Among the safest states in the United States, North Dakota had a murder rate of 2.37 per 100,000 people in 2018, significantly lower than the 4.96 average for the entire country.
But not every city in the state has the same level of tranquility. North Dakota includes one city, Fargo, that defies this tranquil image and is known to be the most violent and dangerous in the state. The most violent and dangerous city in North Dakota, according to the most recent FBI data, is Fargo.
About Fargo
Fargo is the biggest city in the state, with over 120,000 people. In 2018, there were 10 murders there, making up almost a third of all the killings in North Dakota.
This means Fargo’s murder rate was 8.3 per 100,000 people, which is more than three times the state average and higher than the national average. Fargo also had the highest rates of rape, robbery, and aggravated assault among the major cities in the state, with a total of 473 violent crimes per 100,000 people.
Read More: This Wisconsin City Has Been Named the Highest Crime Rate in the State
Officials’ Attempts to Lower North Dakota’s Murder Rate
North Dakota has typically had a low crime rate, but recently, there has been a notable increase in homicides and violent crimes. According to FBI data, in 2020, the state experienced 32 murders, a 33.3% rise from 2019. The murder rate was 4.2 per 100,000 people, surpassing the national average of 3.8.
Most of these murders happened in Fargo, the biggest city in North Dakota, earning it the label of the “murder capital.”
Read More: This City Has Been Named the Murder Capital of Arizona
To tackle this problem, North Dakota officials have taken several steps to enhance safety:
1. Increased police presence, especially in high-crime areas during evenings and weekends, to discourage criminal activities and respond swiftly to incidents.
2. Implemented community policing and outreach programs, like the Fargo Police Department’s Community Trust Officers, fostering positive relationships with residents, particularly in diverse communities, and addressing their concerns.
3. Collaborated with local organizations and agencies to offer support to crime victims, offenders, and at-risk individuals, addressing underlying causes like mental health, substance abuse, and domestic violence.
4. Improved data collection and analysis through the North Dakota Crime and Justice Data Center, aiding informed policy decisions and program evaluations.
Despite these official efforts, it’s crucial for both the community and society at large to play a role in reducing crime and violence, not just relying on the government and law enforcement.
Read More: This City Has Been Named the Murder Capital of Alabama
To Conclude
Fargo, in North Dakota, is facing higher violence rates despite being in a generally safe state. It’s even been called the “murder capital” of North Dakota due to a murder rate much higher than the national average.
The reasons for this increase in violence are complicated, so we need various approaches to tackle the issue. This includes having more police around, involving the community in policing, supporting both victims and offenders, and improving how we analyze crime data.
By working together, both the community and law enforcement can make Fargo a safer place for everyone.
It’s worth noting that although Fargo’s crime rate is higher than the national average, it’s still lower than many big cities in the United States. Also, there has been a decline in crime in recent years, indicating that the efforts of officials and the community are making a positive impact.
Fargo’s journey to becoming a safer city is ongoing, and there are challenges ahead. But with collaboration, the community can create a better future for the city and its residents.
