Powell County Crime & Safety

Powell County, Montana

Safety Score

48/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

Average

Total Crime Rate

1157.5

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

528.7

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

628.8

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

48/100

Higher = safer

State avg 59/100

State Safety Rank

#38

of 56 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Powell County, Montana

Powell County Matches National Safety Trends

Powell County reports a total crime rate of 1,157.5 per 100,000 residents, which is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a solid safety score of 98.2. Residents benefit from a rural environment that is statistically much safer than the U.S. average.

A Perfect Reflection of Montana Safety

Powell County’s safety score of 98.2 exactly matches the Montana state average. Its total crime rate of 1,157.5 is only slightly higher than the state average of 1,112.5. This makes Powell County a quintessential example of Montana’s overall safety profile.

Comparing Local Safety to Neighbors

Powell County has a slightly higher crime rate than Pondera County, which sits at 1,085.7. However, it is significantly safer than Park County, which reports 1,697.5 crimes per 100,000 residents. Local law enforcement keeps the county competitive within the regional safety landscape.

Analyzing Local Crime Categories

Violent crime in Powell County is 528.7, which is higher than both the state average (261.3) and national average (369.8). However, property crime is very low at 628.8, compared to the national average of 2,015.7. This indicates that while property is secure, personal safety requires more attention.

Prioritizing Safety and Awareness

With violent crime rates trending higher than property crime, personal awareness is a key safety strategy. Installing security cameras and ensuring outdoor areas are well-lit can help maintain the county's low property crime rate. Active participation in neighborhood watch programs can improve overall security.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Powell County, MT?

Powell County has a total crime rate of 1157.5 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (528.7 per 100K) and property crimes (628.8 per 100K).

Is Powell County, MT safe?

Powell County has a safety score of 48/100, rated "Average". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #38 out of 56 counties in Montana for safety (1 = safest).

How does Powell County crime compare to the Montana average?

What types of crime are most common in Powell County?

How is crime data measured and reported for Powell County?

Crime data for Powell 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 Powell County?

Powell County has a safety score of 48/100, 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.