Is Bismarck or Jamestown Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Jamestown is safer than Bismarck (Safety Score 62/100 vs 25/100), with a total crime rate of 1,342 per 100,000 versus 2,678 for Bismarck — 50% lower. Bismarck has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Jamestown has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Bismarck is 4.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Bismarck — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Jamestown — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Bismarck, ND
Jamestown, ND
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Bismarck | Jamestown | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,677.8 | 1,341.8 | +1,336.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 278.0 | 102.2 | +175.8 |
| Murder Rate | 1.3 | 0.0 | +1.3 |
| Rape Rate | 45.0 | 19.2 | +25.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 60.9 | 6.4 | +54.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 170.8 | 76.7 | +94.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,399.9 | 1,239.5 | +1,160.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 247.5 | 127.8 | +119.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,922.0 | 952.0 | +970.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 230.3 | 159.7 | +70.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bismarck or Jamestown safer?
Jamestown is safer with a total crime rate of 1,342 per 100K vs 2,678 for Bismarck — a 50% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Bismarck has a violent crime rate of 278.0 per 100K while Jamestown has 102.2. Jamestown has lower violent crime.
About Bismarck, ND
Bismarck, North Dakota, the state capital, sits on the east bank of the Missouri River. Named for German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, it's a regional hub with a growing population of over 70,000. With a safety score of 25/100 and a population coverage of 75,546, Bismarck has a total crime rate of 2,677.8 per 100,000 residents.
About Jamestown, ND
Jamestown, North Dakota, a prairie city bisected by the James River, is home to the National Buffalo Museum and a large percentage of residents over 65. With a safety score of 62/100 and a population coverage of 15,651, Jamestown has a total crime rate of 1,341.8 per 100,000 residents.