9 Safest Small Communities To Settle In Montana

Montana may be famous for its untamed wilderness and wide-open horizons but tucked between its peaks and prairies are towns where safety and serenity still define daily life. If you’re searching for a place to settle down in “Big Sky Country” — somewhere you can go for a jog at dawn, leave your door unlocked without worry, and still wake up to mountain views — you’ll find it in these nine small communities. Each has a population under 15,000 and a reputation for low crime rates, steady law enforcement, and neighborly trust.

Belgrade

Located in Gallatin County, Belgrade strikes a beautiful balance between small-town calm and easy access to the Rocky Mountain adventures that make Southwest Montana so magnetic. Just 10 miles northwest of the city of Bozeman, this small but growing community of about 12,000 residents offers the peace of rural Montana with big-city amenities next door.

Belgrade maintains a low crime rate overall, with violent incidents below or in line with national and state averages according to recent FBI data. Furthermore, there have been no reported homicides in the town over the last five years. Belgrade also prioritizes road safety — in 2023, it was awarded a government grant to develop a Safety Action Plan focused on preventing roadway fatalities and injuries.

Pair that peace of mind with Belgrade’s endless opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors, and it’s easy to see why so many are drawn to this mountain retreat. In the summer, Yellowstone National Park is a scenic drive away; it's perfect for long hikes with unforgettable views. Winter brings the opportunity to hit the slopes at Big Sky Resort, just an hour away.

Belgrade’s community spirit isn’t just something people talk about — it’s built into the town’s annual calendar. Experience it firsthand at Belgrade Summer Nights, held Wednesday evenings throughout the summer, featuring live music, food trucks, and artisan vendors. Every Sunday year-round, join enthusiasts for a cup o’joe at the Cars & Coffee event at Duke’s Cafe. When winter arrives, the town lights up for the Festival of Lights, a multi-week celebration packed with events — from a holiday market and ugly sweater contest to the Jingle Jog 5K and more.

Dillon

Roughly 100 miles southwest of Belgrade, Dillon prides itself on being a tight-knit community of just over 4,000 people, fostering a safe and social environment for its residents. According to a 2023 report from AreaVibes, Dillon’s total crime rate is about 60% lower than the national average. FBI data shows that the town’s reported aggravated assault incidents are generally in line with Montana’s and the nation’s, aside from a few minor spikes over the past four years.

Beyond its sense of security, Dillon captures the best of both worlds — Montana’s storied past and its access to outdoor recreation. Just a short drive from town, Bannack State Park — the state’s best-preserved ghost town — invites visitors to step back in time with guided tours, gold panning experiences, and seasonal haunted walks. The nearby Beaverhead River is a fly-fishing favorite, while surrounding trails and mountain roads make Dillon a peaceful yet adventure-filled place to call home.

Fort Benton

Perched along the Missouri River in north-central Montana, Fort Benton is often called “The Birthplace of Montana.” Founded in 1846 as a fur trading post, it’s the state’s oldest continuously inhabited settlement and once served as the world’s innermost port, where steamboats from St. Louis unloaded goods bound for the rugged Northwest. Today, its historic downtown and riverfront district are beautifully preserved, giving residents and visitors alike a rare glimpse into Montana’s frontier past.

This small community of around 1,400 people balances its deep-rooted history with a strong sense of safety and belonging. While Fort Benton is too small for its crime data to appear individually in FBI reports, the broader Chouteau County — where it serves as the county seat — shows a total crime rate below the state average. Fort Benton also benefits from a low poverty rate of just 3% — well below the national average of 12%, highlighting the town’s stable and economically secure community.

History buffs can explore the reconstructed Old Fort Benton and the Museum of the Northern Great Plains, while the scenic river levee offers a paved walking and biking path with sweeping views of the Missouri River. Locals also take pride in the story of Shep, the loyal sheepdog immortalized in a statue along the riverbank — a fitting symbol of the town’s enduring spirit and warmth.

Libby

Located in the shadow of the Cabinet and Purcell Mountains, Libby is the kind of place where life moves at an easy pace and nature always feels close. Home to about 3,200 residents, it offers a welcoming atmosphere built on connection and outdoor living.

According to recent data, Libby’s violent crime rate is around 30.7 per 100,000 people — 70% lower than the national average — while property crime sits about 60% below the US rate. Those numbers reflect what locals already know: Libby is a safe, steady community where people look out for one another.

Here, safety goes hand in hand with an active lifestyle. Locals spend weekends casting lines in the Kootenai River, hiking to Kootenai Falls, or wandering the trails of the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness.

You’ll also find Libby’s downtown corridor buzzing with personality and homegrown flavor. On Mineral Avenue, pop into the cozy Cabinet Mountain Brewing Co. — Montana’s first women-owned craft brewery — where locally sourced bites meet award-winning ales and live music. For a morning pick-me-up, Bear’ly Awake Coffee Den is a local favorite. And boutiques like Mountain Meadows Country Gift and Rocky Mountain Music showcase artisan crafts, records, vintage finds and more.

With friendly faces, fresh air, and easy access to the mountains, Libby delivers both an unhurried lifestyle and the thrill of exploration that defines Northwest Montana.

Manhattan

Just under 80 miles from the state's capital, Helena, this town may share its name with New York’s bustling metropolis, but Manhattan, Montana, is its peaceful counterpart — where wide-open skies and a laid-back pace define everyday life. Home to about 2,000 people, it’s the kind of place where neighbors wave from their porches and community pride runs deep.

According to recent FBI data, Manhattan enjoys lower-than-average rates of violent crime, while property crime levels are in line with many small towns across Montana. Over the last 10 years, there have been zero reported homicides in the town. The sense of safety here complements the town’s strong local identity — rooted in agriculture, family-owned businesses, and small-town traditions that have endured for generations.

Known for its deep farming heritage, the town celebrates its history each August with the beloved Manhattan Potato Festival, a day filled with live music, parades, local vendors, and, of course, plenty of potato-themed treats.

Here, residents enjoy the simple pleasures of small-town living. From June through September, visit the Manhattan Farmers Market to shop for fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts from local growers and artisans. Right on the main drag is Harvest Moon Coffee Shoppe, offering top-notch espresso drinks and treats. Outdoor lovers are spoiled for choice, with Headwaters State Park — where the Missouri River begins — just a 15-minute drive away. The nearby Gallatin River and Gallatin Canyon offer opportunities for world-class fly fishing, kayaking, and hiking surrounded by dramatic scenery.

Miles City

Known as the “Cowboy Capital of the West,” Miles City sits at the confluence of the Yellowstone and Tongue Rivers, where ranch country meets town life. With a population of around 8,400, it offers a lively small-city vibe rooted in early settlement history and modern convenience.

According to NeighborhoodScout, Miles City is safer than roughly 42% of US cities, and FBI data shows no reported homicides in the last decade — impressive for a town of its size and a reflection of its reputation as a safe place to settle down.

History comes alive at the Range Riders Museum, which features over 400 firearms, pioneer artifacts and Western art across 13 historic structures. Downtown, Victorian-era architecture lines Main Street, where locals and visitors can browse shops, grab coffee, or step back in time at a real Western bar, The Historic Montana Bar, which has been welcoming patrons since 1908.

Two minutes north of the city, Pirogue Island State Park sits on the Yellowstone River and offers hiking trails, river floating, and idyllic vistas. Meanwhile, seasonal events like the iconic Bucking Horse Sale — a rodeo and auction tradition held every May — solidify the town’s place in Western culture.

Stevensville

Older than the state itself, Stevensville proudly holds the title of Montana’s first permanent non-Indigenous settlement, founded in 1841 by Jesuit missionaries. Nestled in the lush Bitterroot Valley with the Bitterroot and Sapphire Mountains on the horizon, this historic town showcases its founding legacy while also providing its residents with a unified, community-focused lifestyle.

Home to more than 40 properties on the National Register of Historic Places, Stevensville’s downtown is a walk through time — lined with heritage buildings, locally owned shops, and cafés that highlight its hometown warmth. The iconic St. Mary’s Mission still stands as a centerpiece of local history, offering a glimpse into early Montana life.

Nature is never far away. The nearby Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge provides year-round opportunities for birdwatching and photography, while the Bitterroot River draws anglers and kayakers alike. Community events like the Creamery Picnic, dating back to 1911, celebrate the town’s heritage. Originally inspired by the rebuild of a local creamery, the event includes parades, games, live music, and local food, creating a summer weekend where the entire town comes together.

Safety is another reason many people are drawn to Stevensville. According to recent FBI data, the town’s violent crime rate is well below both the state and national averages, while property crime remains moderate for a community of its size. Overall, Stevensville ranks among the safer small towns in western Montana. You can feel peace of mind as you explore all this town has to offer.

West Yellowstone

Bordering Yellowstone National Park and set at an elevation of 6,673 ft, West Yellowstone is more than a tourist hub — it’s a small but vibrant community of roughly 1,200 residents who value tranquility, nature, and connection. Here, summer crowds fade into quiet evenings, while winter brings a softer rhythm — energized with snow sport enthusiasts yet still grounded in the relaxed tempo locals appreciate.

From a safety standpoint, Niche reports violent crime at about 158 per 100,000 people and theft near 868 per 100,000. FBI data shows that aggravated assault numbers over the past five years have remained well below both state and national averages, aside from a few spikes, mainly in the summer. While this suggests a possible link to higher tourist volumes, the data alone can’t confirm the cause. Overall, West Yellowstone maintains a lower-than-average, long-term violent crime rate, and residents enjoy a close-knit, community-minded atmosphere.

The town is also packed with plenty to see, do, and explore. Start your days by grabbing a latte at Freeheel and Wheel, a beloved bike-ski-coffee hybrid shop. Spend the weekend boating or kayaking at Hebgen Lake or taking a scenic trip to Quake Lake, where an interpretive center tells the story of Montana’s 1959 earthquake. In the winter, enjoy the snow coach tours that carry visitors through Yellowstone Park’s snow-covered landscapes. Or head just outside town to the Rendezvous Ski Trails to check out their cross-country routes.

Whitefish

Whitefish is often hailed as the friendliest small town in the Rockies. With a population of around 9,200, the town's character is shown through its lively parades, lakeside concerts, and food-filled weekends, including the Whitefish Food and Wine Festival, which showcases the town's emerging culinary scene.

Safety is a priority in Whitefish, with crime rates sitting comfortably below national and state averages. According to NeighborhoodScout, the town has a violent crime rate of 1.8 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 13.5 per 1,000 people. These figures contribute to its reputation as a safe and peaceful place to live and visit.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to explore year-round. In winter, Whitefish Mountain Resort offers skiing and snowboarding, while summer brings opportunities for hiking, biking, and water sports on Whitefish Lake. The town's proximity to Glacier National Park — just 30 minutes away — further enhances its appeal, offering even more opportunities for exploration.

For indoor fun, enjoy a performance by the Glacier Symphony and Chorale or go skating at the Stumptown Ice Den, open year-round. Downtown, boutique shops, cozy cafés, and locally loved restaurants like Tupelo Grille and Latitude 48 create a dining and shopping scene as vibrant as the landscape around it.

Communities Built on Trust and Tranquility

In Montana, safety and community often share the same path. These nine towns show that a peaceful life isn’t about isolation — it’s about connection, trust, and balance. From their mountain trails and riverbanks to their historic main streets and welcoming cafés and shops, each offers a unique rhythm of comfort, character, and exploration. Whether you’re seeking adventure, belonging, or simply a slower pace, Montana’s safest communities prove that peace of mind can come with a view.