| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Helena/100k people | Montana/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,091 | n/a (estimate) | 3,096 | 2,041 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 2.8 | 2.7 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 41 | n/a | 116.4 | 59.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 10 | n/a | 28.4 | 19.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 129 | n/a | 366.1 | 342.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 181 | n/a (estimate) | 514 | 424 | 359 |
| Burglary | 82 | n/a | 232.7 | 167.2 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 779 | n/a | 2,210.7 | 1,286.0 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 49 | n/a | 139.1 | 164.0 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 910 | n/a (estimate) | 2,582 | 1,617 | 1,760 |
The Helena crime rates are 46.1% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 181 violent crimes in Helena (514 per 100,000 people), which is 43% higher than the national average and there were a total of 910 property crimes (2582 per 100,000 residents) which is 46.7% higher than average.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Helena. Based on the results of the surveys (69 responses), 39% of people felt that there was very little crime in Helena and felt safe walking alone at night. While 61% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To determine if Helena 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. Helena has a total crime rate that is 46% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 2.99 daily crimes (0.5 violent daily crimes and 2.49 daily property crimes) in Helena.
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 Helena 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 Helena has decreased by 18.2% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 23% and property crime has decreased by 17.1%.
The Helena area comprises a diverse array of over 6 distinct neighborhoods, each exhibiting a unique crime rate influenced by location and various socioeconomic factors. Generally, neighborhoods situated in proximity to the city center, characterized by higher population density, often report elevated crime rates. Conversely, the outlying neighborhoods, marked by lower population density and reduced unemployment and poverty rates, tend to experience lower crime incidence. Some neighborhoods with lower crime rates include: Euclid Ave South, Southeast and Central which foster a strong sense of safety. Conversely, neighborhoods such as Euclid Ave North, West and North exhibit crime rates above the average, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive research when evaluating different Helena neighborhoods, given their considerable variation in crime rates.
Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Helena, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 2.5%, which differs from the national average of 4.9%.
In Helena, 90.8% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
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 Helena stands at $473,868, a contrast to the national average of $326,622.
| Item | Helena | Montana | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 75 | 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 West Side, MT | 1,718 | 60 | 227 | 286 |
| Montana City, MT | 2,877 | 67 | 254 | 320 |
| Clancy, MT | 2,040 | 76 | 290 | 367 |
| Helena Valley Northeast, MT | 3,613 | 81 | 308 | 389 |
| South Hills, MT | 604 | 171 | 653 | 825 |
| Helena Valley Northwest, MT | 4,403 | 197 | 749 | 946 |
| Spokane Creek, MT | 450 | 240 | 915 | 1,155 |
| Helena, MT | 33,820 | 514 | 2,582 | 3,096 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Houma, LA | 33,829 | 480 | 2,118 | 2,598 |
| Lewiston, ID | 33,803 | 191 | 1,313 | 1,504 |
| Walla Walla, WA | 33,841 | 284 | 2,214 | 2,498 |
| Pueblo West, CO | 33,798 | 552 | 3,006 | 3,558 |
| Copperas Cove, TX | 33,796 | 330 | 1,343 | 1,673 |
| Helena, MT | 33,820 | 514 | 2,582 | 3,096 |
Here are the best places to live in Montana
Most Dangerous Cities In The US
Safest States In The US
Safest Cities In The US