Great Falls, MT Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Great Falls, MT

Is Great Falls, MT safe?

Great Falls earns an overall crime grade of B, which places it in a reasonably safe tier compared to many U.S. cities of similar size. With a population of approximately 62,112 and a population density of 985 residents per square mile, the city is compact enough that law enforcement can maintain meaningful coverage across most neighborhoods. Property crime — particularly theft and vehicle-related offenses — accounts for the majority of incidents, while violent crime rates remain comparatively lower. Areas near the River's Edge District and neighborhoods adjacent to Malmstrom Air Force Base consistently show fewer reported incidents on the Great Falls crime map. As with any city, nighttime awareness and basic precautions go a long way toward staying safe.

What is the crime rate in Great Falls, MT?

Great Falls holds a B overall crime grade for 2026, reflecting a city where crime exists but is not pervasive. Property crimes — including burglary, motor vehicle theft, and larceny — make up the largest share of reported incidents, a pattern consistent with national trends for mid-sized cities. Violent crimes such as assault and robbery represent a smaller proportion of the total, though they are monitored closely by the Great Falls Police Department. The city's unemployment rate of 3.8% and a poverty rate of 14.9% are relevant socioeconomic factors; research consistently links elevated poverty levels to higher property crime rates, which helps explain why certain districts near lower-income corridors see more activity on the crime map than quieter residential pockets like those along the Missouri River.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Great Falls, MT?

Based on crime map data, neighborhoods near Malmstrom Air Force Base and the River's Edge District tend to report lower incident densities and are frequently cited by residents as family-friendly areas. The Sun River corridor and quieter residential zones along the Missouri River also show fewer property and violent crime reports relative to the city's commercial and downtown corridors. By contrast, areas with higher retail density and foot traffic — typical of any city center — tend to register more theft and vandalism incidents. Using the interactive Great Falls crime map with time filters lets you compare incident frequency across these neighborhoods month by month, giving you a data-backed picture rather than relying solely on reputation.

How does Great Falls compare to other Montana cities in terms of crime?

Great Falls' B crime grade is competitive within Montana. Its median household income of $49,809 and median home value of $180,637 are below state averages for larger metros like Billings and Missoula, which can correlate with slightly elevated property crime rates. However, the city's low unemployment rate of 3.8% acts as a stabilizing factor. Compared to national benchmarks, Great Falls performs respectably — the B grade signals that while crime is present, it is neither unusually high nor a defining characteristic of daily life. Residents moving from larger urban centers often note that Great Falls feels noticeably safer in terms of violent crime exposure.

Is Great Falls a good place to live given its crime statistics?

For most residents, the answer is yes. The B overall crime grade, combined with a median rent of just $748 and a median home value of $180,637, means Great Falls offers genuine affordability without sacrificing a reasonable standard of safety. The 3.8% unemployment rate points to a stable local economy, and the city's outdoor amenities along the Missouri River and proximity to national parks add significant quality-of-life value. The 14.9% poverty rate is a real challenge that local policymakers continue to address, and it does influence crime patterns in specific pockets of the city. That said, families and individuals who consult the Great Falls crime map, choose neighborhoods thoughtfully, and engage with community watch programs consistently report high satisfaction with life in the city.

What types of crime are most common in Great Falls, MT?

Property crimes dominate Great Falls' incident reports, with theft, larceny, and vehicle break-ins representing the highest-frequency offense categories. Shoplifting and burglary are more concentrated in commercial zones and higher-density residential areas. Substance-related offenses also appear with regularity and often intersect with both property and low-level violent crime statistics. Violent crimes — including aggravated assault and robbery — occur at lower rates but are not absent; they tend to cluster in areas with higher poverty density rather than spreading evenly across the city. Using the crime map's category filters allows residents to isolate specific offense types and assess risk in their immediate neighborhood with far more precision than city-wide averages alone can provide.