Helena, MT Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Helena, MT

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Helena crime rate is higher than the national average by 70.6%. Specifically, there were 256 violent crimes in Helena, equivalent to 755 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 104.2%. Furthermore, Helena recorded 1088 property crimes, amounting to 3210 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 64.2%.

With a violent crime rate of 755 crimes per 100,000 residents, Helena is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. In fact, Helena ranks in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported violent crime last year. This translates into a 1 in 133 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. Keep in mind that some areas will be safer than others and this doesn't necessarily mean that the entire city suffers from a high violent crime rate.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Helena?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Helena residents. Out of the respondents (64 in total), 39% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Helena were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 61% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Helena a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Helena 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. Helena has a total crime rate that is 71% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 3.68 daily crimes (0.7 violent daily crimes and 2.98 daily property crimes) in Helena.

Has Crime in Helena Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Helena crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Helena has increased by 0.8% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 8.9% and property crime has increased by 0.9%.

Helena Neighborhood Crime Rates

The Helena region comprises an array of over 6 distinct neighborhoods, each characterized by its unique crime rate influenced by factors including location and socioeconomic conditions. Typically, neighborhoods situated near the city center or downtown core exhibit higher crime rates owing to their higher population density. Conversely, neighborhoods on the city's outskirts tend to boast lower population density, along with reduced unemployment and poverty rates, contributing to a safer environment. Among the secure neighborhoods in Helena are exemplars such as Euclid Ave South, Southeast and Central, whereas Euclid Ave North, North and West grapple with an above-average reported crime rate. This underscores the necessity for thorough evaluation across multiple neighborhoods, given their notable variations in crime rates.

Potential Causes for Crime in Helena

In Helena, the cost of living is 3.78% lower than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.

Helena has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 0 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.

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 Helena are $845, compared to a national average of $949 per month.

Helena crime map