The Southwest Journal revealed a variety of crime tendencies in 2024 by ranking seven Montana cities as the most hazardous. With almost 110,000 population, Billings is the largest city in Montana. Property crimes like auto theft and burglaries are common, and there have been many violent occurrences including 14 homicides in the past year.
Ronan, a small town on the Flathead Indian Reservation with a population of just over 2,100, comes in second because of abnormally high rates of property and violent crimes.
Despite its scenic surroundings, Helena, the state capital recognized for its historical elegance, has the highest per capita rate of rapes in Montana, with 33,629 residents.
Nearby Polson, on the Flathead Indian Reservation, comes in fourth because of persistent problems with violent and property crimes that impact the town’s 5,100 citizens.
The charming railroad town of Havre, home to around 10,000 people, is experiencing an increase in violent and property crimes, which is indicative of larger worries about safety in rural Montana.
Cut Bank, a picturesque town close to the Canadian border, has the highest violent crime rate among its more than 3,000 inhabitants, highlighting the problems associated with localized crime in isolated locations.
With nearly 58,000 citizens, Great Falls was once a center of transportation and industry. However, it now has Montana’s highest rate of property crimes, which negatively impacts the city’s varied population.
With a population of more than 76,000, Missoula is a center of culture but also has one of the highest murder rates and substantial property crime rates in the state.
With a population of fewer than 2,800, Wolf Point, on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, has abnormally high rates of violent crime.
The little town of East Helena, which is close to the state capital, has higher than average crime rates compared to its size, indicating specific safety issues that are common in Montana’s smaller towns.
Challenges and Recommendations
These cities act as hubs for navigating safety amid Montana’s diverse urban and rural landscapes while the state tackles these issues through increased law enforcement, community involvement, and focused interventions. It is recommended that both locals and tourists in Montana exercise caution and be educated about the state’s safety issues as well as its attractions.
Rubby Cordelia is a finance journalist for WVPrepBB.com, bringing expertise and clarity to her reporting on financial news. With a passion for demystifying complex economic issues, Rubby delivers insightful analysis and up-to-date information on the latest market trends, financial policies, and economic developments. Her work on WVPrepBB.com is essential reading for anyone looking to stay informed about the ever-changing world of finance.
