Billings, MT Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Billings, MT

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Billings crime rate is 125.7% higher than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Billings, there were 1095 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 929 per 100,000 individuals, 151.2% higher than the national average. Additionally, Billings recorded 5088 property crimes, amounting to 4317 per 100,000 residents, 120.9% higher than the U.S. average.

Billings has a crime rate of 5246 per 100,000 people, which surpasses the national average by 125.7%, leading to one of the highest total crime rates in the United States. Addressing this issue is vital for improving overall safety and desirability of Billings. Efforts to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative initiatives are essential to create a more secure and appealing environment for residents and prospective newcomers alike.

Billings ranks among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting violent crime, earning its reputation as one of the nation's most dangerous areas. With a violent crime rate of 929 per 100,000 people, Billings is considered one of the most unsafe cities in America. This statistic translates to a 1 in 108 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Billings, underscoring the need for increased safety measures and community engagement to improve the city's security.

While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Billings ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Billings, there were a total of 13 murders, translating to 11 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.

Billings reports one of the nation's highest property crime rates, with 4317 incidents per 100,000 people, positioning it among the worst 10% of American cities reporting crime. This unfortunate statistic translates to a 1 in 24 chance of falling victim to property crime in Billings, significantly surpassing the national average. These figures underscore the city's challenges in combating property-related offenses, necessitating a concerted effort to enhance security and community safety.

The occurrence of vehicle thefts has been increasing nationwide, and Billings faces one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the United States. In the latest reported crime year, there were a reported 801 vehicle thefts, translating to 680 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Billings in the bottom 10% among all cities, signifying that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The likelihood of experiencing a vehicle theft is 1 in 148.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Billings?

AreaVibes surveyed 91 local residents in Billings to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 31% of people answered that there was very little crime in Billings and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 69% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.

Is Billings a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Billings, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Billings presents a total crime rate that is 126% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Billings experiences an average of 16.94 daily crimes, comprising 3 violent incidents and 13.94 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Billings Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Billings has decreased by 3.8%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Billings, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has decreased by 5.8%, while property crime has decreased by 3.4%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Billings is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Billings

In Billings, the current unemployment rate stands at 2.4%, diverging from the national average of 4.7%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Billings crime rates.

Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, 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 Billings, the cost of living is 4.55% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Billings is $233,700, compared to a national average of $184,700.

Billings crime map