| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Bismarck/100k people | North Dakota/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 2,740 | n/a (estimate) | 3,673 | 2,274 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 6 | n/a | 8.0 | 3.5 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 32 | n/a | 42.9 | 56.7 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 43 | n/a | 57.6 | 27.6 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 150 | n/a | 201.1 | 191.8 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 231 | n/a (estimate) | 310 | 280 | 370 |
| Burglary | 383 | n/a | 513.4 | 357.9 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 1,870 | n/a | 2,506.6 | 1,381.3 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 256 | n/a | 343.1 | 255.6 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 2,509 | n/a (estimate) | 3,363 | 1,995 | 1,954 |
The Bismarck crime rates are 58% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 231 violent crimes in Bismarck (310 per 100,000 people), which is 16.3% lower than the national average and there were a total of 2509 property crimes (3363 per 100,000 residents) which is 72.1% higher than average.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Bismarck. Based on the results of the surveys (36 responses), 64% of people felt that there was very little crime in Bismarck and felt safe walking alone at night. While 36% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Bismarck, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Bismarck presents a total crime rate that is 58% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Bismarck experiences an average of 7.51 daily crimes, comprising 0.63 violent incidents and 6.87 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Bismarck. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Bismarck has decreased by 3.3%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 6.9%, while property crime has decreased by 4.2%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Bismarck.
In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Bismarck currently has an unemployment rate of 1.9%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.
In Bismarck, 88.9% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Bismarck, the average monthly rent stands at $874, while the national average is $949 per month.
| Item | Bismarck | North Dakota | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 131 | 842 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.0 | 2.6 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | North Dakota /100K | National /100K |
| North Dakota | 1,982 | 293 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Lincoln, ND | 4,140 | 137 | 524 | 661 |
| Harmon, ND | 228 | 113 | 806 | 919 |
| Menoken, ND | 61 | 252 | 1,798 | 2,051 |
| Mandan, ND | 22,482 | 235 | 3,478 | 3,714 |
| Bismarck, ND | 73,435 | 310 | 3,363 | 3,673 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Cheektowaga, NY | 73,457 | 276 | 3,279 | 3,555 |
| Schaumburg, IL | 73,392 | 91 | 2,130 | 2,221 |
| Apple Valley, CA | 73,339 | 566 | 1,487 | 2,053 |
| Flagstaff, AZ | 73,319 | 362 | 1,727 | 2,089 |
| Ellicott City, MD | 73,272 | 203 | 836 | 1,039 |
| Bismarck, ND | 73,435 | 310 | 3,363 | 3,673 |
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