| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Sidney/100k people | Montana/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 91 | n/a (estimate) | 1,500 | 2,337 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 16.5 | 4.5 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 4 | n/a | 65.9 | 54.4 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 23.3 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 24 | n/a | 395.6 | 335.7 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 29 | n/a (estimate) | 478 | 418 | 370 |
| Burglary | 14 | n/a | 230.8 | 200.3 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 46 | n/a | 758.3 | 1,495.7 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 2 | n/a | 33.0 | 222.6 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 62 | n/a (estimate) | 1,022 | 1,919 | 1,954 |
The Sidney crime rates are 35.5% lower 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 29 violent crimes in Sidney (478 per 100,000 people), which is 29.3% higher than the national average and there were a total of 62 property crimes (1022 per 100,000 residents) which is 47.7% lower than average.
Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. Sidney is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 1 murders in Sidney, which equates to 16 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Sidney being a very dangerous place to live.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Sidney residents. Out of the respondents (9 in total), 44% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Sidney were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 56% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Sidney, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Sidney presents a total crime rate that is 35% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Sidney experiences an average of 0.25 daily crimes, comprising 0.08 violent incidents and 0.17 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Sidney. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Sidney has decreased by 10.8%. Violent crimes have decreased by 12.1%, while property crimes have decreased by 10.1%. 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.
Sidney has a population density of 1931.9 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 90.6 people per square mile. High population density cities are often large urban hubs teeming with diverse economic opportunities. Within these environments, income disparities can become pronounced, leading to higher poverty levels. This economic divide may contribute to an uptick in property crimes and, occasionally, violent crimes. In contrast, areas characterized by low population density typically exhibit lower Sidney crime rates.
In cities grappling with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves needing to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, elevating stress levels and potentially fueling domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. Sidney has a median home price of $241,200, deviating from the national average of $184,700. Large disparities in housing costs can significantly impact the well-being of residents and the prevalence of crime within the community.
Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Sidney, the average monthly rent stands at $771, while the national average is $949 per month.
| Item | Sidney | 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 |
| Fairview, MT | 985 | 350 | 1,399 | 1,748 |
| East Fairview, ND | 93 | 290 | 2,063 | 2,353 |
| Crane, MT | 247 | 489 | 2,246 | 2,735 |
| Sidney, MT | 6,351 | 478 | 1,022 | 1,500 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Waveland, MS | 6,352 | 72 | 1,460 | 1,532 |
| Champion Heights, OH | 6,354 | 255 | 1,544 | 1,799 |
| Ramtown, NJ | 6,354 | 166 | 1,159 | 1,325 |
| Village of Oak Creek (Big Park), AZ | 6,348 | 140 | 669 | 810 |
| Johnsburg, IL | 6,354 | 94 | 860 | 954 |
| Sidney, MT | 6,351 | 478 | 1,022 | 1,500 |
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