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Crime
Violent Crime
Median Rent
Racial Distributions
Population
Polson, Montana, a small urban center with a population of 6,789 as of 2022, has experienced notable fluctuations in violent crime rates over the past decade. From 2010 to 2022, the total number of violent crimes increased from 42 to 58, representing a 38.1% increase. During this same period, the population grew by 13.8%, from 5,965 to 6,789 residents.
Murder rates in the city have remained consistently low, with only one reported case in 2010 and no murders reported in subsequent years. This translates to a significant decrease from 0.17 murders per 1,000 people in 2010 to 0 in recent years. The percentage of state murders attributed to the city dropped from 10% in 2010 to 0% thereafter, indicating that Polson has maintained a relatively safe environment in terms of homicides.
Rape incidents have fluctuated over the years, with a peak of 11 cases (1.77 per 1,000 people) in 2018, representing 3.78% of the state's total. By 2022, this number decreased to 4 cases (0.59 per 1,000 people), accounting for 1% of the state's rapes. Despite some fluctuations, the overall trend shows a slight decrease in rape cases relative to the population growth.
Robbery trends show an increase over time, from no reported cases in most years to 6 cases (0.88 per 1,000 people) in 2022, representing 2.59% of the state's robberies. This trend indicates a growing concern for property-related violent crimes in the city, although the numbers remain relatively low.
Aggravated assault has seen the most significant increase among violent crimes. In 2010, there were 35 cases (5.87 per 1,000 people), representing 4.18% of the state's total. By 2022, this number rose to 48 cases (7.07 per 1,000 people), accounting for 2.03% of the state's aggravated assaults. This upward trend suggests a growing issue with violent confrontations in the community.
Examining correlations, there appears to be a relationship between the increase in violent crimes and the city's population density, which grew from 1,328 people per square mile in 2010 to 1,511 in 2022. Additionally, changes in racial demographics may have influenced crime trends, with the white population decreasing from 76% in 2013 to 65% in 2022, while the Native American population fluctuated between 13% and 21% during this period.
Applying predictive models based on these trends, it's projected that by 2029, Polson may see a continued absence of murders, a slight increase in rape cases to approximately 5-6 per year, robbery cases potentially rising to 8-10 annually, and aggravated assaults possibly reaching 60-65 cases per year.
In summary, Polson has experienced a notable increase in violent crimes, particularly in aggravated assaults and robberies, over the past decade. While murder rates remain negligible, the rise in other violent offenses, coupled with population growth and changing demographics, suggests a need for targeted community safety initiatives. The city's law enforcement and policymakers should focus on addressing the root causes of these trends to ensure the long-term safety and well-being of its residents.