Missoula County, situated in picturesque western Montana, encompasses a variety of landscapes and is notable for housing Missoula city along with several other communities. Although this county boasts numerous attractions and amenities, it does exhibit varying levels of crime and violence across different areas.
According to recent statistics gathered from NeighborhoodScout, AreaVibes, and CrimeGrade, we can identify the top five neighborhoods in Missoula County, Montana, with higher crime rates:
Westside
Situated to the west of the Clark Fork River and north of the Bitterroot Branch, this neighborhood exhibits a notable crime rate of 67 incidents per 1,000 residents, surpassing that of 97% of Montana’s neighborhoods.
In terms of specific crime categories, the violent crime rate stands at 9 per 1,000 residents, which is more than double the statewide average. Simultaneously, the property crime rate registers at 58 per 1,000 residents, exceeding the state average as well.
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Heart of Missoula
Situated in the heart of Missoula’s downtown, this neighborhood exhibits a crime rate of 63 incidents per 1,000 residents, surpassing 96% of Montana’s neighborhoods in terms of crime frequency.
Specifically, the rate of violent crimes stands at 8 per 1,000 residents, nearly double the state’s average. Simultaneously, the property crime rate reaches 55 per 1,000 residents, exceeding the state’s typical figures.
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Franklin to the Fort
This community, situated to the south of the Clark Fork River and to the east of Reserve Street, experiences a crime rate of 59 incidents per 1,000 residents, surpassing the rates of 95% of the neighborhoods in Montana.
Specifically, the violent crime rate stands at 7 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is approximately 50% higher than the state’s average. Meanwhile, the property crime rate rests at 52 incidents per 1,000 residents, also exceeding the state’s typical rate.
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Riverfront
This community, situated to the south of Broadway Street along the Clark Fork River, boasts a crime rate of 56 per 1,000 residents, surpassing that of 94% of Montana’s neighborhoods.
Breaking it down further, the violent crime rate stands at 6 per 1,000 residents, approximately 25% higher than the state’s average. Moreover, the property crime rate reaches 50 per 1,000 residents, which also exceeds the state average.
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Northside
This district, positioned to the north of the Clark Fork River and to the east of Scott Street, exhibits a crime rate of 54 incidents per 1,000 residents, ranking it in the top 7% of neighborhoods in Montana in terms of crime prevalence.
The rate of violent crimes stands at 6 incidents per 1,000 residents, approximately 25% above the state’s average. Likewise, the property crime rate registers at 48 incidents per 1,000 residents, surpassing the state average.
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Conclusion
These communities possess several factors that could be linked to their elevated crime rates, including poverty, unemployment, limited education opportunities, substance abuse, and the presence of gangs.
Nonetheless, they also exhibit certain favorable aspects that may contribute to crime reduction in the long run, such as community engagement, access to social services, cultural diversity, and ongoing urban revitalization efforts.
If you intend to visit or reside in Missoula County, it is prudent to familiarize yourself with these areas characterized by higher crime rates and to exercise precautions aimed at safeguarding both your personal safety and property.
