Montana Home Security Guide

Montana has a total crime rate of 20.41 per 1,000 residents according to 2024 FBI data. The violent crime rate is 4.23 per 1,000, which is above the national average. Property crime is 16.17 per 1,000, close to the national average. Montana's larger cities have significantly higher crime rates than rural areas.

Montana is a mixed bag for safety. Rural areas and smaller towns tend to be quite safe, but cities like Missoula, Billings, and Great Falls have crime rates well above the national average. The state has seen increasing crime trends in recent years, particularly in property crime. Bozeman and Kalispell offer somewhat lower crime rates among Montana's larger cities.

DIY systems like SimpliSafe are popular in Montana due to easy installation and cellular monitoring - important for rural properties. ADT and Vivint have presence in larger cities. Local companies like Action Alarm Systems in Billings offer personalized service and understand Montana's unique security needs.

Home security in Montana typically costs $15 to $45 per month for professional monitoring. DIY equipment packages run $200 to $500. Professional installation from companies like ADT or Vivint costs $500 to $1,500 for equipment. Rural properties may require additional equipment like long-range sensors.

Rural Montana properties benefit from long-range driveway sensors that alert you when vehicles approach, cellular monitoring that works without internet, solar-powered cameras for remote locations, and battery backup systems for power outages. Motion-activated floodlights deter wildlife and intruders alike.