The state of Montana sells a very beautiful dream.
Wide-open skies. Snow-capped peaks. Rivers that look like they were painted by someone with too much peace in their soul. It’s the kind of place where you imagine the loudest nighttime noise is wind brushing through pine trees.
And then the crime statistics show up like an uninvited guest in muddy boots.
Montana isn’t a high-crime state compared to much of the country. But even Big Sky Country has shadows. In this deep dive, we examine:
- The most dangerous city in Montana with over 50,000 residents
- The safest city in Montana with over 50,000 residents
- How each ranks nationally
- Where Montana falls among the safest states
- And how political leadership has shifted since 1990
Because even in a state known for elk and fly-fishing, reality occasionally bites.
Billings is the Most Dangerous City in Montana with Over 50,000 Residents)
Billings is Montana’s largest city. It’s the economic engine of the state — energy, healthcare, retail, logistics. But when it comes to crime data among Montana cities over 50,000 residents, Billings often lands at the top.
To be clear: “most dangerous in Montana” does not mean “urban war zone.” Context matters. Compared to major metros in other states, Billings’ numbers are moderate. Compared to rural Montana towns where the biggest crime might be a missing snowblower, Billings stands out.
📊 Billings Crime Snapshot (Recent FBI & State Data Averages)
- Violent crime rate: ~400–500 per 100,000 residents
- Property crime rate: ~3,000–3,500 per 100,000 residents
- National violent crime average: ~380–400 per 100,000
Billings’ violent crime rate typically lands slightly above or near the national average, while property crime runs significantly higher than Montana’s rural baseline.
Translation? You’re statistically more likely to deal with theft than a shootout. But the numbers are elevated enough to give the city its reputation within the state.
Why Does Billings Lead Montana in Crime?
- Population Density (by Montana standards)
In a state of wide-open spaces, Billings’ density stands out. - Regional Hub Status
As a commercial and medical hub, it draws both opportunity and trouble from surrounding areas. - Property Crime Trends
Auto theft, burglary, and larceny inflate overall crime rates. - Drug Activity
Methamphetamine and opioid distribution have impacted communities across Montana, and Billings has felt that pressure. - Economic Disparities
Like many growing cities, rising housing costs and income gaps contribute to strain.
Dark humor moment? In Billings, the mountains are majestic — and sometimes so is the list of stolen catalytic converters.
Still, compared to high-crime cities nationally, Billings is not among America’s most violent urban centers. It’s “dangerous” largely within Montana’s relatively low-crime framework.
Montana’s National Ranking
Among cities over 50,000 residents nationwide, Billings typically does not rank in the Top 50 most dangerous U.S. cities.
In fact, it often falls outside the Top 100 for violent crime rates among similarly sized cities.
So while Billings leads Montana in crime among larger cities, nationally it sits in the middle tier.
Missoula is the Safest City in Montana with Over 50,000 Residents
Missoula, home to the University of Montana, balances small-city charm with mountain-town culture.
Statistically, among Montana cities over 50,000 residents, Missoula often reports lower violent crime rates than Billings — though property crime can fluctuate.
📊 Missoula Crime Snapshot
- Violent crime rate: ~250–350 per 100,000 residents
- Property crime rate: ~2,500–3,000 per 100,000 residents
- Overall violent crime: Generally below national average
Missoula’s violent crime rate is typically below or near the national average and often lower than Billings.
Property crime exists — as it does anywhere — but violent crime is comparatively restrained.
Why Is Missoula Relatively Safer?
- College Town Demographics
- Strong Community Policing
- Outdoor-Centric Lifestyle
- Lower Population Density Than Major U.S. Cities
- Community Engagement & Civic Programs
Missoula has its issues — no city is immune — but statistically it remains one of Montana’s safer urban centers over 50,000 residents.
If Billings feels like a regional crossroads with a crime spreadsheet attached, Missoula feels like a town where the biggest nighttime disturbance might be a bear tipping over trash cans.
And frankly, the bear might be easier to reason with.
Montana’s National Safety Ranking
Missoula typically ranks outside the Top 50 safest U.S. cities, largely because property crime keeps totals elevated.
However, for violent crime specifically, it often performs better than many similarly sized cities in other states.
It’s not a zero-crime paradise — but it’s safer than many urban centers nationwide.
Where Does Montana Rank Among the Safest States?
Zooming out:
- Montana violent crime rate: ~300–350 per 100,000 residents
- National average: ~380–400 per 100,000
Montana generally ranks:
#10 to #18 among the Top 50 Safest States
In other words, Montana consistently lands in the upper third nationally for safety.
Rural geography plays a major role. Lower density means fewer opportunities for concentrated violent crime. However, property crime and drug-related offenses remain concerns in certain regions.
Montana isn’t crime-free.
But compared to many states, it’s statistically calmer.
Montana’s Political Landscape Since 1990
Montana’s political identity has shifted over time, blending libertarian-leaning independence with growing Republican strength in recent decades.
Democratic Representation Since 1990
U.S. Senate
Notable Democratic senators include:
- Max Baucus (until 2014)
- Jon Tester (2007–present)
Democrats have held at least one Senate seat for much of the modern era.
U.S. House of Representatives
Montana had a single at-large House seat for years before gaining a second seat after the 2020 Census. Control has alternated between parties depending on election cycles.
Democratic Governors Since 1990
- Brian Schweitzer (2005–2013)
- Steve Bullock (2013–2021)
Total Democratic Governors since 1990: 2
Republican Representation Since 1990
Republican Governors Since 1990
- Marc Racicot (1993–2001)
- Judy Martz (2001–2005)
- Greg Gianforte (2021–present)
Total Republican Governors since 1990: 3
Montana has alternated between parties at the executive level, though recent years have leaned more Republican.
🧩 Does Politics Explain Crime in Montana?
Montana’s crime trends are shaped by:
- Rural geography
- Economic shifts in energy and agriculture
- Drug trafficking patterns in western states
- Housing affordability pressures
- Population growth in certain metro areas
Urban density remains the strongest predictor of crime levels. Party control shifts have not dramatically altered Montana’s overall ranking among safer states.
In Montana, geography may matter more than ideology.
🌒 Final Verdict: Montana’s Quiet Shadows
In Billings, crime rates lead the state among larger cities — particularly property crime. It’s not a national outlier, but within Montana, it carries the heaviest statistical burden.
In Missoula, violent crime rates tend to remain lower, keeping it comparatively safer among the state’s urban centers.
Montana overall ranks among the safer states nationally. Its vast rural landscapes dilute crime concentration, even as certain cities grapple with modern challenges.
So yes — Big Sky Country is statistically safer than most.
But even under a sky that wide, shadows still stretch long after sunset.
And sometimes, the scariest thing in Montana isn’t a crime statistic.
It’s a grizzly bear with opinions.
TheDailyChristian 