Is Helena or Missoula Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Helena is safer than Missoula (Safety Score 18/100 vs 7/100), with a total crime rate of 3,096 per 100,000 versus 4,226 for Missoula — 27% lower. Helena has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Helena has a 38% lower rate.
Note: Missoula is 2.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Helena — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Missoula — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Helena, MT
Missoula, MT
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Helena | Missoula | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,096.1 | 4,226.3 | -1,130.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 513.7 | 596.9 | -83.2 |
| Murder Rate | 2.8 | 2.5 | +0.3 |
| Rape Rate | 116.4 | 106.5 | +9.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 28.4 | 45.6 | -17.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 366.1 | 442.3 | -76.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,582.4 | 3,629.4 | -1,047.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 232.7 | 323.2 | -90.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,210.7 | 3,108.6 | -897.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 139.1 | 197.7 | -58.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Helena or Missoula safer?
Helena is safer with a total crime rate of 3,096 per 100K vs 4,226 for Missoula — a 27% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Helena has a violent crime rate of 513.7 per 100K while Missoula has 596.9. Helena has lower violent crime.
About Helena, MT
Helena, Montana's capital, sits in the Prickly Pear Valley surrounded by the eastern front of the Rocky Mountains. Founded during the 1864 gold rush, its population is around 32,000. With a safety score of 18/100 and a population coverage of 35,238, Helena has a total crime rate of 3,096.1 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.