When It Comes To Crime, Are Montanans Naughty Or Nice?

With Christmas just around the corner, it's time to see which Montanans have been naughty and who's been nice.

A friend of mine once told me that the majority of people who move to Montana are doing so to escape something. While I don't completely disagree, I'm not convinced that Montana is full of folks who are on the run.

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"Escaping something" can mean many things, including seeking a fresh start, and many folks move to the Treasure State for that. I mean, there's lots to love about Montana. The scenery, the wildlife, the open spaces. It's an amazing place. Of course, because of its size, it's also big enough to hide if that's what you're looking to do.

Now, once again, I'm not saying Montana is full of criminals; in fact, the data suggests we're not.

How naughty is Montana?

Our friends over at Alana's Bail Bonds decided to investigate the number of people on either probation or parole in each state, and when it comes to Big Sky Country, it seems we're less naughty and more nice. Montana isn't in the Top 10, Top 20, or Top 25 when it comes to the number of criminals residing here.

Nope, it seems we might be a little more law-abiding than folks give us credit for. Or, we're just really good at not getting caught.

Montana is ranked 30th out of the 50 states. Oh, and here's something else that's interesting: several of the states around us, way more naughty than Montana. Idaho, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington, and Wyoming all rank ahead of Montana.

Taking a look at the numbers, you might be surprised to learn that Idaho and Oregon lead the Northwestern part of the country when it comes to people on either probation or parole. Idaho ranks 5th in the country, while Oregon ranks 4th.

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So, for all of you trouble makers, outlaws, and mischievous types, Montana is not the place for you, but apparently, Idaho and Oregon are lovely this time of year.