Safest cities in North Dakota

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Known as the 'Peace Garden State,' North Dakota is characterized by its expansive prairies, vibrant communities, and rich cultural heritage. Located in the northern United States, North Dakota offers a diverse landscape that includes the rugged Badlands, fertile farmlands, and the scenic Missouri River. The state's economy is driven by industries such as agriculture, energy, and technology. Fargo, the state's largest city, is a cultural and economic hub known for its thriving arts scene, historic sites, and vibrant downtown area. North Dakota is also home to numerous outdoor recreational opportunities, from exploring Theodore Roosevelt National Park to fishing and boating on its many lakes and rivers.

Low crime rates are essential for enhancing the livability of communities in North Dakota, making the safest cities highly desirable places to live. Safety provides a foundation for economic stability and community well-being, allowing residents to feel secure in their daily lives. Factors that contribute to the safety of North Dakota's cities include community policing, neighborhood watch programs, and active citizen participation. The safest cities are ranked based on total crime per 100,000 people, offering a reliable measure of security. This emphasis on safety ensures that residents can enjoy the many amenities and natural attractions North Dakota has to offer without the overshadowing concern of crime.

Valley City Population: 6,393 1,296 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 61 Property Crime / 100k: 1,235 chance of being a victim: 1 in 77

Valley City proudly holds the honor of being the safest city in North Dakota. With only 1,296 crimes per 100,000 people, Valley City has a crime rate that is 93% lower than the North Dakota average. This equates to an average of 0.23 crimes per day and a 1 in 77 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. The city's well-funded police department, active neighborhood watch programs, and community engagement initiatives contribute significantly to its low crime rates, making it an ideal place for families and retirees.

West Fargo Population: 36,406 1,507 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 197 Property Crime / 100k: 1,310 chance of being a victim: 1 in 66

Known for its tight-knight community and safe environment, West Fargo comes in at #2 on our list of the safest cities in North Dakota with a crime rate of 1,507 crimes per 100,000 people. When you dig deeper into the numbers, this translates to: 264 counts of burglary, 925 counts of theft, 121 counts of vehicle theft, 121 counts of assault, 27 counts of robbery, 47 counts of rape and 2 counts of homicide. The commitment to safety in West Fargo, makes it one of the safest and most livable areas in the state.

Minot Population: 47,834 1,831 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 379 Property Crime / 100k: 1,452 chance of being a victim: 1 in 55

With a population of 47,834 and a total crime rate of 1,831 per 100,000 residents, Minot is the 3rd safest city in North Dakota. Exhibiting a total crime rate that is 53% lower than the North Dakota average, the commitment to safety is evident in its multifaceted crime prevention strategies. The local government collaborates closely with residents through regular community meetings and feedback sessions to address safety concerns. The end result, is an incredibly safe place to live.

Jamestown Population: 15,216 2,067 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 191 Property Crime / 100k: 1,876 chance of being a victim: 1 in 48

With many parks and recreational activities readily available, Jamestown is a growing community where residents can enjoy the outdoors. Residents also feel safe, knowing that the overall crime rate per 100,000 people is 2,067, 84% lower than the North Dakota average. This amounts to 0.89 crimes per day and a 1 in 48 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. Strong community partnerships between local businesses, schools, and law enforcement further enhance the city’s security. These combined efforts make Jamestown a highly desirable and safe place to call home.

Dickinson Population: 22,880 2,128 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 273 Property Crime / 100k: 1,855 chance of being a victim: 1 in 47

Known for its friendly neighborhoods and proactive safety measures, Dickinson consistently ranks high in safety. In Dickinson, the focus on community policing ensures that officers are integrated into the community, building strong relationships with residents. Crime prevention education, offered through schools and local organizations, empowers residents to take an active role in maintaining their safety. With everything working asynchronously, the total crime rate comes in at 2,128, which is 75% lower than the state average.

Wahpeton Population: 7,772 2,183 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 262 Property Crime / 100k: 1,921 chance of being a victim: 1 in 46

Wahpeton has lots to offer its residents, including safety as it comes in at #6 on our list of the safest cities in North Dakota. The total crime rate from the year that it was last reported was 2,183 crimes per 100,000 people, 92% lower than the North Dakota average. Breaking down each category of crime, it comes out to: 262 reports of burglary, 1,572 reports of theft, 87 reports of vehicle theft, 187 reports of assault, 0 reports of robbery, 62 reports of rape and 12 reports of homicide.

Grand Forks Population: 56,588 2,813 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 263 Property Crime / 100k: 2,550 chance of being a victim: 1 in 36

Grand Forks ranks as the seventh safest city in North Dakota and offers a peaceful retreat with minimal crime. With a 1 in 36 chance of becoming a victim of a crime and 4.51 crimes per day (per 100,000 people), the area has a safety record that speaks for itself. Active involvement from its residents, such as neighborhood patrols and community safety workshops, fosters a strong sense of community and vigilance. Grand Forks’s commitment to safety makes it one of the safest places in North Dakota.

Williston Population: 27,812 3,050 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 470 Property Crime / 100k: 2,581 chance of being a victim: 1 in 33

Recognized for sprawling open spaces, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a growing economy, Williston is the 8th safest city in North Dakota. Continuously ranking as one of the safest cities in the state, the crime rate came in at 74% lower than the North Dakota average, reporting a total of 3,050 crimes per 100,000 people. The city places a strong emphasis on public safety through various initiatives that promote collaboration between residents and local authorities. Regular community safety events and lots of outdoor spaces, coupled with an accessible and responsive police force, ensure that residents feel safe and supported.

Watford City Population: 7,146 3,097 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 350 Property Crime / 100k: 2,747 chance of being a victim: 1 in 32

Many safe cities implement comprehensive crime prevention programs that include educational initiatives, youth engagement activities, and public awareness campaigns. Watford City is a great example of such a city and continually ranks as one of the safest communities in North Dakota, based on the annual review of the FBI uniform crime report. Statistically speaking, there were a total of 3,097 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is 94% lower than the state average.

Bismarck Population: 73,435 3,433 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 316 Property Crime / 100k: 3,118 chance of being a victim: 1 in 29

Completing the list as the 10th safest city in North Dakota, is Bismarck. With a low rate of crime that included 393 burglaries, 2,393 thefts, 332 vehicle thefts, 210 assaults, 59 robberies, 43 rapes and 4 homicides, the overall crime rate was 25% lower than the state average. Cities with engaged citizens and responsive government bodies are more likely to implement effective policies and practices that promote safety and address residents’ concerns.

Full list of the safest cities in North Dakota

Rank	Location	Population	Violent Crimes /100k	Property Crimes /100k	Total Crimes /100k
1	Valley City	6,393	61	1,235	1,296
2	West Fargo	36,406	197	1,310	1,507
3	Minot	47,834	379	1,452	1,831
4	Jamestown	15,216	191	1,876	2,067
5	Dickinson	22,880	273	1,855	2,128
6	Wahpeton	7,772	262	1,921	2,183
7	Grand Forks	56,588	263	2,550	2,813
8	Williston	27,812	470	2,581	3,050
9	Watford City	7,146	350	2,747	3,097
10	Bismarck	73,435	316	3,118	3,433
11	Mandan	22,482	353	3,590	3,944
12	Fargo	123,550	515	3,879	4,394

Methodology

The AreaVibes list of the safest cities in North Dakota is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reporting program (UCR Program) from their most recent release. To compile this list, we used violent crime (assualt, robbery, rape and murder) and property crime data (burglary, theft, vehicle theft) per 100,000 people and only included North Dakota cities with a population of 5,000 or more. Displaying crime rates based on a population of 100,000 allows for an equal comparison for each city.

Map of Crime by State

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The interactive map above is a powerful tool for discovering the safest cities in each state across the USA. By highlighting states with the lowest total crime rates, this map provides valuable insights into the factors contributing to these statistics. It showcases urban centers with thriving economies, regions boasting solid job markets, and areas with low unemployment, all of which correlate with reduced crime rates. By clicking on each state, you can dive deeper into information about their safest cities and explore detailed crime statistics that paint a clearer picture of safety across the nation.