| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Columbia Falls/100k people | Montana/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 109 | n/a (estimate) | 1,867 | 2,041 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.7 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 3 | n/a | 51.4 | 59.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 19.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 13 | n/a | 222.7 | 342.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 16 | n/a (estimate) | 274 | 424 | 359 |
| Burglary | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 167.2 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 92 | n/a | 1,575.9 | 1,286.0 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 1 | n/a | 17.1 | 164.0 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 93 | n/a (estimate) | 1,593 | 1,617 | 1,760 |
Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Columbia Falls is 11.9% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 16 violent crimes reported in Columbia Falls, equivalent to 274 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 23.7%. Additionally, Columbia Falls recorded 93 property crimes, amounting to 1593 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 9.5%.
In terms of the total Columbia Falls crime rate per 100,000 people, it falls within the midrange when compared to other cities across the United States. Our analysis of total crimes, encompassing both violent and property offenses in Columbia Falls, revealed that the reported crime rates closely align with the nationwide average reported by other areas.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Columbia Falls reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.
Columbia Falls maintains a property crime rate that closely resembles the national norm. In Columbia Falls, 1593 property crimes were reported, aligning with the national average of 1760 per 100,000 individuals. Consequently, the area's safety profile stands on par with the average city, neither significantly safer nor more dangerous. This consistency underscores a balanced commitment to community safety and security, providing residents with a stable and reassuring living environment.
To determine if Columbia Falls is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Columbia Falls has a total crime rate that is 12% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.3 daily crimes (0.04 violent daily crimes and 0.25 daily property crimes) in Columbia Falls.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Columbia Falls has increased by 0.9%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Columbia Falls, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has decreased by 15.8%, while property crime has increased by 4.5%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Columbia Falls is a safe place to live.
Columbia Falls has a population density of 2663.3 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Columbia Falls crime rates.
Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Columbia Falls, the cost of living is 3.78% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Columbia Falls, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 0, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.
| Item | Columbia Falls | Montana | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 12 | 872 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | n/a | n/a | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Montana /100K | National /100K |
| Montana | 2,923 | 291 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Helena Flats, MT | 1,251 | 120 | 458 | 579 |
| West Glacier, MT | 126 | 171 | 653 | 825 |
| Whitefish, MT | 8,333 | 124 | 1,088 | 1,213 |
| Evergreen, MT | 8,660 | 378 | 1,441 | 1,819 |
| Coram, MT | 310 | 454 | 1,730 | 2,184 |
| Kalispell, MT | 24,848 | 293 | 2,226 | 2,519 |
| Hungry Horse, MT | 669 | 685 | 2,613 | 3,298 |
| Columbia Falls, MT | 5,854 | 274 | 1,593 | 1,867 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Estherville, IA | 5,853 | 275 | 310 | 585 |
| Webster, NY | 5,856 | 384 | 1,739 | 2,123 |
| West Bountiful, UT | 5,851 | 120 | 1,441 | 1,561 |
| South Tucson, AZ | 5,857 | 516 | 2,190 | 2,706 |
| Keyes, CA | 5,851 | 561 | 2,400 | 2,961 |
| Columbia Falls, MT | 5,854 | 274 | 1,593 | 1,867 |
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