Stark County, situated in the southwestern region of North Dakota, houses around 32,000 residents and spans 1,340 square miles. Within this county lies Dickinson, North Dakota’s tenth-largest city and a prominent oil and gas hub.
Despite its significance, Stark County grapples with some of the state’s highest crime rates, particularly within specific neighborhoods. In this article, we’ll delve into the five most perilous neighborhoods in Stark County, assessing them based on crime statistics, quality of life, and reputation.
1. Dickinson
As the county seat and its largest city, Dickinson accommodates roughly 23,000 inhabitants with a median household income of approximately $72,000. This city is positioned near the Montana-North Dakota border and lies about a two-hour drive west of Bismarck, the state capital.
Renowned for its thriving oil and gas industry, Dickinson has drawn numerous workers and businesses. However, it also contends with an elevated crime rate and a subpar quality of life. The crime rate in Dickinson surpasses the national average by 96%, accompanied by a violent crime rate of 1086 per 1000 residents.
The odds of falling victim to crime in Dickinson stand at 1 in 7, encompassing offenses like murder, rape, assault, robbery, and theft. Moreover, Dickinson encounters challenges such as traffic congestion, homelessness, noise pollution, and environmental concerns that impede its livability.
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2. Belfield
Belfield, a small city in the western part of Stark County, accommodates roughly 900 residents with a median household income of around $53,000. This city rests along Interstate 94 and the Little Missouri River. Despite its size, Belfield grapples with a crime rate that outstrips the national average by 303%, accompanied by a violent crime rate of 2910 per 1000 residents.
The likelihood of falling victim to crime in Belfield stands at 1 in 5, spanning crimes like murder, rape, assault, robbery, and arson. Belfield also contends with poverty, overcrowding, subpar sanitation, and limited services that detract from its desirability.
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3. South Heart
South Heart, a small city in the southern segment of Stark County, harbors roughly 300 residents with a median household income of about $55,000. Positioned along Highway 10 and the Heart River, South Heart grapples with a crime rate exceeding the national average by 197%, along with a violent crime rate of 2143 per 1000 residents.
The chances of becoming a crime victim in South Heart stand at 1 in 8, encompassing offenses such as murder, rape, assault, robbery, and burglary. This area also contends with issues like poverty, unemployment, gang activity, and racial tensions, hampering its suitability for residence or visitation.
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4. Gladstone
Gladstone, a small city in the eastern part of Stark County, houses around 400 inhabitants with a median household income of approximately $57,000. Positioned near Interstate 94 and the Green River, Gladstone’s crime rate exceeds the national average by 145%, accompanied by a violent crime rate of 1894 per 1000 residents.
The likelihood of falling victim to crime in Gladstone stands at 1 in 4, covering crimes like murder, rape, assault, robbery, and auto theft. Gladstone also wrestles with issues such as poverty, unemployment, inadequate education, limited opportunities, and drug misuse, making it a challenging locale for residence or visitation.
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5. Taylor
Taylor, a small town in the northeastern segment of Stark County, accommodates about 100 residents with a median household income of approximately $46,000. Situated along Highway 8 and the Knife River, Taylor confronts a crime rate exceeding the national average by 122%, accompanied by a violent crime rate of 1602 per 1000 residents.
The odds of becoming a crime victim in Taylor stand at 1 in 9, encompassing offenses like murder, rape, assault, robbery, and arson. Additionally, Taylor deals with obstacles like poverty, corruption, subpar health services, limited amenities, and environmental issues, detracting from its allure.
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Conclusion
These neighborhoods represent the five most hazardous areas within Stark County, as indicated by available data and information. Nevertheless, this assessment doesn’t imply that these locales are devoid of hope or improvement potential. Many residents and workers within these neighborhoods are striving to effect positive change and enhance their circumstances.
Various initiatives and programs also target crime reduction, enhanced opportunities, and improved quality of life in these regions. Therefore, it’s essential to recognize the challenges and risks these neighborhoods face while also showing respect and support for their endeavors and achievements.
