Montana Ranked Top 5 for Dangerous Bar Nights

Montanans love a good bar night. Cold beer, loud music, and guy playing pool who swears he used to be “pretty good back in the day.” But Montana might be getting a little too rowdy, according to new research on nightlife safety across the country.

The research sorted states by violent crimes linked to bars and nightclubs per 100,000 residents, and the numbers placed Montana among the highest on the list.

Not exactly a tourism slogan.

The States Where Bar Nights Turn Rowdy

The five most dangerous states for nightlife violence, according to the study, are:

1. North Dakota (110 per 100k)
2. Montana (104 per 100k)
3. South Carolina (82 per 100k)
4. Colorado (67 per 100k)
5. Iowa (61 per 100k)

Granted, two of the top five are essentially our neighbors.

It seems the Northern Plains and Mountain West are about more than just rodeos and ice fishing. We’re also quite skilled at the occasional brawl.

When Nightlife Violence Peaks

March and October were also identified as the busiest months for nightlife violence, according to the study, which checks out. March is that time of year with St. Patrick’s Day and spring break. October means Halloween parties and football weekends. I'm thirsty just thinking about it.

Now just throw in some booze, busy dance floors, and a few bad decisions, and it can get out of hand quickly.

Montana Bars Are Montana Bars

Before anyone starts picturing every watering hole in Montana becoming a cage fight, a bit of context goes a long way. Montana’s small population means a few incidents can make the numbers seem larger than they are.

This is what most nights inside a Montana bar still look like.

A local band in the corner. Someone telling a hunting story that grows a little every time he tells it. And a bartender who knows half the room by name. Still, the numbers serve as a reminder that things can get unpredictable late at night. So if you’re planning to go out this weekend, the strategy is straightforward.

Tip the bartender.

Don’t start fights.

...AND HAVE FUN.