Hot Springs, MT Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Hot Springs, MT

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 Hot Springs is 57.7% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 1 violent crimes reported in Hot Springs, equivalent to 164 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 55.7%. Additionally, Hot Springs recorded 5 property crimes, amounting to 820 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 58.1%.

In the latest reported crime year, Hot Springs 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.

The United States experiences some of the highest vehicle theft rates in the world, with about 300 vehicle thefts per 100,000 people. In fact, only a small percentage (about 10%) of cities were lucky enough to report no stolen vehicles at all. Hot Springs was one of those cities, as it had no reported vehicle thefts in the most recent crime report.

Is Hot Springs a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Hot Springs 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 Hot Springs crime rate is 58% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.02 crimes per day - 0 violent crimes and 0.01 property crimes.

Potential Causes for Crime in Hot Springs

Hot Springs has a poverty rate that stands at 35.7, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Hot Springs crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.

In Hot Springs, 83.2% of residents have graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of a community can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.

Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Hot Springs, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 0 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.

Hot Springs crime map