, check out the most dangerous cities in America or the most dangerous states in America.
Here are the safest cities in Montana:
- Bozeman (Pop. 52,586)
- Lewistown (Pop. 5,882)
- Columbia Falls (Pop. 6,385)
- Deer Lodge (Pop. 2,772)
- East Helena (Pop. 2,140)
- Whitefish (Pop. 8,972)
- Red Lodge (Pop. 2,384)
- Conrad (Pop. 2,396)
- Dillon (Pop. 4,318)
- Colstrip (Pop. 2,216)
For more Montana reading, check out:
- Best Places To Live In Montana
- Cheapest Places To Live In Montana
- Most Dangerous Cities In Montana
- Best Places To Raise A Family In Montana
- Safest Places In Montana
- Worst Places To Live In Montana
Crime By City In Montana
Rank | City | Population |
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1 | Polson | 5,242 |
2 | Billings | 110,274 |
3 | Ronan City | 2,195 |
4 | Laurel | 6,710 |
5 | Havre | 9,724 |
6 | Helena | 34,262 |
7 | Great Falls | 58,265 |
8 | Missoula | 77,852 |
9 | Cut Bank | 3,028 |
10 | Glasgow | 3,318 |
11 | Hamilton | 4,970 |
12 | Kalispell | 25,926 |
13 | Miles City | 8,160 |
14 | Glendive | 4,873 |
15 | Belgrade | 10,738 |
16 | Wolf Point | 2,734 |
17 | Livingston | 7,991 |
18 | Sidney | 6,407 |
19 | Stevensville | 2,171 |
20 | Columbus | 2,141 |
21 | Libby | 2,797 |
22 | Bozeman | 52,586 |
23 | Lewistown | 5,882 |
24 | Columbia Falls | 6,385 |
25 | Deer Lodge | 2,772 |
26 | East Helena | 2,140 |
27 | Whitefish | 8,972 |
28 | Red Lodge | 2,384 |
29 | Conrad | 2,396 |
30 | Dillon | 4,318 |
31 | Colstrip | 2,216 |
References
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FBI UCR 2022
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Census – American Cumminity Survey