| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Plains/100k people | Montana/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 5 | n/a (estimate) | 397 | 2,041 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.7 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 59.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 19.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 342.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 0 | n/a (estimate) | 0 | 424 | 359 |
| Burglary | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 167.2 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 5 | n/a | 396.5 | 1,286.0 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 164.0 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 5 | n/a (estimate) | 397 | 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 Plains crime rate is lower than the national average by 81.3%. Specifically, there were 0 violent crimes in Plains, equivalent to 0 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 100%. Furthermore, Plains recorded 5 property crimes, amounting to 397 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 77.5%.
With a crime rate of 397, significantly below the national average of 2119, Plains stands out as one of the safest places to reside in the United States. This distinction is primarily attributed to the calculation of total crimes, which encompasses both violent and property crimes per 100,000 residents.
In the most recent Plains crime report, it stands out for its remarkable safety record, reporting zero instances of violent crime. Violent crimes are a pivotal measure of a city's overall safety, and in Plains, the absence of such incidents highlights just how safe it is. This underscores this area as an urban environment where residents and visitors can enjoy a high level of safety and peace of mind when it comes to violent crime and overall safety.
Plains 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.
Property crime rates per 100,000 individuals have exhibited a consistent decrease of about 50% since 1990, with a minor upturn observed in recent years. According to the latest crime data, Plains maintains a property crime rate of 397 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly below the national average of 1760. This serves as a strong indication of the status of Plains as a secure and desirable place to reside, emphasizing its commitment to safety and well-being within the community.
The United States contends with some of the globe's most elevated vehicle theft rates, reaching around 300 incidents per 100,000 individuals. Remarkably, merely a small fraction, approximately 10%, of cities have been fortunate enough to remain unscathed by vehicle theft reports. In this regard, Plains stands out as one of those cities, as it reported no vehicle thefts in its most recent crime report.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Plains a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Plains crime rate is 81% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.01 crimes per day - 0 violent crimes and 0.01 property crimes.
Plains has a poverty rate that stands at 19.8, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Plains crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.
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 Plains, the cost of living is 7.06% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Plains, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 0, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.

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| Item | Plains | Montana | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 3 | 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 |
| Hot Springs, MT | 646 | 472 | 629 | 1,101 |
| St. Regis, MT | 215 | 569 | 2,171 | 2,740 |
| Paradise, MT | 118 | 596 | 2,271 | 2,867 |
| Camas, MT | 91 | 632 | 2,412 | 3,044 |
| Plains, MT | 1,039 | 0 | 397 | 397 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Chapmanville, WV | 1,039 | 88 | 412 | 500 |
| Carlton, MN | 1,039 | 112 | 700 | 812 |
| Eden Valley, MN | 1,039 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Linton, ND | 1,039 | 119 | 790 | 910 |
| Lakeview, WA | 1,040 | 143 | 1,083 | 1,226 |
| Plains, MT | 1,039 | 0 | 397 | 397 |