One of the topics that many people considering moving to Billings ask about is safety.

Billings is the largest city in Montana with a population of about 120,000, and when looking at FBI crime statistics and local police data, some crime indicators are higher than the national average. In particular, the rate of property crime is notably higher than the national average, so caution is advised.

Based on the crime map released by the Billings Police Department and crime statistics sites like NeighborhoodScout, the areas in Billings where crime occurs more frequently are mainly parts of downtown, certain areas of Northside, and some regions near Metra Park. These areas tend to have a relatively high homeless population, and drug-related issues are reported intermittently. While downtown is busy with commercial activities and people during the day, it's best to avoid walking alone late at night.

On the other hand, relatively safe areas include Southside and West End, particularly near the Shiloh Road corridor. These areas have many new developments and are primarily inhabited by middle-class families, resulting in a lower crime rate. In my experience living in Billings, the sense of safety varies quite a bit by neighborhood. The West End feels comfortable for evening walks, while some parts of Northside can feel a bit concerning even during the day.

When looking specifically at the types of crime in Billings, the most frequently occurring ones are property crimes such as vehicle theft, theft from vehicles, and shoplifting. Billings has a strong car culture, so vehicle-related crimes in parking lots are quite common. It's basic common sense not to leave items in your car when parking. Particularly in mall parking lots or park parking areas, there are occasional reports of smash-and-grab incidents (breaking car windows to steal items), so be cautious.

Drug issues are also a significant concern regarding safety in Billings. Throughout Montana, methamphetamine-related problems are serious, and Billings is no exception. The Billings Police and Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office are intensifying drug-related enforcement, but in certain areas of downtown, you may encounter individuals related to drug issues. This is especially true near homeless shelters.

The Billings Police Department operates the "Billings Community Policing" program to ensure community safety, assigning community officers to each neighborhood to communicate with residents. Additionally, the Nextdoor app is actively used by residents in Billings to share crime-related information. In fact, reviewing Nextdoor posts for neighborhoods of interest before moving can help you gauge the safety atmosphere of that area.

In conclusion, while it's hard to say that safety in Billings is particularly good by national standards, if you choose your living area wisely and follow basic safety rules, you won't feel overly at risk in your daily life.

Choosing the right neighborhood is crucial, and if you have children, it's even more important to thoroughly check the safety of the area before making a move. You can access the annual crime report for free on the official Billings Police Department website, so be sure to read it before you move.