Is Missoula or New York City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, New York City is safer than Missoula (Safety Score 19/100 vs 7/100), with a total crime rate of 3,040 per 100,000 versus 4,226 for Missoula — 28% lower. Missoula has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Missoula has a 76% lower rate.
Note: New York City is 105.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Missoula — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
New York City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Missoula, MT
New York City, NY
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Missoula | New York City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,226.3 | 3,039.7 | +1,186.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 596.9 | 671.4 | -74.6 |
| Murder Rate | 2.5 | 3.9 | -1.4 |
| Rape Rate | 106.5 | 23.4 | +83.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 45.6 | 187.5 | -141.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 442.3 | 456.2 | -14.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,629.4 | 2,368.3 | +1,261.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 323.2 | 154.7 | +168.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,108.6 | 2,015.0 | +1,093.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 197.7 | 198.5 | -0.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Missoula or New York City safer?
New York City is safer with a total crime rate of 3,040 per 100K vs 4,226 for Missoula — a 28% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Missoula has a violent crime rate of 596.9 per 100K while New York City has 671.4. Missoula has lower violent crime.
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.
About New York City, NY
New York City, a global financial hub, sits at the mouth of the Hudson River. Home to the iconic Statue of Liberty, its five boroughs house over 8 million people, making it the most populous city in the United States. With a safety score of 19/100 and a population coverage of 8,299,271, New York City has a total crime rate of 3,039.7 per 100,000 residents.