Is North Dakota Dangerous? North Dakota can easily say it’s one of the safest states in the country. With low crime across the prairie, there is little to be concerned about here. North Dakota is actually considered one of the safest states in the country, but there are still some cities in this state that have crime index ratings over the national average. This list uses data from the FBI, which is based on census and FBI statistics for things like property theft, murder, assaults, arson, robberies, and other factors per year in relation to population. Ready to learn about the most dangerous cities in North Dakota? (As ready as you’ll ever be, right?!)

1. Williston
Williston, ND 58801, USA
Andrew Filer/Flickr
Williston, North Dakota, tops the FBI's list as the most dangerous city in North Dakota. Known as a "boomtown," people have flocked in from all over the place to work in the oil fields. With this influx of residents came a higher rate of crime, as well. In the most recent year of data taken, 142 counts of violent crime were recorded along with nearly 600 reports of theft. Over 775 counts of property theft were recorded, as well. It could be the worst city in North Dakota.
2. Fargo
Fargo, ND, USA
Amy Meredith/Flickr
Second on the list is Fargo; as the largest city in the state, it should come as no surprise that the crime rates are higher here than lesser-populated places.
3. Mandan
Mandan, ND 58554, USA
Andrew Filer/Flickr
Mandan, which is located right next to Bismarck, ranks third in terms of crime in North Dakota. With just under 23,000 residents, there were 82 recorded instances of violent crimes in 2019, 70 aggravated assaults, and nearly 700 cases of property theft.
4. Bismarck
Bismarck, ND, USA
Geof Wilson/Flickr
Our state capitol ranks fourth on the FBI's recent roundup of the most dangerous cities in North Dakota. Bismarck and Mandan (#3 on the list) actually share the same metropolitan area, and thereby similar crime statistics. Violent crime has raised in the past few years, with 223 counts of it recorded in 2018 alone. However, things like property theft have lowered recently.
5. Devils Lake
Devils Lake, ND 58301, USA
Andrew Filer/Flickr
Devils Lake certainly isn't one of North Dakota's biggest cities, at just over 7,000 residents residents, but its crime rates put it fifth on the list. It has some of the highest rates of property crime and larceny in the state, in fact.
6. Grand Forks
Grand Forks, ND, USA
Ross Griff/Flickr
The Peace Garden State's third largest city ranks sixth in terms of the most dangerous cities in North Dakota. At nearly 58,000 residents, there were over 2,700 combined instances of property crimes, burglaries, thefts, and motor vehicle thefts in the most recent year recorded by the FBI for Grand Forks.
7. Watford City
Watford City, ND 58854, USA
Andrew Filer/Flickr
Watford City is similar to Williston - people came flocking to it when good work opportunities came in the oil fields. The population went up by nearly 60% due to the boom. Though quieter now than it was some years ago, the crime rates are still high enough to get it a spot on the list. However, in recent years, crime has begun to fall in this beautiful little locale!
8. Jamestown
Jamestown, ND, USA
Andrew Filer/Flickr
Jamestown is most known for being home to the world's largest buffalo and the world's only albino buffalo. Unfortunately, this town also has higher-than-typical crime rates, coming in eighth on the FBI's list. With a population around 15,000, it showed a recent increase in property crimes and violent crimes are not unheard of here.
9. Valley City
Valley City, ND 58072, USA
Andrew Filer/Flickr
The "City of Bridges," comes in at number nine. It is one of the smallest cities on this list; however, it has relatively high property crime rates for North Dakota and has seen a rise in violent crimes in the past few years.
10. Minot
Minot, ND, USA
Andrew Filer/Flickr
Minot is the tenth most dangerous city in North Dakota, with higher-than-average instances of crime. This is to be expected, as Minot is one of the largest cities in North Dakota.

Based on your own experiences, what would you add to this list of the most dangerous cities in North Dakota? Again — take this information with a grain of salt; we absolutely adore North Dakota, and it really is the very best place to live in the country! (In our very, *very* humble opinion, of course.) To show you why, take a look at the 10 safest cities in North Dakota.

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most dangerous cities in North Dakota

Sarah | November 13, 2021

Is North Dakota a dangerous place to live?

North Dakota can easily say it’s one of the safest states in the country. With low crime across the prairie, there is little to be concerned about here. However, that’s not to say crime doesn’t happen at all. Unfortunately, it does happen even in the Peace Garden State, as evidenced by the above list of the most dangerous cities in North Dakota. Compared to the rest of the country, though, North Dakota is incredibly safe and peaceful, and a place folks love to visit and settle down.

What are some of the most dangerous places in North Dakota?

No state is without its dangers, and the Peace Garden state is no exception... despite the pleasant nickname! There are some things you need to be aware of  when living in North Dakota that definitely pose as safety and health risks. Here are 10 of those things. Spoiler alert: some of North Dakota's most dangerous residents have eight legs... or no legs at all! Western Black Widow spiders can be found in North Dakota; this spider's venom can be fatal if not treated right away. The blood red hourglass makes it easily distinguishable. If you see one of these, do not mess with it. And if you get bitten, definitely seek medical help immediately! The same goes if you encounter the infamous Prairie Rattlesnake. These are found primarily in the western half of the state. They have the appearance of most rattlesnakes - loud tail and all - and are primarily non-aggressive but will strike if they feel threatened. They like to hide in tall grasses so be careful if you are out hiking or walking in places with lots of brush that they can hide in!

Should I move to North Dakota!

No -- don't move here. It's the worst. North Dakota is the “legendary” state according to the signs, and it may be legendary for a lot of reasons. We’re one of the lesser populated states, and maybe there’s a reason for that. Living in North Dakota isn’t for everyone and yet we’re still here, and many of us actually enjoy it. Everything this state throws at us seems worthwhile when compared to the perks of living in a relatively quiet, large, and beautiful state. That’s not to say everyone would be able to do it, our toughness just makes it seem easy when we have to. You might want to consider the following 15 reasons to never, EVER, move to North Dakota... (Did you catch our sarcasm?!)

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