Safest cities in North Dakota

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.

Minot Population: 47,834 1,345 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 298 Property Crime / 100k: 1,047 chance of being a victim: 1 in 74

Minot proudly holds the honor of being the safest city in North Dakota. With only 1,345 crimes per 100,000 people, Minot has a crime rate that is 53% lower than the North Dakota average. This equates to an average of 1.74 crimes per day and a 1 in 74 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 1,470 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 183 Property Crime / 100k: 1,288 chance of being a victim: 1 in 68

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 1,470 crimes per 100,000 people. When you dig deeper into the numbers, this translates to: 230 counts of burglary, 933 counts of theft, 125 counts of vehicle theft, 135 counts of assault, 8 counts of robbery, 40 counts of rape and 0 counts of homicide. The commitment to safety in West Fargo, makes it one of the safest and most livable areas in the state.

Valley City Population: 6,393 1,909 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 153 Property Crime / 100k: 1,757 chance of being a victim: 1 in 52

With a population of 6,393 and a total crime rate of 1,909 per 100,000 residents, Valley City is the 3rd safest city in North Dakota. Exhibiting a total crime rate that is 93% 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.

Dickinson Population: 22,880 1,982 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 248 Property Crime / 100k: 1,733 chance of being a victim: 1 in 50

With many parks and recreational activities readily available, Dickinson 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 1,982, 75% lower than the North Dakota average. This amounts to 1.33 crimes per day and a 1 in 50 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 Dickinson a highly desirable and safe place to call home.

Jamestown Population: 15,216 2,308 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 228 Property Crime / 100k: 2,080 chance of being a victim: 1 in 43

Known for its friendly neighborhoods and proactive safety measures, Jamestown consistently ranks high in safety. In Jamestown, 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 2,308, which is 84% lower than the state average.

Wahpeton Population: 7,772 2,476 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 189 Property Crime / 100k: 2,288 chance of being a victim: 1 in 40

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 2,476 crimes per 100,000 people, 92% lower than the North Dakota average. Breaking down each category of crime, it comes out to: 490 reports of burglary, 1,471 reports of theft, 327 reports of vehicle theft, 126 reports of assault, 25 reports of robbery, 38 reports of rape and 0 reports of homicide.

Williston Population: 27,812 2,650 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 498 Property Crime / 100k: 2,152 chance of being a victim: 1 in 38

Williston ranks as the seventh safest city in North Dakota and offers a peaceful retreat with minimal crime. With a 1 in 38 chance of becoming a victim of a crime and 1.85 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. Williston’s commitment to safety makes it one of the safest places in North Dakota.

Watford City Population: 7,146 2,739 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 508 Property Crime / 100k: 2,231 chance of being a victim: 1 in 37

Recognized for sprawling open spaces, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a growing economy, Watford City 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 94% lower than the North Dakota average, reporting a total of 2,739 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.

Grand Forks Population: 56,588 3,280 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 293 Property Crime / 100k: 2,987 chance of being a victim: 1 in 30

Many safe cities implement comprehensive crime prevention programs that include educational initiatives, youth engagement activities, and public awareness campaigns. Grand Forks 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 3,280 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is 41% lower than the state average.

Bismarck Population: 73,435 3,673 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 310 Property Crime / 100k: 3,363 chance of being a victim: 1 in 27

Completing the list as the 10th safest city in North Dakota, is Bismarck. With a low rate of crime that included 513 burglaries, 2,507 thefts, 343 vehicle thefts, 201 assaults, 58 robberies, 43 rapes and 8 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	Minot	47,834	298	1,047	1,345
2	West Fargo	36,406	183	1,288	1,470
3	Valley City	6,393	153	1,757	1,909
4	Dickinson	22,880	248	1,733	1,982
5	Jamestown	15,216	228	2,080	2,308
6	Wahpeton	7,772	189	2,288	2,476
7	Williston	27,812	498	2,152	2,650
8	Watford City	7,146	508	2,231	2,739
9	Grand Forks	56,588	293	2,987	3,280
10	Bismarck	73,435	310	3,363	3,673
11	Mandan	22,482	235	3,478	3,714
12	Devils Lake	7,302	485	4,063	4,548
13	Fargo	123,550	617	4,147	4,764

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

Well Below nat. avg.
Below nat. avg.
Similar to nat. avg.
Above nat. avg.
Well above nat. avg.

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.