Is Montana Dangerous?
Yes, Montana is fairly dangerous, with a violent crime rate of 469.8, which is 21% higher than the national average. This makes Montana one of the most dangerous states in the USA. Most troublingly, Montana ranks as one of the ten worst states for gun-related deaths. Property crime rates in Montana are also slightly higher than the national average. So, statistically, Montana is a relatively safe state. However, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions, especially in larger cities.
10 Most Dangerous Cities in Montana
- Polson
- Wolf Point
- Billings
- Great Falls
- Havre
- Ronan
- Missoula
- Helena
- Cut Bank
- Hamilton
Polson
Polson is the most dangerous city in Montana. It is located on the Flathead Indian Reservation, approximately 70 miles north of Missoula. Polson has several city parks located on the lake, offering beautiful views and recreational activities.
However, crime rates in Polson are 140% higher than the national average. In Polson, you have a 1 in 18 chance of becoming a victim of crime. The population of Polson is 5,148. The main issues include burglary, larceny, theft, motor vehicle theft, and drug usage.
Wolf Point
Wolf Point is a city in Montana and the county seat of Roosevelt County. It has a population of 2,517 and is known as another dangerous city in the state. Crimes in Wolf Point are 127% higher than the national average, giving residents a 1 in 48 chance of becoming a victim of crime.
The city has many run-down buildings and a lot of drug users. The most common crimes include aggravated assaults, petty thefts, and vehicle break-ins.
Billings
Number three on our list of most dangerous cities in Montana is Billings. It is the largest city in Montana, with a population of more than 185,000. Billings is also the largest retail destination in eastern Montana. The city's favorable location at the crossroads of several major routes could be a factor in these high crime numbers.
Billings' crime rates are 126% higher than the national average. In Billings, you have a 1 in 20 chance of becoming a victim of crime. The majority of crime is vehicular and drug-related. It has one of the highest car thefts per capita in the U.S.
Great Falls
Another one of the worst cities in Montana for crime is Great Falls. Great Falls is named for a series of five waterfalls located on the Missouri River. Other nicknames for Great Falls include "The River City" and "Western Art Capital of the World." The population is 60,442. Crime rates in Great Falls are 114% higher than the national average, giving you a 1 in 21 chance of becoming a victim of crime.
It gets colder than most of western Montana, and it's one of the windiest cities in the country. Drug use is common, with a lot of meth in the area. In the summer, the air quality gets really bad because of wildfires. Great Falls is also one of the most conservative cities in Montana.
Havre
Havre is the largest city in Hill County, with a population of 9,362. The most common crimes in Havre are theft, burglary, substance abuse, and vandalism. The crime rates in Havre are 113% higher than the national average, giving you a 1 in 21 chance of becoming a victim of crime.
Havre is very isolated, being 100 miles from the nearest interstate. The housing market is difficult if you are looking to buy a house. The hospital is the largest employer in Havre, followed by the railroad.
Ronan
If you are in Montana, Ronan is another area that you should avoid. Ronan is located just 12 miles south of Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. It has a population of 1,955. The mountains, rivers, and lakes offer many summer activities like hiking, river rafting, boating, fishing, and camping.
However, in Ronan, you have a 1 in 22 chance of becoming a victim of crime. The crime rates in Ronan are 102% higher than the national average. Additionally, there has been a lot of drug addiction and suicides within the past couple of years.
Missoula
Missoula is a city located along the Clark Fork River with a population of 73,489. It is home to the University of Montana, a public research university. The city also has both Montana's largest and its oldest active breweries. However, Missoula has crime rates that are 80% higher than the national average.
In Missoula, you have a 1 in 24 chance of becoming a victim of crime. Many people in the city are poor and desperate, and the mental health and drug crisis makes things worse. Rape is a big concern in Missoula.
Helena
Helena, ranked number eight among Montana's most dangerous cities, has a population of 32,091. Founded during the gold rush, it swiftly bloomed into prosperity, boasting about 50 millionaires by 1888.
However, Helena's crime rates soar, 71% higher than the national average, with a staggering 1 in 26 chance of falling victim. Over 90% of the crime stems from drugs, plaguing the city with issues like mobsters, drug cartels, shantytowns, and rampant theft from vehicles.
Cut Bank
Cut Bank, the penultimate city on our list of Montana's most dangerous places, has a population of 3,056. It started in 1891 when the Great Northern Railway came through. Situated 30 miles south of the Canada-USA border, it's not far from the line.
Crime rates here are 49% above the national average, meaning there's a 1 in 30 chance of being a victim. Burglaries and thefts, especially from cars and personal belongings, are the most common crimes.
Hamilton
Hamilton, with its population of approximately 4,600, wraps up our list of the most dangerous cities in Montana. Crime rates are quite high in Hamilton, at 3,400 per 100,000 residents, which is approximately 47% higher than the national average, and residents have a 1 in 33 chance of falling victim to crime. Violence and drug-related issues, particularly methamphetamine, plague the community, with multiple shootings reported in recent years.
The most dangerous parts of the city are Hamilton's central neighborhoods