Is Kalispell or Missoula Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Kalispell is safer than Missoula (Safety Score 28/100 vs 7/100), with a total crime rate of 2,519 per 100,000 versus 4,226 for Missoula — 40% lower. Kalispell has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Kalispell has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Missoula is 2.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Kalispell — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Missoula — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Kalispell, MT
Missoula, MT
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Kalispell | Missoula | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,519.4 | 4,226.3 | -1,706.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 292.9 | 596.9 | -304.0 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.5 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 44.1 | 106.5 | -62.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 6.3 | 45.6 | -39.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 242.5 | 442.3 | -199.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,226.5 | 3,629.4 | -1,402.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 126.0 | 323.2 | -197.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,971.4 | 3,108.6 | -1,137.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 129.1 | 197.7 | -68.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kalispell or Missoula safer?
Kalispell is safer with a total crime rate of 2,519 per 100K vs 4,226 for Missoula — a 40% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Kalispell has a violent crime rate of 292.9 per 100K while Missoula has 596.9. Kalispell has lower violent crime.
About Kalispell, MT
Nestled in the Flathead Valley, Kalispell serves as a gateway to Glacier National Park. This city, named for a Salish term meaning "flat land above," is home to over 25,000 residents and is a regional hub for healthcare and commerce. With a safety score of 28/100 and a population coverage of 31,754, Kalispell has a total crime rate of 2,519.4 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.