Dawson County Crime & Safety

Dawson County, Montana

Safety Score

57/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

Average

Total Crime Rate

987.1

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

302.9

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

684.2

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

57/100

Higher = safer

State avg 59/100

State Safety Rank

#30

of 56 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Dawson County, Montana

Dawson County Offers Strong Protection

Dawson County boasts a safety score of 98.4, reflecting a total crime rate of only 987.1 per 100,000. This is remarkably lower than the national average of 2,385.5, indicating a very secure local environment.

Leading the State in Public Safety

Dawson County is safer than the average Montana county, with a crime rate of 987.1 compared to the state average of 1,112.5. Its safety score matches the high standards of neighboring Custer County.

Steady Safety in the Region

Dawson County's crime rate of 987.1 is slightly lower than Custer County's 1,011.9, showing regional consistency in safety. Both counties perform significantly better than the state's larger urban hubs.

Violent Crime Remains Relatively Low

The violent crime rate of 302.9 per 100,000 is below the national average of 369.8. Property crime makes up the bulk of local reports at 684.2, though this is still a fraction of the national property crime rate of 2,015.7.

Proactive Steps for Homeowners

Because property crime is the most common local issue, residents should ensure homes and vehicles are always locked. Simple deterrents like visible security cameras can help keep Dawson County's crime rates trending downward.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Dawson County, MT?

Dawson County has a total crime rate of 987.1 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (302.9 per 100K) and property crimes (684.2 per 100K).

Is Dawson County, MT safe?

Dawson County has a safety score of 57/100, rated "Average". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #30 out of 56 counties in Montana for safety (1 = safest).

How does Dawson County crime compare to the Montana average?

Dawson County is safer than the average Montana county, with a crime rate of 987.1 compared to the state average of 1,112.5. Its safety score matches the high standards of neighboring Custer County.

What types of crime are most common in Dawson County?

How is crime data measured and reported for Dawson County?

Crime data for Dawson County comes from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. Local law enforcement agencies submit data on violent crimes (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) and property crimes (burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft) to the FBI. Rates are calculated per 100,000 residents to allow fair comparison between counties of different sizes. The safety score (0-100) is derived from these rates, with higher scores indicating safer counties.

What is being done about crime in Dawson County?

Dawson County has a safety score of 57/100, which is below the Montana average of 59/100. Many counties with above-average crime rates invest in community policing, crime prevention programs, neighborhood watch initiatives, and social services aimed at reducing crime over time.