Montana Is Now 13th in the Nation for Violent Crime

As Montana’s population continues to rise, one thing that often comes with that change is an increase in crime. According to numbers from USAFacts, Montana’s crime rankings are higher than a lot of people might expect. 

Montana’s Alarming Violent Crime Rankings

Based on 2024 FBI data compiled by USAFacts, Montana ranked 13th in the nation for violent crime per capita. That includes offenses like aggravated assault, robbery, rape, and homicide. Montana recorded 424 violent crimes per 100,000 residents in 2024.  

Violent Crime Stats: A Closer Look

For comparison, the national average was 359 violent crimes per 100,000 people, meaning Montana is higher than the national average.  

When it comes to property crime, Montana ranked lower, coming in at 28th nationally. The state recorded 1,617 property crimes per 100,000 residents in 2024.  

Understanding the Property Crime Landscape

That property crime number is actually below the national average of 1,760 per 100,000 people.  

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One thing that may surprise a lot of Montanans is just how high the violent crime ranking is. When people think of states with major violent crime issues, they often picture larger urban states or major metropolitan areas. Because the rankings are calculated per capita, states with smaller populations can rise quickly in the standings. 

Washington D.C. ranks the highest in both violent and property crime. The state with the least amount of violent crime is Maine, with Idaho having the least amount of property crime.

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The good news nationally is that overall crime rates have generally been trending downward in recent years. FBI data shows violent crime across the United States declined in 2024, continuing a broader long-term trend.  

Still, Montana’s position near the top third of the country for violent crime is probably higher than many residents would have guessed.