Kalispell, MT Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Kalispell, MT

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Kalispell is 33.7% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Kalispell, there were 138 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 498 per 100,000 individuals, 34.7% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 723 property crimes, amounting to 2609 per 100,000 residents, 33.5% higher than the U.S. average.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Kalispell?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Kalispell residents. Out of the respondents (18 in total), 44% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Kalispell were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 56% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Kalispell a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Kalispell 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 Kalispell crime rate is 34% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 2.36 crimes per day - 0.38 violent crimes and 1.98 property crimes.

Has Crime in Kalispell Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Kalispell has increased by 17.1%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Kalispell, 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 increased by 29%, while property crime has increased by 15.1%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Kalispell is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Kalispell

Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Kalispell, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 4.2%, which differs from the national average of 4.7%.

In Kalispell, 89.8% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city 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.

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 Kalispell is $242,500, compared to a national average of $184,700.

Kalispell crime map