In 2022, Montana has shown some interesting crime trends when compared to national averages. Let's examine the state's crime landscape based on the most recent data.
In 2022, Montana reported 4,693 violent crimes. This represents about 417.9 violent crimes per 100,000 residents. Nationally, there were approximately 380.3 violent crimes per 100,000 people in the same year. This suggests that Montana has a higher rate of violent crime compared to the national average.
Montana saw a 9.7% decrease in reported violent crimes from 2021 to 2022. This outpaced the national trend, which saw a 1.2% decrease in the same period.
Montana reported 50 murders in 2022, which is about 4.5 murders per 100,000 residents. The national rate was approximately 6.3 murders per 100,000 people. This indicates that Montana has a lower murder rate than the national average.
In 2022, Montana reported 21,543 property crimes, or about 1918.6 per 100,000 residents. The national rate was approximately 1952.8 property crimes per 100,000 people. This suggests that Montana has a lower property crime rate than the national average.
While the national property crime rate increased by about 7.1% from 2021 to 2022, Montana saw a 4.0% decrease in the same period.
Montana reported 2,499 car thefts in 2022, a decrease of 17.8% from 2021. Nationally, car thefts increased by about 10.9% in the same period. This suggests that Montana is facing a more significant challenge with auto theft compared to national trends.
The data includes a "Crime Score" for Montana, which was 71 in 2022, down from 81 in 2021. While we don't have a national comparison for this score, the decrease suggests an overall improvement in the state's crime situation.
Montana presents a mixed picture when compared to national crime trends. The state has higher rates of violent crime and lower rates of property crime than the national average. However, it faces challenges with a violent crime rate, a more significant change in car thefts compared to national trends.
It's important to remember that crime statistics can be influenced by many factors, including reporting practices, law enforcement strategies, and socioeconomic conditions. Therefore, these numbers should be considered as part of a broader context when assessing the state's crime situation.