Fargo, ND Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Fargo, ND

The Fargo crime rates are 105% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 787 violent crimes in Fargo (617 per 100,000 people), which is 66.7% higher than the national average and there were a total of 5294 property crimes (4147 per 100,000 residents) which is 112.2% higher than average.

Having a crime rate of 4764 per 100,000 residents, Fargo experiences a crime rate that is 104.97% higher when compared to the national average, leading to one of the highest overall crime rates in the nation. It's important to clarify that this doesn't imply the entire city is unsafe. Like any area, Fargo contains neighborhoods with varying safety levels and you can find areas that are notably safer than others, emphasizing the need for targeted crime prevention efforts and community engagement initiatives.

Every year, one in 25 people fall victim to a property crime in Fargo - which is high compared to the national average. With a property crime rate of 4147 per 100,000 people, Fargo has one of the highest property crime rates in the country. In fact, the city ranks among the worst 10% of all cities that reported crime last year.

With a total of 685 vehicle thefts last year, Fargo has one of the most stolen cars in the country at 537 per 100,000 people. This lands Fargo in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported crime and the chance of any vehicle being stolen is one in 187.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Fargo?

What do the local residents think about crime in Fargo? Well, based on a recent survey of 68 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 44% of Fargo residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 56% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Fargo a Safe Place to Live?

Is Fargo a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Fargo has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 105%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 16.66 daily incidents, encompassing 2.16 violent crimes and 14.5 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Fargo as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Fargo Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Fargo. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Fargo has decreased by 2%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 19.6%, while property crime has decreased by 4.5%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Fargo.

Potential Causes for Crime in Fargo

Fargo reports an unemployment rate of 2.9%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Fargo crime rates.

The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Fargo, there are 1.46 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.

In Fargo, the average rental rates are $821 per month, compared to the national average of $949. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.

Fargo crime map