Located in the Upper Midwestern region of the United States, North Dakota is home to over 750,000 residents. The state borders Canada to the north and is both the 4th least populous and 4th least densely populated U.S. state. North Dakota’s capital is Bismarck, and its largest city is Fargo. While many areas suffered during the Great Recession, North Dakota experienced a boom as natural resources were discovered in its Bakken formation, located in the northwestern region of the state. Other major industries here include agriculture, health care, and tourism. If you’d like to live in the Peace Garden State, here are the 5 safest cities in North Dakota.
Related: Check out our North Dakota Public Records guide.
Our list was compiled based on FBI violent crime stats and proprietary backgroundchecks.org research data. Rates are normalized per 100,000 residents with the state average being 265 for violent crime and 2,110 for property crime. This is calculated by taking (# of crimes/population) * 100,000.
Get the Badge!
Did Your City Make the List? Click here to get the badge and display it on your website!
#1 Jamestown
Located in Stutsman County, the city of Jamestown is home to 15,400 residents. Also the county seat, the community sits along the banks of the James River, hosts several large companies that include Cavendish Farms and UTC Aerospace Systems, and is known for having the world’s largest buffalo statue. Jamestown is the safest place to live in North Dakota, with a violent crime rate of 203.1, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here just 2.6%.
#2 Dickinson
A city in Stark County, Dickinson is home to 22,300 residents. Also the county seat, this fast-growing community encompasses 10 square miles and is the site of Dickinson State University, a four-year public university. The violent crime rate here is 216.7, and residents of Dickinson have a 2% chance of being affected by property crime.
#3 West Fargo
Located in Cass County, the city of West Fargo is home to 31,700 residents. Another fast-growing city, the community is a suburb of Fargo, maintains 30 parks including the Red River Valley Speedway, and is the site of several large technology companies. Major annual events here include Big Iron and Bonanzaville Pioneer Days. The violent crime rate in West Fargo is 230.5, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is just 1.7%.
#4 Minot
A city in Ward County, Minot has a current population of 40,800 residents. Also the county seat, the community is the fourth largest in the state, is bisected by the Souris River, and is home to Minot State University. The city is best known for its proximity to a nearby Air Force Base that bears its name, and that is a major area employer. The violent crime rate here is 232.4, and residents of Minot have a 1.7% chance of being affected by property crime.
#5 Mandan
Located in Morton County, the city of Mandan is home to 18,300 residents. Also the county seat, the community sits across the Missouri River from the city of Bismarck, encompasses 11.1 square miles, and is home to both Bismarck State College and Tesoro, a successful oil refinery. The violent crime rate in Mandan is 264.1, and the chance of being involved in a property crime here is 2.7%
