For those considering a move to Billings, today I will summarize the major crime statistics in Billings based on the FBI Uniform Crime Report (UCR) and publicly available data from the Billings Police Department. The numbers may seem a bit stiff, but they are crucial information for making a moving decision, so I've organized them carefully!

First, let's look at the homicide rate. The homicide rate in Billings varies by year, but it tends to record between 5 and 10 per 100,000 people. This is similar to or slightly higher than the national average (around 7 per 100,000). However, many of the homicide cases in Billings stem from domestic violence or drug-related disputes, so the likelihood of ordinary citizens being exposed to random violence is lower than the statistics suggest. Random homicides accompanied by robbery are relatively rare.

Motor vehicle theft statistics are particularly noteworthy in Billings. The vehicle theft rate in Billings is higher than the national average. The entire state of Montana has seen an upward trend in vehicle thefts in recent years, and since Billings is the most populous city in the state, the absolute numbers are naturally higher.

Hotspots for vehicle theft include public parking lots downtown, near Metra Park, and some large shopping center parking lots. To prevent vehicle theft, it's essential to check locking mechanisms and consider using additional security devices like steering wheel locks.

Looking at property crime overall, Billings shows higher figures than the national average. According to NeighborhoodScout data, Billings often ranks low among the 100 largest cities in terms of property crime index. In terms of specific types of property crime, larceny-theft is the most common, followed by vehicle theft and burglary. Among thefts, stealing items from vehicles and shoplifting occur particularly frequently.

In terms of violent crime, robbery and aggravated assault are key indicators. The robbery rate in Billings is at the national average, while aggravated assault is somewhat higher than average. Many assault incidents are often related to drugs and alcohol, particularly concentrated in downtown bar areas during late-night hours. Violent crime in typical residential areas is relatively rare.

It's also good to be aware of hourly and seasonal patterns. Crime in Billings tends to increase during the summer months (June to August), especially violent crime during late-night hours on weekends. In contrast, property crime occurs fairly evenly throughout the year. Billings experiences very cold winters with heavy snowfall, which tends to reduce outdoor activities, leading to a general decrease in overall crime rates during winter.

Neighborhood-wise, there is quite a significant difference in crime rates even within the same city. Choosing a safe area is the most effective method of crime prevention. Before moving, you can utilize the crime mapping feature on the Billings Police Department's official website or search for Billings on CrimeMapping.com to check recent crime occurrences around specific addresses. Using these tools can help you make a more informed neighborhood choice!