| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Billings/100k people | Montana/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 4,676 | n/a (estimate) | 3,829 | 2,041 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 9 | n/a | 7.4 | 2.7 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 96 | n/a | 78.6 | 59.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 105 | n/a | 86.0 | 19.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 701 | n/a | 574.1 | 342.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 911 | n/a (estimate) | 746 | 424 | 359 |
| Burglary | 445 | n/a | 364.4 | 167.2 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 2,808 | n/a | 2,299.7 | 1,286.0 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 512 | n/a | 419.3 | 164.0 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 3,765 | n/a (estimate) | 3,083 | 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 Billings is 80.7% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 911 violent crimes reported in Billings, equivalent to 746 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 107.8%. Additionally, Billings recorded 3765 property crimes, amounting to 3083 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 75.2%.
With a violent crime rate of 746 crimes per 100,000 residents, Billings is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. In fact, Billings ranks in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported violent crime last year. This translates into a 1 in 135 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.
The surge in vehicle thefts is a concerning trend across the United States, and Billings is no exception, experiencing one of the nation's highest vehicle theft rates. Last year, Billings reported a total of 512 vehicle thefts, resulting in 419 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This places the city in the lowest 10% tier among all cities, indicating that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The probability of a vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 239, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and security measures.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Billings residents. Out of the respondents (104 in total), 33% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Billings were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 67% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Is Billings a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Billings has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 81%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 12.81 daily incidents, encompassing 2.5 violent crimes and 10.32 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Billings as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Billings. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Billings has decreased by 27.3%. Violent crimes have decreased by 21.6%, while property crimes have decreased by 28.5%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
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 Billings crime rates. In Billings, the poverty rate stands at 9.8%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.
In Billings, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 0 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.
The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Billings stands at $412,401, a contrast to the national average of $326,622.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Billings | Montana | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 162 | 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 |
| Lockwood, MT | 8,497 | 371 | 1,415 | 1,786 |
| Huntley, MT | 539 | 438 | 1,672 | 2,111 |
| Laurel, MT | 6,995 | 543 | 3,605 | 4,148 |
| Billings, MT | 113,244 | 746 | 3,083 | 3,829 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| West Palm Beach, FL | 113,363 | 576 | 2,138 | 2,714 |
| Boulder, CO | 112,777 | 322 | 2,733 | 3,055 |
| Centennial, CO | 113,795 | 173 | 1,709 | 1,882 |
| Broken Arrow, OK | 112,690 | 223 | 1,201 | 1,424 |
| Downey, CA | 114,056 | 448 | 1,917 | 2,365 |
| Billings, MT | 113,244 | 746 | 3,083 | 3,829 |
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