Whitefish, MT Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Whitefish, MT

When we analyze the latest crime report, the Whitefish crime rate is 7.8% lower 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 Whitefish, there were 25 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 272 per 100,000 individuals, 26.4% lower than the national average. Additionally, Whitefish recorded 172 property crimes, amounting to 1872 per 100,000 residents, 4.2% lower than the U.S. average.

When assessing the total crime rate in Whitefish 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 within Whitefish, underscores the close alignment of reported crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.

In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Whitefish reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.

Whitefish has a property crime rate that closely mirrors the national average. There were a total of 1872 property crimes in Whitefish, while the national average was 1954 per 100,000 people. This results in the area being no safer or more dangerous than the average city.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Whitefish?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Whitefish. Based on the results of the surveys (7 responses), 71% of people felt that there was very little crime in Whitefish and felt safe walking alone at night. While 29% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Whitefish a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Whitefish, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Whitefish presents a total crime rate that is 8% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Whitefish experiences an average of 0.54 daily crimes, comprising 0.07 violent incidents and 0.47 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 Whitefish Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Whitefish has increased by 71.3% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Whitefish is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 66.7%, while property crime has increased by 72%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Whitefish.

Potential Causes for Crime in Whitefish

In Whitefish, the current unemployment rate stands at 2.9%, 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 Whitefish crime rates.

Whitefish 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.

In Whitefish, the average rental rates are $1,034 per month, compared to the national average of $949. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.

Whitefish crime map