F
80%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
71%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
81%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleMissoula/100k peopleMontana/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime3,163n/a (estimate)4,1782,3372,324
Murder2n/a2.64.56.3
Rape62n/a81.954.440.0
Robbery31n/a40.923.366.1
Assault385n/a508.6335.7268.2
Violent crime480n/a (estimate)634418370
Burglary259n/a342.1200.3269.8
Theft2,260n/a2,985.31,495.71,401.9
Vehicle theft164n/a216.6222.6282.7
Property crime2,683n/a (estimate)3,5441,9191,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Missoula, MT

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 Missoula is 79.8% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 480 violent crimes reported in Missoula, equivalent to 634 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 71.5%. Additionally, Missoula recorded 2683 property crimes, amounting to 3544 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 81.3%.

With a total of 4178 crimes per 100,000 people, the Missoula crime rates stand at 79.76 higher than the national average. Consequently, the area grapples with one of the nation's highest total crime rates. Addressing this challenge is crucial for enhancing the safety and livability in Missoula, making it a priority to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative efforts to secure a better future for residents and prospective residents.

Missoula reports one of the nation's highest property crime rates, with 3544 incidents per 100,000 people, positioning it among the worst 10% of American cities reporting crime. This unfortunate statistic translates to a 1 in 29 chance of falling victim to property crime in Missoula, significantly surpassing the national average. These figures underscore the city's challenges in combating property-related offenses, necessitating a concerted effort to enhance security and community safety.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Missoula?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Missoula residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 72 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 39% of Missoula residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 61% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Missoula a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Missoula a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Missoula crime rate is 80% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 8.67 crimes per day - 1.32 violent crimes and 7.35 property crimes.

Has Crime in Missoula Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Missoula crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Missoula has increased by 5% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 2% and property crime has increased by 6.4%.

Missoula Neighborhood Crime Rates

Typically, densely populated areas in close proximity to the city center tend to experience higher crime rates compared to neighborhoods that are situated on the city's periphery. Missoula, an expansive urban metropolis, has more than 17 distinct neighborhoods, each bearing its unique crime rate characteristics. The prevalence of criminal activity varies significantly among these neighborhoods. Noteworthy among safest neighborhoods in Missoula are areas such as Farviews And Pattee Canyon, Lower Rattlesnake and Upper Rattlesnake, which provide residents with enhanced security and peace of mind. Conversely, neighborhoods like Emma Dickinson Orchard Homes, Westside and Northside are marked by a higher incidence of reported crimes, warranting prudent consideration for those seeking to avoid areas with potentially elevated safety concerns.

Potential Causes for Crime in Missoula

High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Missoula crime rates. The population density in Missoula is 2164.9 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.

In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Missoula is $301,700, compared to a national average of $184,700.

High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Missoula are $900, compared to a national average of $949 per month.

Missoula crime map



The Missoula crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Missoula as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Missoula crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Missoula crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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Crime Quick Facts

  • Missoula crime rates are 80% higher than the national average
  • Violent crimes in Missoula are 71% higher than the national average
  • In Missoula you have a 1 in 24 chance of becoming a victim of crime
  • Missoula is safer than 9% of the cities in the United States
  • Year over year crime in Missoula has increased by 8%

Missoula, MT Crime Quiz

     

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        Daily Crime In Missoula (per 100,000 people)

        The chart above shows the number of daily crimes in Missoula, MT per 100,000 people. In Missoula, the number of daily crimes is projected to be 1.79 times more than the Montana average and 1.80 times more than the national average. The average number of daily violent crimes in Missoula is 1.52 times more than the Montana average and 1.71 times more than the daily national average. With regards to property crimes, Missoula has a daily crime rate that is 1.85 times more than the Montana average and 1.81 times more than the overall daily national average.

        How Safe is Missoula (higher is better)

        What are the odds that you'll be safer in Missoula, Montana compared to other areas of Montana, as well as the rest of America? When it comes down to it, is Missoula safe? In the graphs above, it shows that Missoula is safer than 15% of Montana cities, and 9% compared to all other cities across America. These statistics are calculated by taking a closer look at each city's crime rate in Montana, as well as the rest of the US. It is then determined which cities see less crime than Missoula. At this time, Missoula sees a above average rate of crime in comparison to other United States cities.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Missoula

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Missoula is 1 in 158
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Missoula is 1 in 29
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Missoula is 1 in 24
        Wondering what the chances are that you fall victim to a crime in Missoula? In Missoula, MT you have a 1 in 158 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and assault. With regards to property crime, you have a 1 in 29 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and motor vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 24 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Missoula.

        Year Over Year Crime In Missoula (per 100,000 people)

        The year over year crime rate per 100,000 people for Missoula is an accurate tool for tracking the rise and fall of crime, and in determining if living in Missoula has become safer or more dangerous. The year over year data displayed in the graph shows that violent crimes have increased by 1% in Missoula, while property crimes in Missoula have increased by 9%. Total crime has increased by 8% year over year.

        Missoula police department

        Item Missoula Montana National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)120872558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residentsn/an/a3.3

        Sex offenders in Montana

        State Total offenders Montana /100K National /100K
        Montana2,923291266
        There are a total of 2,923 sex offenders in Montana. This yields a total of 291 sex offenders in Montana per 100,000 residents which is 9% greater than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Frenchtown, MT1,741136625761
        Clinton, MT661158725883
        East Missoula, MT2,214178816994
        Lolo, MT4,0642029261,128
        Bonner-West Riverside, MT1,4042109621,171
        Turah, MT3092501,1501,400
        Orchard Homes, MT5,4802701,2401,510
        Missoula, MT74,9946343,5444,178

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Union City, CA75,0674592,1492,608
        Arlington Heights, IL75,071721,0761,148
        Milpitas, CA75,1822533,6573,911
        Missouri City, TX75,3481581,1881,346
        St. Joseph, MO75,3697564,3265,082
        Missoula, MT74,9946343,5444,178
        Source: The Missoula, MT crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.