| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Polson/100k people | Montana/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 307 | n/a (estimate) | 5,587 | 2,337 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 4.5 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 4 | n/a | 72.8 | 54.4 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 6 | n/a | 109.2 | 23.3 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 48 | n/a | 873.5 | 335.7 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 58 | n/a (estimate) | 1,056 | 418 | 370 |
| Burglary | 19 | n/a | 345.8 | 200.3 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 198 | n/a | 3,603.3 | 1,495.7 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 32 | n/a | 582.3 | 222.6 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 249 | n/a (estimate) | 4,531 | 1,919 | 1,954 |
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 Polson is 140.4% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 58 violent crimes reported in Polson, equivalent to 1056 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 185.4%. Additionally, Polson recorded 249 property crimes, amounting to 4531 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 131.9%.
Polson has a crime rate of 5587 per 100,000 people, which surpasses the national average by 140.38%, leading to one of the highest total crime rates in the United States. Addressing this issue is vital for improving overall safety and desirability of Polson. Efforts to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative initiatives are essential to create a more secure and appealing environment for residents and prospective newcomers alike.
With a violent crime rate of 1056 crimes per 100,000 residents, Polson is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. In fact, Polson ranks in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported violent crime last year. This translates into a 1 in 95 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. Keep in mind that some areas will be safer than others and this doesn't necessarily mean that the entire city suffers from a high violent crime rate.
Polson showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.
With a property crime rate of 4531 crimes per 100,000 people, Polson unfortunately has the distinction of being among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime. The likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Polson is alarmingly high, estimated at 1 in 23, significantly surpassing the national average. This data emphasizes the city's pressing need for concerted efforts to address and reduce property crime, ensuring a safer environment for its residents.
With a total of 32 vehicle thefts last year, Polson has one of the most stolen cars in the country at 582 per 100,000 people. This lands Polson in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported crime and the chance of any vehicle being stolen is one in 172.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Polson residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 8 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 0% of Polson 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, 100% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Determining whether Polson is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Polson has an overall crime rate that is 140% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.84 daily occurrences, comprising 0.16 violent crimes and 0.68 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Polson as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime rates in Polson has increased by 13.7% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Polson is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has decreased by 7.9%, while property crime has increased by 20.3%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Polson.
The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower Polson crime rates. In Polson, the poverty rate stands at 12.3%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.
Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Polson crime rates. Polson registers a population density of 1108.5 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Polson, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 0 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.
| Item | Polson | Montana | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 11 | 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 |
| Bear Dance, MT | 227 | 169 | 775 | 944 |
| Finley Point, MT | 486 | 169 | 775 | 944 |
| Kerr, MT | 159 | 237 | 1,088 | 1,325 |
| Pablo, MT | 2,032 | 245 | 1,126 | 1,372 |
| Ronan, MT | 1,812 | 621 | 4,080 | 4,701 |
| Polson, MT | 5,033 | 1,056 | 4,531 | 5,587 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Crestwood, KY | 5,034 | 56 | 376 | 432 |
| Grafton, WV | 5,035 | 0 | 677 | 677 |
| Union Grove, WI | 5,031 | 179 | 837 | 1,016 |
| Swoyersville, PA | 5,031 | 219 | 1,161 | 1,381 |
| Pinehurst, TX | 5,030 | 453 | 2,445 | 2,897 |
| Polson, MT | 5,033 | 1,056 | 4,531 | 5,587 |
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