| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Whitefish/100k people | Montana/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 117 | n/a (estimate) | 1,213 | 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 | 12 | n/a | 124.4 | 342.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 12 | n/a (estimate) | 124 | 424 | 359 |
| Burglary | 2 | n/a | 20.7 | 167.2 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 96 | n/a | 995.0 | 1,286.0 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 7 | n/a | 72.6 | 164.0 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 105 | n/a (estimate) | 1,088 | 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 Whitefish is 42.8% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 12 violent crimes reported in Whitefish, equivalent to 124 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 65.4%. Additionally, Whitefish recorded 105 property crimes, amounting to 1088 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 38.2%.
In the latest reported crime year, Whitefish recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Whitefish. Based on the results of the surveys (7 responses), 71% of people felt that there was very little crime in Whitefish and felt safe walking alone at night. While 29% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To determine if Whitefish 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. Whitefish has a total crime rate that is 43% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.32 daily crimes (0.03 violent daily crimes and 0.29 daily property crimes) in Whitefish.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Whitefish. 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 Whitefish has increased by 1.7%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 20%, while property crime has increased by 5%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Whitefish.
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 Whitefish crime rates. For instance, in Whitefish, the population density stands at 1251.4 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Whitefish, the cost of living is 28.72% higher than the national average.
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 Whitefish, 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.
| Item | Whitefish | Montana | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 21 | 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 |
| Helena Flats, MT | 1,251 | 120 | 458 | 579 |
| Evergreen, MT | 8,660 | 378 | 1,441 | 1,819 |
| Columbia Falls, MT | 5,854 | 274 | 1,593 | 1,867 |
| Coram, MT | 310 | 454 | 1,730 | 2,184 |
| Kalispell, MT | 24,848 | 293 | 2,226 | 2,519 |
| Hungry Horse, MT | 669 | 685 | 2,613 | 3,298 |
| Whitefish, MT | 8,333 | 124 | 1,088 | 1,213 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Monona, WI | 8,334 | 35 | 3,137 | 3,172 |
| Fairwood CDP (Spokane County), WA | 8,331 | 322 | 2,438 | 2,760 |
| Downingtown, PA | 8,331 | 95 | 2,090 | 2,185 |
| Alliance, NE | 8,330 | 237 | 885 | 1,122 |
| Hempstead, TX | 8,329 | 433 | 1,503 | 1,936 |
| Whitefish, MT | 8,333 | 124 | 1,088 | 1,213 |
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