Williams County is positioned in the northwest part of North Dakota. With a population of around 37,000 individuals, it spans an area of 2,077 square miles. The county includes Williston, the sixth-largest city in North Dakota, notable for being a key oil and gas hub.
Despite this economic significance, Williams County contends with elevated crime rates, particularly within certain neighborhoods. In this article, we will examine the five most precarious neighborhoods in Williams County based on crime statistics, living conditions, and community reputation.
Williston
As the county seat and the largest city, Williston harbors roughly 27,000 residents with a median household income of approximately $88,000. Situated near the Montana/North Dakota border and about an hour south of Canada’s border, Williston stands out due to its thriving oil and gas industry.
Nonetheless, it grapples with a high crime rate and subpar quality of life. Crime in Williston is 96% higher than the national average, and the rate of violent crime reaches 1086 per 1000 residents.
The likelihood of falling victim to crime in Williston is 1 in 7, encompassing offenses such as murder, rape, assault, robbery, and theft. The city also faces issues like traffic congestion, homelessness, noise pollution, and environmental concerns that affect its livability.
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Epping
Epping, a small town in the heart of Williams County, has roughly 200 inhabitants and a median household income of about $54,000. Found along Highway 2 and near the Little Muddy River, Epping confronts an alarming crime rate, surpassing the national average by 303%, with a violent crime rate of 2910 per 1000 residents.
The likelihood of being victimized in Epping stands at 1 in 5, involving crimes like murder, rape, assault, robbery, and arson. The town is also burdened by poverty, overpopulation, inadequate sanitation, and limited services, contributing to its unfavorable reputation.
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Ray
Ray, another small city in the eastern portion of Williams County, houses roughly 800 individuals with a median household income of approximately $66,000. Positioned along Highway 2 and close to the White Earth River, Ray contends with a crime rate that exceeds the national average by 197%, along with a violent crime rate of 2143 per 1000 residents.
The possibility of becoming a crime victim in Ray is 1 in 8, encompassing offenses such as murder, rape, assault, robbery, and burglary. Additionally, Ray grapples with challenges like poverty, unemployment, gang activity, and racial tensions, contributing to its reputation as a challenging place to live or visit.
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Tioga
Tioga, a small city in the northern part of Williams County, is home to roughly 1,600 residents and boasts a median household income of around $75,000. Situated along Highway 40 and near the Missouri River, Tioga faces a crime rate 145% higher than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 1894 per 1000 residents.
The likelihood of falling victim to crime in Tioga is 1 in 4, encompassing crimes such as murder, rape, assault, robbery, and auto theft. The city also contends with poverty, unemployment, deficient education, limited opportunities, and substance abuse, all contributing to its reputation as a challenging place to live or visit.
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Wildrose
In the western section of Williams County lies Wildrose, a small town with approximately 100 inhabitants and a median household income of about $46,000. Positioned along Highway 85 and near the Little Missouri River, Wildrose faces a crime rate 122% higher than the national average, alongside a violent crime rate of 1602 per 1000 residents.
The possibility of becoming a crime victim in Wildrose is 1 in 9, with offenses ranging from murder, rape, assault, and robbery, to arson. The town also grapples with challenges like poverty, corruption, subpar health conditions, limited services, and environmental concerns, all contributing to its unfavorable reputation.
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Conclusion
The aforementioned neighborhoods represent the five most dangerous areas within Williams County based on available data. However, this assessment does not imply hopelessness or irredeemability for these communities. Many residents and workers in these neighborhoods are striving to effect positive change and enhance their circumstances.
Various initiatives and programs are aimed at reducing crime, expanding opportunities, and improving the quality of life in these regions. Therefore, while acknowledging the challenges and risks faced by these neighborhoods, it’s important to show respect and support for the efforts and achievements they undertake.
