Also known as the “Treasure State,” Montana is famous for its mountains and national parks, specifically The Rocky Mountains and Yellowstone National Park.
The state is also loved for its lakes, rivers, and forests and its rich agriculture.
However, like any other state in the US, there are areas that experience higher crime rates than others.
On that note, let’s take a look at the 10 most dangerous cities in Montana and the safety tips for traveling there.
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10 Most Dangerous Cities in Montana
Billings
With a population of 117,445, Billings is one of the largest cities in the state.
Billings has a high crime rate of 55 per 1000 residents, making it one of the most dangerous cities in the country.
The likelihood of experiencing crime as a resident or visitor is 1 in 18.
The city has one of the highest violent crime rates in the country, with one’s chance of becoming a victim of a crime such as rape, armed robbery, manslaughter, aggravated assault or even murder being 1 in 101.
In spite of this, property crime is the most common type of crime in Billingg, with one’s chance of experiencing a property crime being 1 in 22.
Helena
Known for being the state capital, Helena has a reputation for violent crime; residents and visitors have a 1 in 25 chance of becoming victims of violent crimes.
According to statistics, the city has one of the highest violent crime rates in the country, with some of the most commonly reported crimes in Helena being rape, murder, armed robbery, and assault.
The residents of Helena are also no strangers to property crimes, with one’s chance of becoming the victim of a property crime being 1 in 30.
Property crimes include larceny, car theft, arson, and burglary.
Wolf Point
With a population of less than 3000 residents, Wolf Point is in the 13th percentile for safety, meaning that only 13% of U.S. cities are more dangerous than Wolf Point.
The town has an overall crime rate of D-, due to how often a crime occurs in Wolf Point, which is, on average, every day and six hours.
According to statistics, there is a 300% higher chance that your house will get broken into without a security system.
The town has roughly 55 violent crimes per 1000 residents.
According to residents and statistics, the southeast part of town is the safest, with the central neighborhoods being the most dangerous.
Polson
Located in the Flathead Indian Reservation, Polson has a crime rate of 50 per 1000 residents.
According to statistics and crime data, Polson has one of the highest rates of violent crime in the country, across communities of all sizes, including both small and large ones.
This includes violent offenses such as rape, murder and non-negligent manslaughter, armed robbery, and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Furthermore, property crime is also prevalent in Polson, with the probability of becoming a victim of a property crime being 1 in 26, which translates to a rate of 39 per one thousand population.
This includes crimes such as burglary, larceny over fifty dollars, motor vehicle theft, and arson.
Ronan
With a population of little over 2000 residents, Ronan has gained a reputation as the sixth most dangerous town in the state.
Ronan has a crime rate of 34.05 per 1000 residents, and ranks in the 34th percentile for safety, meaning that only 34% of U.S. cities are more dangerous than Ronan.
One of the most prevalent types of crime in the town is assault, with property crime being a close second.
According to residents, the safest part of town is the southwest, and the eastern neighborhoods are the most dangerous.
According to statistics, the chance of becoming a crime victim in the more dangerous area is approximately 1 in 21, versus 1 in 58 in the safer areas.
Missoula
With a population of 120,000, Missoula has a crime index of 5 out of 100, with 97% of communities in the state being safer than Missoula.
Some sources have labeled Missoula as one of the most dangerous places in the state due to the fact that it is the murder capital of Montana.
One’s chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 24.
Missoula has one of the highest rates of violent crime in the country, with one’s chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime being 1 in 149.
Additionally, the town also has a high property crime rate, with the chance of becoming a victim of larceny, burglary, car theft, or arson being 1 in 24.
Hamilton
With a population of approximately 4600 residents, Hamilton is the 28th most populated city in the state.
On average, a crime occurs in Hamilton in one day and one hour.
The city is in the 52nd percentile for safety, with the crime rate being 35 per 1000 residents.
According to residents, the southeast parts of the city are the safest, with chances of becoming a victim of a crime in those areas being 1 in 73.
Comparably, one’s chances of being the victim of a crime in the central neighborhoods – which residents claim are the most dangerous parts of town – are as high as 1 in 18.
Cut Bank
With a population of 3049 residents, Cut Bank is the 38th most populated city in Montana.
With a crime occurring, on average, every day and 12 hours, Cut Bank earned a crime grade score of D-.
The town is in the 11th percentile for safety, which means that 89% of cities and towns are safer than Cut Bank.
The total crime rate is 49 per 1000 residents, which is higher than the national average.
Residents claim that the northeast part of town is the safest, and the south part is the most dangerous.
Statistics agree with the residents’ statements, with one’s chance of being a victim in the south area being 1 in 8, compared to 1 in 34 in the northeast side.
Havre
With a population of 9377, Havre has a crime rate of 37 per 1000 residents.
The town has a total crime rate of 42 per 1000 residents, and one of the highest violent crime rates in the nation.
Additionally, the town also has a high rate of property crime, specifically larceny and burglary, car theft, and arson.
The rate for these crimes is 29 per 1000 residents.
The town also has a high number of car thefts per year, with one’s chances of becoming a victim of this crime being 1 in 291.
According to residents, the safest part of town is the northeast, while the more recreational areas are the more dangerous.
Great Falls
With a population of 60,000, Great Falls has a crime index of 2 out of 100, meaning that it’s only safer than 2% of cities.
The city has a crime rate of 51 per 1000 residents, with one’s chance of becoming the victim of a crime in Great Falls being roughly 1 in 20.
Additionally, Great Falls has one of the highest rates of violent crime in the nation, including offenses such as rape, murder, non-negligent manslaughter, armed robbery, and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
The chance of becoming the victim of a violent crime in Great Falls is 1 in 186.
The town also has one of the highest rates of car theft in the country, compared to communities of all sizes.
5 Safety Tips for Traveling to Montana
1. Have emergency supplies on hand: As one of the most sparsely populated states in the US, Montana may require you to travel for extended periods without access to necessities.
To avoid any unforeseen circumstances, make sure to pack food, water, and an emergency kit before embarking on your journey.
2. Keep valuables out of sight: If you plan to visit crowded tourist spots like Yellowstone National Park, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and keep track of your valuables.
Leave your valuables at the hotel, and if you have anything valuable in the car, make sure to put them where potential thieves can’t see them.
3. Get travel insurance: Given Montana’s abundant wildlife and harsh weather conditions, it’s advised to get travel insurance, to provide compensation for unforeseen circumstances and offer optimal protection.
4. Bring layers: Due to Montana’s unpredictable weather fluctuations from morning to evening, it is advisable to dress in multiple layers of warm clothing.
5. Let your bank know before leaving: Make sure to inform your bank before departing for Montana, so they are aware of your travel plans and expect any charges to your account.
Montana Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Montana Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I find the weather and road conditions?
You can use the Travinfo Map, download the MDT 511 app, call 511 or 1-800-226-7623.
Are there rest areas open in the winter?
While the summer facilities are closed during the winter, there are winterized rest areas throughout the state.
Where to get tourist information?
One resource is https://www.visitmt.com/.
These lists serve as a reminder that safety is a shared responsibility. Let’s hope for positive changes in these Montana cities to create safer environments for everyone.
It’s crucial to be informed about safety concerns, and these lists provide valuable insights. Let’s hope for community efforts and improvements in these cities.