| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Polson/100k people | Montana/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 237 | n/a (estimate) | 4,107 | 2,041 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 17.3 | 2.7 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 34.7 | 59.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 17.3 | 19.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 53 | n/a | 918.5 | 342.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 57 | n/a (estimate) | 988 | 424 | 359 |
| Burglary | 12 | n/a | 208.0 | 167.2 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 148 | n/a | 2,565.0 | 1,286.0 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 20 | n/a | 346.6 | 164.0 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 180 | n/a (estimate) | 3,120 | 1,617 | 1,760 |
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 Polson is 93.8% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 57 violent crimes reported in Polson, equivalent to 988 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 175.1%. Additionally, Polson recorded 180 property crimes, amounting to 3120 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 77.2%.
In Polson, the crime rate stands at 4107 per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national average by 93.82%. 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 Polson 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.
Polson has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, given its alarming violent crime rate of 988 crimes per 100,000 people. In fact, Polson falls within the lowest 10% among cities reporting violent crimes last year, resulting in a concerning 1 in 102 likelihood of experiencing a violent crime. It's important to note that safety levels may vary across different areas within the city, and this statistic doesn't necessarily reflect the entire city's situation regarding violent crime.
Although the murder rates in America have decreased steadily since 1990, over the last few years there has been an uptick. Polson has one of the highest murder rates in the country when compared to all other cities that reported crime in the U.S. There were a total of 1 murders in Polson, which is 17 murders per 100,000 people.
What do the local residents think about crime in Polson? Well, based on a recent survey of 8 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 0% of Polson residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 100% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Is Polson a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Polson has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 94%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.65 daily incidents, encompassing 0.16 violent crimes and 0.49 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Polson as a potential place to call home.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Polson. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Polson has decreased by 12.2%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 9.5%, while property crime has decreased by 13%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Polson.
Polson has a poverty rate of 12.3, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.
Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Polson, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 0 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.
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 Polson are $1,162, compared to a national average of $1,444 per month.
| Item | Polson | Montana | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 11 | 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 |
| Lindisfarne, MT | 474 | 171 | 653 | 825 |
| Finley Point, MT | 497 | 207 | 790 | 997 |
| Dayton, MT | 114 | 230 | 877 | 1,107 |
| Pablo, MT | 2,112 | 253 | 967 | 1,220 |
| Ronan, MT | 1,848 | 535 | 2,720 | 3,255 |
| Polson, MT | 5,165 | 988 | 3,120 | 4,107 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Rainsville, AL | 5,165 | 17 | 427 | 445 |
| Pinehurst, TX | 5,165 | 629 | 853 | 1,482 |
| East Quogue, NY | 5,165 | 124 | 559 | 683 |
| Swoyersville, PA | 5,165 | 159 | 655 | 814 |
| Belleview, FL | 5,163 | 425 | 3,010 | 3,435 |
| Polson, MT | 5,165 | 988 | 3,120 | 4,107 |
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