| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Laurel/100k people | Montana/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 298 | n/a (estimate) | 4,148 | 2,041 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.7 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 3 | n/a | 41.8 | 59.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 19.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 36 | n/a | 501.0 | 342.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 39 | n/a (estimate) | 543 | 424 | 359 |
| Burglary | 7 | n/a | 97.4 | 167.2 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 241 | n/a | 3,354.2 | 1,286.0 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 11 | n/a | 153.1 | 164.0 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 259 | n/a (estimate) | 3,605 | 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 Laurel crime rate is higher than the national average by 95.7%. Specifically, there were 39 violent crimes in Laurel, equivalent to 543 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 51.2%. Furthermore, Laurel recorded 259 property crimes, amounting to 3605 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 104.8%.
Laurel has a crime rate of 4148 per 100,000 people, which surpasses the national average by 95.71%, 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 Laurel. 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.
In the most recently reported crime year, Laurel registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.
Laurel has some of the highest property crime rates in the country with 3605 crimes per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all American cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of property crime in Laurel is 1 in 28, which is far higher than the national average.
To determine if Laurel 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. Laurel has a total crime rate that is 96% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.82 daily crimes (0.11 violent daily crimes and 0.71 daily property crimes) in Laurel.
Year-over-year crime rates in Laurel has increased by 15.5% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Laurel 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 18.8%, while property crime has increased by 23.3%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Laurel.
In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Laurel currently has an unemployment rate of 1.8%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.
Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Laurel crime rates. For instance, in Laurel, the population density stands at 3251.1 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
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 Laurel are $1,247, compared to a national average of $1,444 per month.
| Item | Laurel | Montana | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 12 | 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 |
| Park City, MT | 1,129 | 156 | 594 | 750 |
| Edgar, MT | 152 | 440 | 1,679 | 2,120 |
| Joliet, MT | 655 | 484 | 1,844 | 2,328 |
| Billings, MT | 113,244 | 746 | 3,083 | 3,829 |
| Laurel, MT | 6,995 | 543 | 3,605 | 4,148 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| St. Albans, VT | 6,995 | 992 | 12,403 | 13,395 |
| Taneytown, MD | 6,995 | 379 | 1,849 | 2,228 |
| Mount Healthy, OH | 6,996 | 470 | 2,423 | 2,893 |
| Mira Monte, CA | 6,999 | 207 | 883 | 1,090 |
| Marble Falls, TX | 6,990 | 323 | 1,885 | 2,208 |
| Laurel, MT | 6,995 | 543 | 3,605 | 4,148 |