Lower West Side Neighborhood, Helena

Crime Rate & Statistics

A

Very safe neighborhood — well below-average crime rates

Safer than 25% of neighborhoods in Helena

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Moderate
Low 134 / 300 High
Violent Crime 130
30% above national avg
Property Crime 142
42% above national avg
City Ranking
25%
safer than other
Helena neighborhoods

Is Lower West Side Safe?

Lower West Side in Helena, MT has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 134, which is 34% above the national average of 100. Lower West Side is safer than 25% of neighborhoods in Helena.

Compared to the Helena average (crime index 106), Lower West Side is 28% higher in overall crime.

Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 157, 57% above average), while assault is the lowest risk (index: 103).

Overall, Lower West Side is considered a safe neighborhood for residents and visitors. Standard urban awareness is recommended, but the area benefits from lower-than-average crime rates across most categories.

Highest Risk
Larceny / Theft · Index 157 (57% above avg)
Lowest Risk
Assault · Index 103 (3% above avg)

Lower West Side Crime Breakdown

Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Helena city average. Higher values mean more crime.

Crime Type Index vs National Risk Level
Violent Crime
Murder
150 +50% Moderate
Assault
103 +3% Moderate
Robbery
125 +25% Moderate
Rape
141 +41% Moderate
Property Crime
Burglary
121 +21% Moderate
Larceny / Theft
157 +57% High
Vehicle Theft
148 +48% Moderate

How Lower West Side Compares

Crime index by category: Lower West Side vs Helena average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Lower West Side Crime Map

Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.

Full Screen Map
Crime Level: Low Below Avg Average Above Avg High

Lower West Side Demographics & Context

Population
2,633
Median Income
$67,030
Home Value
$295,821
Median Age
36
Pop. Density
3,404/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 23.4%
Graduate Degree 12.8%

Housing

51%
49%
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 90.1%
Black 0.6%
Hispanic 4.2%
Asian 0.9%

Nearby Neighborhoods

North West Index: 53
A+
Upper West Side Index: 73
A+
North Central Index: 98
A
West Valley Index: 89
A+
South Central Index: 153
A
Gulches Index: 77
A+
North East Index: 155
A
Lower East Side Index: 155
A
Lower West Side Crime Map
Interactive crime heatmap for this neighborhood
Helena Crime Statistics
View all Helena neighborhoods & city-wide data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Lower West Side, Helena?

Lower West Side in Helena, MT has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 134, which is 34% above the national average. Compared to the Helena average, crime in Lower West Side is 28% higher. Lower West Side is safer than 25% of neighborhoods in Helena.

Is Lower West Side a safe neighborhood in Helena?

Lower West Side is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Helena, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 157), while Assault is the lowest risk (index: 103).

How does Lower West Side compare to the rest of Helena?

Lower West Side's overall crime index is 134, compared to the Helena average of 106. This means crime in Lower West Side is 28% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 130, and for property crime it is 142. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.

What type of crime is most common in Lower West Side?

The most prevalent crime type in Lower West Side is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 157 (57% above the national average). Overall, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.

What are safer neighborhoods near Lower West Side?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include North West, Upper West Side, North Central and West Valley. These areas are close to Lower West Side and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Lower West Side?

Lower West Side has a population of approximately 2,633. The median household income is $67,030. The median home value is $295,821. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Lower West Side crime compare to the national average?

Lower West Side's overall crime rate is 34% above the national average (index 134 vs 100). Within Helena, it is safer than 25% of neighborhoods. For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.

Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated March 2026.