Is Billings or Missoula Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Billings is safer than Missoula (Safety Score 10/100 vs 7/100), with a total crime rate of 3,832 per 100,000 versus 4,226 for Missoula — 9% lower. Billings has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Missoula has a 66% lower rate.
Billings — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Missoula — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Billings, MT
Missoula, MT
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Billings | Missoula | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,832.0 | 4,226.3 | -394.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 748.5 | 596.9 | +151.7 |
| Murder Rate | 7.4 | 2.5 | +4.8 |
| Rape Rate | 78.6 | 106.5 | -27.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 86.0 | 45.6 | +40.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 574.1 | 442.3 | +131.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,083.4 | 3,629.4 | -546.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 364.4 | 323.2 | +41.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,299.7 | 3,108.6 | -808.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 419.3 | 197.7 | +221.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Billings or Missoula safer?
Billings is safer with a total crime rate of 3,832 per 100K vs 4,226 for Missoula — a 9% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Billings has a violent crime rate of 748.5 per 100K while Missoula has 596.9. Missoula has lower violent crime.
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.
About Missoula, MT
Missoula, a vibrant university town in western Montana, is nestled in the Rocky Mountains at the confluence of three rivers. Home to the University of Montana, it boasts a youthful population and a strong appreciation for outdoor recreation and arts. With a safety score of 7/100 and a population coverage of 78,911, Missoula has a total crime rate of 4,226.3 per 100,000 residents.