It is important to know how safe certain communities are, especially if you considering moving to, well, just about anywhere in North Dakota. Though many other things could be a factor, this is certainly one of the more important ones! This list may help you out - we checked out Neighborhood Scout's safety ratings to compile a list of the safest cities in North Dakota to call home.
Editor's note: This list is up to date as of November 2021.
1. Menoken
This little, tiny town - with a population of 165 as of 2020 - comes in at first - having been at #3 previously. This town is truly so small that you'll miss it if you're not looking for it; it is a small community with, literally, just one neighborhood. No wonder it's so safe!
2. Medora
The small town of Medora makes an appearance on the list when it didn't before! It has a population of 129, and is located west of Belfield in western North Dakota.
3. Powers Lake
Powers Lake was founded all the way back in 1909. The population has been on a slow decline for years; for example, in 2000, the population of Powers Lake was 309, and in 2010 it had dropped to 280. In 2019, it was estimated to be approximately 293 - so perhaps it's on the rise once more? Hopefully - it's safe enough to raise a family here for sure.
4. Fort Yates
Fourth on the list is another small town of just about 188. Fort Yates is part of Sioux County in south-central North Dakota.
5. Maddock
If there's anything wonderful about North Dakota, it's the wide open spaces and plentiful recreation opportunities. In towns like Maddock, it's certainly safe to do all those things and more. In 2019, the population of Maddock was 384.
6. Scranton
Down in the southwest corner of North Dakota is the town of Scranton, which ranks sixth-safest in the state - down a few spots, but still on the list! The name comes from a town in Pennsylvania that shares its roots in coal mining. As of 2019, the population in Scranton was 365.
7. Marmarth
In seventh place after Scranton is Marmarth. Marmarth has a population of just 91 people, and with such a tiny populace, it's no wonder it's in the top ten safest places in North Dakota. You might notice the pattern here - smaller is safer, in many cases!
8. Finley
East of Cooperstown is the town of Finley, which ranks eighth on this list. It's another newcomer! It has a population of about 362 as of 2019.
9. Leeds
Leeds comes in at ninth! Population: 558. Founded in: 1887. Town status: ridiculously safe.
10. Surrey
Last but not least (or dangerous!) is Surrey. Surrey has a population of about 1,053 - making it one of the larger towns on this list.
This is based on the crime rates in every city and town in North Dakota as collected by Neighborhood Scout. To see the list and read about their methods, check out the official website.
What do you think of this data? What do you think are the best places in North Dakota to live? Tell us your picks in the comments! Now that you've seen the safest cities in North Dakota, take a look at the most dangerous ones.
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