Safety in Billings
Detailed safety data — sourced from authoritative datasets and normalized for direct comparison.
Safety in Billings, Montana
Billings' safety profile presents a mixed picture. While some sources indicate lower safety scores, neighborhood safety is generally viewed positively by residents. The city's overall safety score is rated at 40 out of 100 by Livability.com. However, other data suggests relatively low rates of violent crime at 4.5 per 1,000 residents and property crime at 27.5 per 1,000 residents.
Residents' feelings of safety in downtown and commercial areas have been rated lower compared to other communities, but safety within residential neighborhoods is generally positive. The city government and community organizations are actively working to address safety concerns and foster a secure environment for all residents. Walkable communities, for instance, are noted to contribute to a decrease in crime.
Safety Scores
About Billings, Montana
Billings, Montana, known as the "Magic City" due to its rapid growth since its founding as a railroad town in 1882, is the largest city in Montana and the commercial hub for a wide rural region. Nestled in the fertile Yellowstone River valley and framed by scenic sandstone cliffs known as the Rimrocks, Billings offers a blend of natural beauty and urban amenities. People are drawn to Billings for its laid-back, small-town attitude, resilient economy, and access to abundant outdoor activities. It serves as a major retail, medical, and energy center for much of Montana, northern Wyoming, and parts of North and South Dakota.
The city provides a balance of big-city conveniences and small-town charm, making it an attractive option for families and professionals. Billings is home to Montana State University Billings and offers a diverse range of public and private schools. Its strategic location also places it within a day's trip of famous sites like Yellowstone National Park, offering residents world-class fly fishing, hiking, and biking trails.
About Montana
Montana, known as "Big Sky Country," offers a peaceful, nature-centric lifestyle with vast open spaces and a strong sense of community. Its economy is primarily driven by agriculture, forestry, mining, energy production, and a growing service sector that includes tourism and outdoor recreation. While the cost of living can vary, with urban areas like Bozeman being more expensive, some smaller towns offer more affordable options, and the state benefits from no sales tax. Montana experiences significant climatic variations due to its diverse geography, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters, especially in the mountainous western regions.