| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Great Falls/100k people | Montana/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 2,417 | n/a (estimate) | 4,001 | 2,041 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.7 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 54 | n/a | 89.4 | 59.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 28 | n/a | 46.3 | 19.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 265 | n/a | 438.6 | 342.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 347 | n/a (estimate) | 574 | 424 | 359 |
| Burglary | 240 | n/a | 397.3 | 167.2 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 1,698 | n/a | 2,810.6 | 1,286.0 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 132 | n/a | 218.5 | 164.0 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 2,070 | n/a (estimate) | 3,426 | 1,617 | 1,760 |
Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Great Falls crime rate is higher than the national average by 88.8%. Specifically, there were 347 violent crimes in Great Falls, equivalent to 574 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 60%. Furthermore, Great Falls recorded 2070 property crimes, amounting to 3426 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 94.7%.
In Great Falls, the crime rate stands at 4001 per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average by 88.78%. This places the city among those with some of the highest total crime rates nationwide. However, it's important to recognize that this doesn't imply that the entire city is unsafe. As with any urban area, there are neighborhoods in Great Falls that exhibit varying levels of safety, emphasizing the need for localized crime prevention efforts and community involvement to create a safe environment across the entire city.
In the latest reported crime year, Great Falls recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.
What do the local residents think about crime in Great Falls? Well, based on a recent survey of 60 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 18% of Great Falls residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 82% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Determining whether Great Falls 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, Great Falls has an overall crime rate that is 89% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 6.62 daily occurrences, comprising 0.95 violent crimes and 5.67 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Great Falls as a potential place to establish residency.
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 Great Falls 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 Great Falls has decreased by 21.8% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 7.1% and property crime has decreased by 25.2%.
In Great Falls, the poverty rate currently stands at 14.9%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in Great Falls crime rates.
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 Great Falls crime rates. Great Falls registers a population density of 2625.4 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
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 Great Falls, the cost of living is 4.3% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
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 | Great Falls | Montana | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 119 | 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 |
| Sun Prairie, MT | 1,649 | 185 | 705 | 890 |
| Ulm, MT | 769 | 319 | 1,217 | 1,536 |
| Sand Coulee, MT | 209 | 498 | 1,899 | 2,397 |
| Vaughn, MT | 906 | 507 | 1,934 | 2,441 |
| Black Eagle, MT | 868 | 526 | 2,006 | 2,532 |
| Stockett, MT | 196 | 550 | 2,099 | 2,649 |
| Great Falls, MT | 60,209 | 574 | 3,426 | 4,001 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Orland Park, IL | 60,161 | 28 | 1,097 | 1,126 |
| Des Plaines, IL | 60,159 | 121 | 1,140 | 1,260 |
| Greenwood, IN | 60,157 | 109 | 1,529 | 1,638 |
| Casper, WY | 60,154 | 289 | 2,112 | 2,401 |
| Bowie, MD | 60,153 | 193 | 2,280 | 2,473 |
| Great Falls, MT | 60,209 | 574 | 3,426 | 4,001 |
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