Top 10 Montana Counties With The Highest Crime Rates In The State

When it comes to crime in Montana, there are certain areas that are more dangerous than others.  Of course, when you talk about crime, most people associate it with bigger towns and cities.

However, according to data that was released in the Ravalli Republic, that's not necessarily the case here in the Treasure State. The research looks at crime per capita throughout the counties in Montana and the data is based on crime rates per 10 thousand people.

So, while some of the more populated counties make the list, you might be surprised to find that some of the less populated counties in the state actually have a crime rate on par with Montana's bigger communities.

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Here's a look at the Top 10 Montana counties with the highest crime rates per 10 thousand people.

Hill County

Hill County, located in north central Montana has the highest crime rate in the state.  With a population of just over 16 thousand people,  the most populated town is Havre.  Other communities include Hingham, Rudyard, Gilford, and Beaver Creek.

Cascade County

Cascade County, located in the western part of Montana has the second-highest crime rate in the state. With over 80 thousand residents in the county, Cascade is home to Great Falls as well as Malmstrom Air Force Base.

Yellowstone County

Yellowstone County, located in south central Montana, ranks third on the list of Montana counties with the highest crime rates. Yellowstone County is the most populated county in the state, with almost 170 thousand people, and is home to Billings.

Silver Bow County

Coming in fourth on our list is Silver Bow County. Silver Bow is located in the southwestern part of Montana and has a population of over 35 thousand and is home to Butte.

Roosevelt County

Roosevelt County, which was named after President Teddy Roosevelt and is located in the northeastern part of the state has a population of just over 10 thousand and is the home of Wolf Point and Poplar.

Richland County

Richland County, which is located in the eastern part of the state is another small populated county with a big crime rate.  Richland County has a population of just over 11 thousand people and is home to the town of Sidney.

Missoula County

Missoula County, located in the western part of Montana, comes in seventh for counties with the highest crime rates.  Missoula County has a population of around 120 thousand and is home to the city of Missoula, as well as the University of Montana.

Deer Lodge County

Deer Lodge County is located in the southwestern part of Montana and is not only one of the smallest counties as far as area, but in population as well.  Deer Lodge County has a population of just over 9 thousand and is home to Anaconda and the Montana State Prison.

Lewis and Clark County

Lewis and Clark County, which is located in the western part of the state and has a population of over 70 thousand people is home to the state capitol and the city of Helena.

Lake County

Lake County, which is located in the northwestern part of Montana has a population of just over 32 thousand and is home to Polson, Ronan, and Flathead Lake.

Credit: Ravalli Republic