Columbia Falls, MT Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Columbia Falls, MT

The Columbia Falls crime rates are 1.3% higher 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 15 violent crimes in Columbia Falls (262 per 100,000 people), which is 29.3% lower than the national average and there were a total of 120 property crimes (2093 per 100,000 residents) which is 7.1% higher than average.

When assessing the overall crime rate in Columbia Falls per 100,000 people, it stands in the median range among all cities with reported crime data. Our analysis of total incidents, encompassing both violent and property crimes, underscores the close alignment of reported Columbia Falls crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.

During the most recently reported crime year, Columbia Falls experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.

Columbia Falls maintains a property crime rate that closely resembles the national norm. In Columbia Falls, 2093 property crimes were reported, aligning with the national average of 1954 per 100,000 individuals. Consequently, the area's safety profile stands on par with the average city, neither significantly safer nor more dangerous. This consistency underscores a balanced commitment to community safety and security, providing residents with a stable and reassuring living environment.

Is Columbia Falls a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Columbia Falls 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 Columbia Falls crime rate is 1% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.37 crimes per day - 0.04 violent crimes and 0.33 property crimes.

Has Crime in Columbia Falls Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Columbia Falls. 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 Columbia Falls has increased by 25%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 21.1%, while property crime has increased by 34.8%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Columbia Falls.

Potential Causes for Crime in Columbia Falls

In Columbia Falls, the current unemployment rate stands at 3.3%, 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 Columbia Falls crime rates.

Columbia Falls has a population density of 2519 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Columbia Falls crime rates.

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 Columbia Falls, the cost of living is 7.95% lower than the national average.

Columbia Falls crime map