Is Belgrade or Billings Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Belgrade is safer than Billings (Safety Score 56/100 vs 10/100), with a total crime rate of 1,494 per 100,000 versus 3,832 for Billings — 61% lower. Belgrade has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Belgrade has a 91% lower rate.
Note: Billings is 9.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Belgrade — 3-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Billings — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Belgrade, MT
Billings, MT
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Belgrade | Billings | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,494.2 | 3,832.0 | -2,337.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 341.3 | 748.5 | -407.2 |
| Murder Rate | 7.6 | 7.4 | +0.2 |
| Rape Rate | 60.7 | 78.6 | -17.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 7.6 | 86.0 | -78.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 265.5 | 574.1 | -308.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,152.9 | 3,083.4 | -1,930.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 53.1 | 364.4 | -311.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 970.9 | 2,299.7 | -1,328.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 128.9 | 419.3 | -290.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Belgrade or Billings safer?
Belgrade is safer with a total crime rate of 1,494 per 100K vs 3,832 for Billings — a 61% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Belgrade has a violent crime rate of 341.3 per 100K while Billings has 748.5. Belgrade has lower violent crime.
About Belgrade, MT
Belgrade, Montana, once known as "The Wheat Center," sits in the Gallatin Valley. This growing community, home to a diverse population, is near Bozeman. With a safety score of 56/100 and a population coverage of 13,184, Belgrade has a total crime rate of 1,494.2 per 100,000 residents.
About Billings, MT
Billings, Montana's largest city, sits on the Yellowstone River, a hub for the region's agricultural and energy industries. Founded as a railroad town, its history is deeply tied to westward expansion. The city is a growing metropolitan area with a diverse economy. With a safety score of 10/100 and a population coverage of 122,105, Billings has a total crime rate of 3,832.0 per 100,000 residents.