Safest Places to Live in Montana in 2025 | Low Crime & Family-Friendly Cities

Rankings: 10 Most Safest Places in Montana

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Ennis, MT

Ennis is a small Madison County town known for its safety and tight-knit community. Families appreciate its quiet neighborhoods and access to outdoor recreation, while retirees are drawn to its relaxed pace and secure environment.

$299,900

Median House Price

Safety Score

View 11 homes in Ennis Link

Safest Neighborhoods:

Morrison CreekMcAllisterHillside Cabins

Chinook, MT

Chinook offers low crime rates, budget-friendly housing, and a strong sense of community in northern Montana. Families value its safe neighborhoods and local schools, while retirees are drawn to the town's peaceful pace and robust services.

$62,500

Median House Price

Safety Score

View 6 homes in Chinook Link

Safest Neighborhoods:

Downtown ChinookUtah Street Trailer CourtPennsylvania Street

Columbia Falls, MT

Columbia Falls offers low crime rates and easy access to Glacier National Park. Families appreciate the quality schools and quiet neighborhoods, while professionals value the short commute to Kalispell. The city's safety and accessibility make it popular with both locals and newcomers.

$534,450

Median House Price

Safety Score

View 120 homes in Columbia Falls Link

Safest Neighborhoods:

Grant CreekColumbia HeightsColumbia Falls East

Laurel, MT

With low crime rates and affordable housing, Laurel is an attractive choice for homebuyers. Families appreciate its strong schools and welcoming small-town feel, while professionals benefit from its convenient location near Billings.

$290,400

Median House Price

Safety Score

View 8 homes in Laurel Link

Safest Neighborhoods:

West EndLockwoodBlue Creek

Bozeman, MT

Bozeman offers a mix of upscale living, safety, and steady growth. With top-rated schools, low crime, and a vibrant cultural scene, it appeals to families, professionals, and retirees alike, making it one of Montana's most sought-after places to live.

$665,000

Median House Price

Safety Score

View 24 homes in Bozeman Link

Safest Neighborhoods:

North StarFlanders MillBon Ton Historic District

Fort Benton, MT

Fort Benton, a historic town on the Missouri River, has low crime and community pride. Families value the local schools and parks, while retirees enjoy the quiet pace and reliable services. Its small size helps maintain a safe, welcoming atmosphere.

$287,000

Median House Price

Safety Score

View 12 homes in Fort Benton Link

Safest Neighborhoods:

Sunrise Bluffs EstatesWashington StreetApple School Road

Columbus, MT

Columbus, located in Stillwater County, draws steady homebuyers with its low crime rates and close-knit community. Its affordable housing and quiet neighborhoods appeal to retirees, while families value the quality schools and secure environment.

$310,000

Median House Price

Safety Score

View 1 homes in Columbus Link

Safest Neighborhoods:

Henry PointHermit CreekColumbus Heights

Kalispell, MT

Kalispell is the heart of Flathead County. Quality schools and outdoor recreation attract families, while job prospects appeal to professionals. Its low-crime neighborhoods make it a preferred choice for those looking for both growth and security.

$570,215

Median House Price

Safety Score

View 388 homes in Kalispell Link

Safest Neighborhoods:

Trumbull Creek CrossingSouth KalispellNorth Kalispell

Libby, MT

Libby, nestled in Lincoln County, offers a quiet and safe lifestyle with strong community bonds. Its small-town schools appeal to families, while retirees appreciate the peaceful atmosphere. Affordable homes and low crime rates make it a secure choice for buyers.

$342,000

Median House Price

Safety Score

View 100 homes in Libby Link

Safest Neighborhoods:

NorthwoodSouth LibbyCity Center

#10

West Yellowstone, MT

West Yellowstone is a safe, close-knit town near the park entrance, popular with seasonal workers, retirees, and families. Its low crime rates, walkable streets, and welcoming community create a secure and inviting environment.

$1,070,000

Median House Price

Safety Score

View 1 homes in West Yellowstone Link

Safest Neighborhoods:

Lazy AcresHebgen Lake EstatesBear Trap Ranch

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Ranking Methodology

The safety scores and rankings on this page are based on crime data sourced directly from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The FBI compiles national crime statistics through its Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR). Program and the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS). These programs compile detailed crime incident and arrest data submitted voluntarily by law enforcement agencies across the U.S.

To create city-level safety scores:

We calculate crime rates based on reported incidents per 1,000 residents.
Rankings focus on key offenses, including violent crimes (homicide, robbery, aggravated assault) and property crimes (burglary, theft, motor vehicle theft).

By relying on standardized, FBI-sourced data, our rankings provide a clear, up-to-date snapshot of public safety. This information can help you make informed decisions about where to live in Montana.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the safest cities in Montana for families?

Ennis, Chinook, and Columbia Falls are the safest cities for families in Montana. All three report violent crime rates under 2.0 per 1,000 residents, well below the national average of 4.0. They also have quality schools like Columbia Falls High.

What is the benchmark crime rate for a city to be considered safe?

A city is considered safe if violent crime is under 2.0 per 1,000 residents, and property crime is under 15 per 1,000. Towns like Ennis and Fort Benton consistently meet this benchmark, placing them among Montana's safest.

Are there safe and affordable cities in Montana?

Yes. Chinook and Libby provide a strong mix of safety and affordability, with median home prices below the state average and crime rates well under national levels. They're great choices for buyers looking for secure, budget-friendly living.

Why are Bozeman and Kalispell considered safe?

Both cities report low violent crime and strong community policing. Their active neighborhood watch programs, quick emergency response times, and investment in public safety help keep crime rates below the state average.

Is Flathead County a safe place to live?

Yes. Flathead County, home to cities like Kalispell and Columbia Falls, reports lower-than-average violent crime rates. Investment in public safety, well-maintained neighborhoods, and quality schools make it a secure and appealing choice.

Safest Places to Live
Montana

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