Even before North Dakota was admitted to the Union in 1889, Theodore Roosevelt had been crisscrossing the territory for years. He remarked that had it not been for his rugged experiences in this vast frontier called the Badlands, he would have never developed the fortitude to become president.
If your heart is set on relocating to the 19th largest state — and you are fond of long cold winters — don’t be frightened by the term “Badlands.” French traders coined the phrase to define the rugged terrain. To be clear, it’s bad lands — not bandits.
In fact, North Dakota has a reputation for being extremely safe. One reason is that the state is so sparsely populated; less than 750,000 people call it home. Property and violent crime in North Dakota stands at 2.91 per 1,000 persons, making it well below the national rate of 4.49. The state prides itself on a low property crime rate of 25.77 per 1,000 persons, which is below the national property crime rate.
Thanks to the development of the Bakken oil fields, job seekers — mostly millennials — have headed north in recent years, creating a housing shortage and a low unemployment rate (less than 3 percent). North Dakota holds the 15th spot for having the highest quality of life in the country and has low closing costs. Let’s examine the top 10 safest cities in this prairie paradise.
The Top 10 Safest Cities in North Dakota
1. Hazen
- Population: 2,643
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 280.6
- Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 1,448.3
- Most Common Crime: Property
95% Below National Crime Rate
By far the safest city in North Dakota is Hazen. Brimming with Mother Nature’s beauty, the town is loaded with outdoor activities, including walking and biking trails. Residents can take part in the community theatre, so acting ability is a plus! Also, there is a concert series for those who can carry a tune. Hazen is conveniently located just minutes from Lake Sakakawea.
2. Beulah
- Population: 3,312
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 280.6
- Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 1,148.3
- Most Common Crime: Property
89% Below National Crime Rate
This delightful small town is just the ticket for those wanting to escape the big city lights, but it still offers up a delightful taste of hometown fun. The annual Mercer County Fair in July is a joyous event the whole family can enjoy. The fair includes everything from flowers to woodworking displays, and when twilight arrives, folks can wind down at an outdoor concert.
3. Lincoln
- Population: 3,467
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 25.4
- Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 127.1
- Most Common Crime: Property
91% Below National Crime Rate
This small suburb of Bismarck has a median home price just north of $207,000, with an astonishingly low poverty rate of 0.3 percent. In Lincoln, parents can rest easy regarding their child’s education, as the high school graduation rates are in the 90s. If North Dakota is too cold for you during the winter, you might consider a summer home there to escape the blistering August sun in the South.
4. Stanley
- Population: 2,487
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 280.6
- Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 1,448.3
- Most Common Crime: Property
91% Below National Crime Rate
Welcome to Stanley — the town that’s not too big and not too small. It’s just right: a charming community that intertwines the rich traditions of the past with the progress of the future. Some of Stanley’s amenities include Lostwood Wildlife Refuge and the Prairie Rose Golf Course.
5. Rugby
- Population: 2,847
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 281
- Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 1,448.3
- Most Common Crime: Property
55% Below National Crime Rate
Residing in this affordable town will cost you 10 percent less than in most other U.S. cities, as the median home is listed at only $96,000. The town is proud that everyone is productive, which is why it has an unemployment rate of zero. Besides offering sensational sunsets, Rugby is home to several restaurants and parks.
6. Lisbon
- Population: 2,063
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 280.6
- Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 1,448.3
- Most Common Crime: Property
38% Below National Crime Rate
Nestled just southwest of Fargo, Lisbon is drenched in Native American history. A 63-mile byway actually traces the pioneer wagon trails of yesteryear. As you picnic along the Sheyenne River, you will enjoy watching canoers paddling by. Camping is a must at Sandager Park or Dead Colt Creek Recreation Area. And Lisbon is home to the Scenic, the country’s oldest continuously running movie theater.
7. New Town
- Population: 2,459
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 280.6
- Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 1,448.3
- Most Common Crime: Property
69% Below National Crime Rate
People who want to really get away from it all should consider relocating to New Town. SafeHome has awarded the town an impressive safety score — 99.86, the highest in the state. It is in the livable heart of Lake Sakakawea on Fort Berthold Indian Reservation. This town is chock-full of idyllic fishing and hunting locations.
8. West Fargo
- Population: 33,089
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 280.6
- Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 1,448.3
- Most Common Crime: Property and Larceny
38% Below National Crime Rate
West Fargo is one of the fastest growing cities in North Dakota, earning it the title of fifth largest in the state. A home security company’s data, along with that of the West Fargo police department, shows that the city’s residences have the lowest incident rates in the state. This town definitely backs the blue! The West Fargo PD hosts “Night to Unite” every summer, which includes police, fire and military demonstrations, but best of all, free food. The kids also enjoy free face painting, and parents can explore community display booths.
Check out new homes in West Fargo today!
9. Dickinson
- Population: 22,309
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 280.6
- Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 1,448.3
- Most Common Crime: Property
5% Below National Crime Rate
This charming town has been one of the fastest growing cities in the United States, thanks to the state’s oil boom. The area’s prehistoric period comes to life at the Dickinson Museum Center, where life-sized dinosaurs and fossils are on display. Perhaps the ghosts of these creatures linger, keeping crime down. This distinctive town is an option for those just starting out or for those who are looking for a serene place to retire.
10. Wahpeton
- Population: 7,829
- Violent Crimes Per Capita: 280.6
- Nonviolent Crimes Per Capita: 1,448.3
- Most Common Crime: Property
4% Below National Crime Rate
Because Wahpeton is such a safe place to live, it’s an ideal place to raise a family. Wahpeton prides itself on the safety of its schools and robust learning environment. The town boasts of having the lowest school dropout rate in the nation and for possessing one of the highest attendance rates. All of which indicates this community values attaining a great education, as well as developing an outstanding work ethic.
All data are taken from FBI U.S. crime statistics.
Heather Allen is a freelance writer who began her career 20 years ago at a small Texas NBC affiliate, while attending SFASU. She’s written blogs on a diverse range of topics.
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