Find the Best Home Security Systems in Billings, MT

What Billings residents should look for in a home security system

Finding the right home security system for you ultimately comes down to the level of protection you want. Montana residents who want to remotely monitor their property should look for systems with a good mobile app. Some of the best security systems also let you lock and unlock your home when you’re not there, set a lighting schedule while you’re on vacation and view video footage remotely. Additional popular equipment and features in Billings include:

• Wireless security cameras: Wireless security cameras can transmit video and audio footage over a Wi-Fi network so you can monitor your home from a phone, tablet, computer or television.
• Alarm monitoring: Alarm monitoring uses motion detectors as well as window and door sensors to protect your home. When the system triggers, it sends a signal to a monitoring station that contacts you or local authorities if you are unreachable.
• Remote alarm control: With remote alarm control, you can arm and disarm your security system remotely when you can’t access the control panel.

Average cost of home security systems in Billings

A home security system in Billings with monitoring costs between $15 and $40 per month. If you rent your equipment, your monthly fee could be $20 to $50 higher. If you plan on buying your equipment, factor an additional $100 to $500 into your startup costs.

Altogether, it costs about $600 to get a home security system up and running, which includes professional installation. You save money by installing hardware yourself if you go with a wireless system. However, some home security companies in Billings only offer professional alarm installation.

What are the chances of your house being robbed in Billings?

Billings has one of the highest crime rates in the country compared with other cities of its size, according to NeighborhoodScout. The property crime rate is about double the state average. In 2019, the Billings Police Department recorded 402 residential burglaries, or an average of close to eight per week.

Billings, like all cities, has different crime rates by neighborhood. Crime is highest in the North Side, Highland and East Central areas. Still, crime happens everywhere, even in the safest neighborhoods. Having a home security system in Billings with 24/7 monitoring and motion detectors can reduce risk and help keep you safe from break-ins.

Crime rates per 1,000 residents

Source: NeighborhoodScout, FBI

Billings home security FAQ

What is a home security system?

A standard home security system includes a control panel, motion sensors, window and door sensors and yard and window signs. If you want another layer of protection, look for features like home security cameras and 24/7 professional monitoring.

Do I need a burglar alarm permit in Billings?

No, Billings does not require you to get a permit for your security alarm system.

Can wireless cameras work without the internet?

Yes, a wireless camera works without an internet connection if it has cellular capabilities. You can also connect your wireless cameras to a monitor and livestream the footage.

Do police respond to home alarms in Billings?

Yes, the Billings Police Department responds to home security alarms if you are in danger or cannot be reached by a representative at your security company’s monitoring center. Last year, the BPD responded to more than 400 residential burglaries.

Where is the best place to put security cameras?

We recommend placing security cameras:

• Outside your home, above or near any door
• Outside your home, above off-street windows
• Outside your home, above your driveway
• Inside your home, monitoring off-street windows
• Inside your home, monitoring your living room and master bedroom

Is a home security system necessary in Billings?

A home security system is necessary if you want to protect and monitor your home. Billings has high crime rates compared to other cities of the same size. Home security systems are especially popular with Montana residents who spend the winter somewhere warmer and want to keep an eye on their property.