Montana's 10 Most Dangerous Towns Revealed for 2026

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A new report has identified the 10 most dangerous towns in Montana for 2026, based on crime data analyzed by AreaVibes. While Montana is generally considered a safe state, the report highlights that even smaller communities can face significant public safety challenges, with a handful of incidents in towns with just a few hundred residents skewing the per capita crime rates.

Why it matters

This report shines a light on the nuances of crime data and rankings, particularly in less populous areas. It underscores that even Montana, which is often viewed as a haven of safety, has pockets of higher-than-average criminal activity that impact local residents and businesses. The findings could inform policy discussions around law enforcement resources, social services, and economic development in these communities.

The details

The crime rankings are calculated on a per 100,000 people basis, which can make smaller Montana towns appear more dangerous than larger cities like Billings. However, the report notes that even a handful of incidents in towns with just a few hundred residents can significantly impact the per capita crime rate, creating a real sense of public safety concerns for those communities.

• The report was published on January 28, 2026.