Billings, Montana, the largest city in the state, is a thriving center for business, culture, and tourism.
However, when considering the safety aspect of residing in or visiting this city, it is essential to take into account the latest crime statistics.
Billings exhibits a comparatively high crime rate in contrast to national and state averages, with significant variations observed among different neighborhoods.
The city exhibits a concerning total crime rate of 5,617.4 per 100,000 individuals, surpassing the national average by 139.45% and the state average by 116.83%.
These figures indicate that Billings experiences a higher incidence of criminal activities per capita compared to numerous cities across the nation and within Montana.
This crime rate encompasses various categories, including violent crimes such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, as well as property crimes like burglary, theft, and arson.
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The likelihood of experiencing violent or property crime is higher compared to the state average and national average.
The overall chance of being a victim is one in 19, whereas the state average stands at one in 32 and the national average at one in 40.
It’s important to note that the level of risk varies across different areas of Billings.
The northwest region of the city has the lowest crime rate, at 2,837.9 incidents per 100,000 individuals.
Conversely, the east part of Billings is considered the most hazardous, with a crime rate of 9,869.8 per 100,000 people.
The city also, experiences a significant issue with motor vehicle theft, making it one of the most prevalent crimes in the area.
Based on data and analysis from NeighborhoodScout, a reputable source for crime statistics, Billings ranks among the highest in the country for motor vehicle theft rates.
In 2020 alone, there were 1,026 reported cases of motor vehicle theft, resulting in a staggering rate of 1,012.4 incidents per 100,000 individuals.
Comparatively, this rate is over four times greater than the national average of 219.9 incidents per 100,000 people.
Homicide is a significant crime that has a notable impact on the city of Billings.
In 2020, it witnessed a rise in the number of homicides, with a total of 10 cases reported, compared to the previous year’s count of seven.
This increase in homicides resulted in a homicide rate of 9.9 per 100,000 people.
It is worth noting that this rate surpasses both the state average of 3.7 per 100,000 people and the national average of 5 per 100,000 people.
The City of Billings acknowledges the presence of crime within its jurisdiction and is actively implementing measures to combat it.
In order to keep residents informed, the city offers a comprehensive crime mapping service enabling individuals to access up-to-date information on recent criminal activities in specific neighborhoods and subscribe to email alerts.
To foster community engagement and address local concerns, the city has established nine distinct neighborhood task force areas that convene on a regular basis.
These meetings serve as platforms for discussions pertaining to the unique challenges faced by each neighborhood.
To facilitate effective communication and promote crime awareness and prevention, the Billings Police Department designates a dedicated sergeant to liaise with residents in each area, providing valuable insights into crime patterns and proactive strategies.
The Billings Police Department underwent a thorough evaluation conducted by the Center for Public Safety Management in 2021.
The evaluation report analyzed the department’s performance and operations, offering valuable recommendations for enhancement.
Key recommendations encompassed augmenting staffing levels, fostering active community engagement, implementing data-centric policing strategies, enhancing training and supervision protocols, and modernizing policies and procedures for optimal effectiveness.
Billings, Montana is a dynamic and thriving city, providing a plethora of prospects and attractions for both its inhabitants and tourists.
Nonetheless, the city encounters certain hurdles concerning crime and safety.
To fully relish the abundant offerings of Billings while reducing the likelihood of falling victim to criminal activities, it is imperative to remain cognizant of the crime statistics and adopt precautionary measures.
