| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Laurel/100k people | Montana/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 267 | n/a (estimate) | 3,740 | 2,337 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 4.5 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 28.0 | 54.4 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 2 | n/a | 28.0 | 23.3 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 28 | n/a | 392.2 | 335.7 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 32 | n/a (estimate) | 448 | 418 | 370 |
| Burglary | 7 | n/a | 98.1 | 200.3 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 216 | n/a | 3,025.6 | 1,495.7 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 12 | n/a | 168.1 | 222.6 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 235 | n/a (estimate) | 3,292 | 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 Laurel is 60.9% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 32 violent crimes reported in Laurel, equivalent to 448 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 21.2%. Additionally, Laurel recorded 235 property crimes, amounting to 3292 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 68.4%.
Laurel 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.
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 61% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.73 daily crimes (0.09 violent daily crimes and 0.64 daily property crimes) in Laurel.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Laurel. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Laurel has increased by 3.5%. Violent crimes have decreased by 33.3%, while property crimes have increased by 11.9%. 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 well-being of a city's residents plays a significant role in crime rates. High poverty rates and income inequality can lead to increased crime stats as individuals may resort to illegal activities to meet their basic needs. While lower rates could lead to a lower Laurel crime rate. The poverty level in Laurel is 5.8%, while the national average is 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 Laurel crime rates. Laurel registers a population density of 3125.8 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
In Laurel, 87.2% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city 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.
| 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 |
| Edgar, MT | 148 | 464 | 2,128 | 2,592 |
| Park City, MT | 1,090 | 472 | 2,166 | 2,638 |
| Joliet, MT | 633 | 551 | 2,532 | 3,083 |
| Billings, MT | 109,705 | 929 | 4,317 | 5,246 |
| Laurel, MT | 6,797 | 448 | 3,292 | 3,740 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Cullowhee, NC | 6,798 | 400 | 2,038 | 2,438 |
| St. Albans, VT | 6,796 | 570 | 3,660 | 4,230 |
| West Slope, OR | 6,799 | 121 | 1,035 | 1,156 |
| Lochbuie, CO | 6,795 | 561 | 3,587 | 4,147 |
| Kirtland, OH | 6,801 | 0 | 58 | 58 |
| Laurel, MT | 6,797 | 448 | 3,292 | 3,740 |
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