Missoula County Crime & Safety

Missoula County, Montana

Safety Score

7/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

3111.1

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

515.4

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

2595.7

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

7/100

Higher = safer

State avg 59/100

State Safety Rank

#52

of 56 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Missoula County, Montana

Missoula’s Crime Rate and National Context

Missoula County’s total crime rate of 3,111.1 per 100,000 is higher than the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a safety score of 95.1 out of 100. While it is more active than surrounding rural areas, it remains safer than many large metropolitan counties nationwide.

A High-Activity County in Montana

The county’s crime rate is nearly triple the Montana state average of 1,112.5 per 100,000. Its safety score of 95.1 is also lower than the state average of 98.2. As an urban center, Missoula experiences higher incident volumes than most of the state.

Missoula vs Surrounding Jurisdictions

Missoula County has the highest crime rate in the region, far exceeding Mineral County’s 1,289.7 and Lewis and Clark’s 2,490.0. The high concentration of people and businesses leads to more reports than in nearby rural districts. It acts as the primary enforcement hub for Western Montana.

Breakdown of Local Crime Stats

Property crime is the major driver here, with a rate of 2,595.7 per 100,000, which is higher than the national average. Violent crime sits at 515.4 per 100,000, also exceeding national figures. Three reporting agencies provide comprehensive data for these 2022 statistics.

Protecting Your Assets in Missoula

With property crime rates above the national average, Missoula residents should prioritize home and vehicle security. Use high-quality locks, alarm systems, and avoid leaving valuables in plain sight. Active neighborhood involvement is a powerful tool for reducing local crime.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Missoula County, MT?

Missoula County has a total crime rate of 3111.1 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (515.4 per 100K) and property crimes (2595.7 per 100K).

Is Missoula County, MT safe?

Missoula County has a safety score of 7/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #52 out of 56 counties in Montana for safety (1 = safest).

How does Missoula County crime compare to the Montana average?

What types of crime are most common in Missoula County?

How is crime data measured and reported for Missoula County?

Crime data for Missoula 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 Missoula County?

Missoula County has a safety score of 7/100, 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.