Is Montana Safe?
Montana is one of the most unsafe states in the US, due to its high crime rates. The violent crime rate in Montana is 470 per 100,000, which is 21% higher than the national average, making Montana one of the ten worst states for violent crime. Property crime is also high in the state with Montana having the 15th-highest rate of property crime in the nation.
10 Safest Cities in Montana
- Dillon
- Miles City
- Glendive
- Columbia Falls
- Deer Lodge
- Bozeman
- Kalispell
- Lewistown
- Laurel
- Whitefish
1. Dillon
The safest place to live in Montana is the small town of Dillon. Located in southern Montana, in Beaverhead County, Dillon has a crime rate that is 59% below the national average. Dillon is home to the University of Montana Western, with much of the town’s culture centered around college activities. Tourists are drawn to Dillon for the excellent hiking, snowmobiling, and off-road driving experiences. The Maverick Mountain Ski Area and Bannack State Park are tourist favorites. The median home price in Dillion is currently $353,023.
2. Miles City
Miles City is also one of the safest cities in Montana. Miles City is located in Custer County in eastern Montana. With a population of 8,354, Miles City has a crime rate that is 56% below the national average. Local points of interest include Woodruff Park, which offers fantastic fishing, swimming, and hiking opportunities. Miles City is located near the Yellowstone River, which offers plenty of rafting and tubing adventures. Miles City has a median home price of $262,924.
3. Glendive
Glendive is a safe Montana city that is situated between the Yellowstone River and the Badlands. The crime rate in Glendive is 55% below the national average. Glendive offers a quiet, small-town experience with plenty of nearby natural beauty. Glendive is located near Makoshika State Park, which offers great dinosaur fossil hunting and hiking. Glendive has a median home price of $218,110.
4. Columbia Falls
Columbia Falls is also one of the safest cities in Montana. Columbia Falls is located along the Flathead River in Western Montana. Columbia Falls has consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in Montana. River’s Edge Park has an abundance of activities along the Flathead River, including walking trails, fishing, and camping grounds. Columbia Falls also hosts the Downtown Heritage Days Festival, which features parades, car shows, rodeos, and wild horse displays. The median home price in Columbia Falls is roughly $569,088.
5. Deer Lodge
Deer Lodge is a safe and secluded Montana town located in Powell County. The total crime rate in Deer Lodge is 31% below the national average, making it one of the safest towns in Montana. Deer Lodge is surrounded by rolling prairies and mountaintops, making it an ideal location for many films. The largest employers in the area are the Montana State Prison and Montana State Hospital. The median home price in Deer Lodge is $264,366.
6. Bozeman
Bozeman is another one of the safest cities in Montana. Located in Gallatin County, Bozeman consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in Montana. With a population of 53,293, Bozeman’s crime rate is 11% below the national average. Not only is Bozeman safe, but the town offers some of the most stunning mountain views in Montana. The nearby Bridger, Tobacco, and Big Belt Mountains offer stunning natural landscapes. Other popular sites include Montana State University, the American Computer Museum, and the Museum of the Rockies. Bozeman has a median home price of $712,077.
7. Kalispell
Located under the peaks of Glacier National Park, Kalispell offers peaceful small-town living in a safe environment. Aside from an abundance of outdoor adventures, Kalispell is home to points of interest like the Conrad Mansion Museum and the Hockaday Museum of Art. The nearby Glacier National Park offers some of the most stunning mountain views in the United States. The median home price in Kalispell is currently $528,069.
8. Lewistown
Lewistown is another one of the safest places to live in Montana. With a population of just under 6,000, Lewistown is a small town located southeast of Great Falls. Despite its small size, Lewistown offers plenty of community events, such as annual culinary festivals, music events, and local marathons. The nearby Big Snowy Mountains offer a plethora of outdoor adventures. The median home price in Lewistown is currently $251,367.
9. Laurel
Laurel is a town located along the Yellowstone River in southern Montana. Laurel is near the iconic Yellowstone National Park, which draws in many annual tourists. Other points of interest include the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument and Yellowstone National Cemetery. Laurel hosts an annual Fourth of July event, which features some of the largest fireworks displays in the northwestern United States. Laurel has a median home price of $376,374.
10. Whitefish
If you are a fan of Western charm and snowy downtown scenes, then Whitefish might be the place for you. This western Montana town of about 8,000 people has a crime rate that is 8% below the national average. Whitefish hosts annual cook-offs, music festivals, and public art displays. Whitefish is also home to annual sports competitions such as the Whitefish Trail Legacy Run and The World Indoor Golf Championship. The median home price in Whitefish is currently $817,428.