Silver Bow County, located in Montana, houses roughly 35,000 residents and includes the city of Butte. While Butte was once a prosperous mining town, it presently confronts economic and societal difficulties.
This county experiences elevated rates of violent and property crimes compared to both state and national averages. Certain neighborhoods within it have a heightened propensity for criminal activity. In this article, we will delve into the five most perilous neighborhoods in Silver Bow County, relying on recent crime data and reports.
Butte-Silver Bow
Butte-Silver Bow, located in Silver Bow County, stands out as both the most populous and the most concerning area in the county. Its violent crime rate per person is nearly five times higher than the county’s average.
In 2017, the city reported 169 violent crimes and 1,864 property crimes, ranking it as the second and fourth most dangerous place in Montana for these respective types of crimes.
Violent crimes in Butte-Silver Bow primarily include aggravated assault, rape, robbery, and murder, while property crimes involve larceny-theft, burglary, and motor vehicle theft.
The city’s historical ties to mining may have contributed to social and environmental challenges, impacting the residents’ quality of life and safety. Additionally, Butte-Silver Bow has a reputation for being a stronghold for the Democratic party, which could influence its political and cultural atmosphere.
Read More: Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Bennington County, Vermont
Walkerville
Walkerville, a small town north of Butte-Silver Bow, has around 675 residents. It ranks as the second most unsafe place in Silver Bow County, with a per capita violent crime rate comparable to that of Butte-Silver Bow.
In 2017, the town reported three violent crimes and 28 property crimes, landing it in the ninth and tenth positions for these crime types in Montana, respectively.
Walkerville’s proximity to major highways and interstates could potentially facilitate criminal activities and their movement.
Additionally, the town hosts an annual rodeo, attracting numerous visitors from outside the area. However, many of these visitors may not be aware of the town’s elevated risk of violent crimes, especially when it comes to encounters with strangers.
Read More: Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Windham County, Vermont
Divide
Divide, a small unincorporated community located to the south of Butte-Silver Bow, has roughly 161 residents. It ranks as the third most hazardous area in Silver Bow County, exhibiting a violent crime rate exceeding three per 1,000 residents.
In 2017, this community reported fewer than five violent crimes and less than five property crimes. This low number makes it challenging to precisely rank Divide compared to other places in Montana concerning these types of offenses. Nevertheless, considering the upper limit of potential figures, Divide might fall within the top ten most unsafe places in Montana for both violent and property crimes.
Divide is situated close to the Big Hole River, a popular spot for fishing and recreation. However, this attractiveness can sometimes draw unwanted individuals who may engage in criminal activities or target local residents and tourists.
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Ramsay
Ramsay, a small unincorporated community to the south of Butte-Silver Bow, has roughly 263 residents. It’s noted as the fourth most concerning area in Silver Bow County due to a relatively high rate of violent crimes, exceeding one per 1,000 residents.
In 2017, Ramsay reported fewer than five instances of violent crime and fewer than five property crimes, making it challenging to precisely rank its crime statistics compared to other places in Montana.
Nonetheless, considering the upper end of the possible range, Ramsay might fall within the top twenty most worrisome locations in Montana for both violent and property crimes.
Ramsay’s proximity to Interstate 90, connecting Butte-Silver Bow with major cities such as Missoula and Bozeman, could potentially expose it to criminals who might use the highway for travel or as an escape route.
Read More: Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Flathead County, Montana
Melrose
Melrose, a small unincorporated community located south of Butte-Silver Bow, has around 138 residents. It ranks as the fifth most dangerous area in Silver Bow County, with a violent crime rate exceeding three incidents per 1,000 residents.
In 2017, Melrose reported fewer than five violent crimes and less than five property crimes. This low number makes it challenging to precisely determine its ranking among other places in Montana regarding these types of crimes.
Nonetheless, when considering the highest potential estimate, Melrose could fall within the top ten most perilous areas in Montana for both violent and property crimes.
Read More: Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Essex County, New Jersey
Conclusion
Melrose, close to the largest national forest in Montana, Beaverhead-Deerlodge, provides various outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, hunting, and fishing. Still, it comes with potential risks like wildlife encounters or wilderness safety concerns for both residents and visitors.
